Street Fair in Tel Aviv

As my time in Tel Aviv comes to a close, and I leave for Jordan tomorrow driving through the West Bank (more on that in a later mailing), a couple of thoughts on my time here in this awesome city. 

First of all, it's an extremely walkable city. But, of course, being a New Yawkuh, I walk more than most. I've covered most every part of the city by foot over the last several days....from beautiful and expansive Ha'yarkon Park in the north to the 4000 year old port city of Jaffa (Yafo) at the southern edge of town....from the east side Central Bus Terminal and bustling Ha'carmel Market to lounging around on the Mediterranean beach. The people are down to earth and very friendly. A Slikha (Excuse Me), Bevakasha (please) or Toda (Thank You) will elicit a conversation. 

I think anyone would also notice that there are alot of cats in Tel Aviv....I mean, ALOT of cats. Locals told me that when the British arrived in the region, the area began an infestation of mice and rats (there's a metaphor somewhere around here…………..Oh yeah, there it is!) So then cats were brought over and let loose to deal with this....which they did, effectively. The thing is that now they're everywhere. They're not dangerous or anything...but Israeli's don't really see them or keep them as pests. Actually, a majority have dogs....and are only now viewing cats as an indoor-option. (I'll think again when I am bothered by the several Williamsburg cats in heat running around the neighborhood yard.) 

So....there I was today, soaking up the sun in Ha'yarkon Park (a very big park with a lagoon, stream, zoo and tons of frolicking children) and walking on a path toward this island that juts out into the lagoon, for some private sunning, when I noticed some people leaning over the railing near a small inlet from the lagoon. Since they had their cameras out, it naturally peaked this guy's curiosity. As I got closer, I noticed something dark brown moving through the water. At first, since there's a zoo nearby, I thought this might be an alligator pen or preserve. HA! I approached the railing and noticed that it had a small round head, eyes and a long tail sashaying right and left through the water. Hmmm...I didn't know they had capyberas in Israel? That was soooo naive of me. I live in New York and I know what that is: a big rat! But, for the sake of argument (and all those wide-eyed kids out on a brilliantly sunny Saturday in the park), let's say it was a muskrat. I'm pretty sure it was. Either way, there's no way I stayed looking at it....as I can see those running around swiping their Metrocards in the NY subway any old day. Off I went to the idyllic, date tree studded island in the lagoon for a nap in the sun.  Ain't vacation great?!! 

Diary excerpt from:

Of Cats, Rats, Bats and, of yes, Giving Thanks!

(Saturday, 26 Nov 2005)