4. Memorial Day in Tel Aviv

Memorial Day in Tel Aviv...most all government buildings and museums are closed.  The Dan tour bus was operating and it was a terrific overview of the city.

The tour lasted about an hour and half and gave a really good overview of its history, culture, architecture and significant places to go back and visit.


The first vestiges of this city (except for Joppa) began to appear in the early 1900's, long after much of the Biblical history and even the more recent history of Israel took place.  Most all of the buildings and landmarks are post 1948 so the city has a new appearance even though there clearly are some poorer neighborhoods and much of its cultural and economic importance is post statehood.


One is first struck with the freedom and unusual expression in its commercial architecture.

Above is the Israel Philharmonic concert hall, part of a larger cultural complex, and below is an unusual assemblage, called Azrieli Towers, three office buildings in the shape of a square, a triangle and a circle. IBM has a building in the shape of an old IBM punch card.


Other than the skyscrapers which fill the skyline, the more traditional architecture and the "look and feel" of the city reminds me a lot of Paris, although there is a lot of Russian influence as well.  Through out the city are specialized shopping areas, particularly, on Rehov Mieir Dizendoff where there is a large and probably the first, shopping center in Tel Aviv.  Several parts of the city have small boutique fashion centers with all the elegant brands represented.


As in any rapidly growing urban area, there is traffic, sirens, screaming taxis, lots of people walking, shopping, and lots of small shops selling.


Tel Aviv has a very large University, several large beautiful parks and some very important museums.  Because today is a holiday, museums will have to wait until tomorrow.


So, I got an early start today on my blog.  Hope you are enjoying it as much as I am enjoying learning about this fascinating land.


Dick