Holy Land Tour – 2 Tel Aviv - by @teachernici

Tel Aviv Sunset - A must to experience.

After settling into our apartment, which was just 300m from the Beach Front, we walked to the beech to experience our first Tel Aviv sunset - one of the must does if visiting Israel. As it was still Shabbat, Judaism's day of rest - their Sabbath - we respected it by not swimming ourselves. It really surprised us to see so many people on the beach.

The very next morning we had our first swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea. The beach sand was so soft - like powder.

Tel Aviv is the first Jewish city to be built in 2000 years. In 1909, a group of Jewish families left the overcrowded predominantly Arab Port Town of Jaffa and staked their claim on the sand dunes to the north. The new suburb which they created - named Tel Aviv (Tel - Hill, Aviv - Spring) or Hill of Spring, expanded rapidly until in 1948, it became the capital of Israel.

Tel Aviv has free Wi-Fi and a brilliant Public Transport System. We easily navigated our way around Tel Aviv. The buses seem to work on an honesty basis. Doors open at the front and back of the bus, and people either purchase a ticket from the driver or swipe their own pre paid card - it was amazing to witness. We never once saw a conductor checking up - everyone just seemed to be honest (Although we were told that there are spot checks)

This city seems to never sleep. It is busy busy busy at all times of the day and night. And all forms of transport - cars, taxis, buses, scooters, lots of bicycles, lots of pedestrians.

Coming from South Africa, the first thing that struck us was the number of young people moving around on their own - on all the forms of transport - it certainly gives the impression of being very safe.

A beautiful Tel Aviv sunset.