Carmel Market

Yesterday morning I woke up and did something I haven't done while on this trip - ventured out alone! I really wanted to wake up, get a coffee, and wander around, so I did. It sound silly now, but we weren't in areas where the pros would have outweighed the risks of doing that, for the most part. Let me also say I've felt COMPLETELY safe this whole trip! (Minus the camel experience) but Tel Aviv feels like Vancouver and we are definitely out of a third world now.

I found a cute little place with vegan muffins so I sat in the sun to enjoy my coffee. Then I decided to walk around the neighbourhood a bit, enjoying the weather and the scenery.

Back at home we packed up and then headed out to the market, which is a stones throw from our Air BNB, we could not be in a better location. We wandered through the fruit, candy, falafel stands, clothes and jewelry. It was so much fun! It was a little crowded but I live for markets and this was a great one.

We bought a few souvenirs for ourselves, including some chocolate tahini spread, and we came across the Beer Bazaar so we sat down. I ordered their house IPA and instead of bar nuts we were served lemony olives. Israel is made for me!!

Next we went to find an ATM and also to eat at a falafel place on the street I'd seen on my walk in the morning. We ordered, and they have all these sides you can stock up on to go with your falafel. Hands down the best falafel I've ever eaten. I wish I could open one in victoria as this kind of shop would do so well there!

Next we wandered back through the market to our place but decided we should get some of the life changing gelato again. We were STUFFED by the end of our morning! We ventured out to get a cab to then take us to the bus station.

The bus we got on was nothing like in Africa - it was cool, clean, the driver was friendly.. we were so happy since we felt a little traumatized from before! Less than an hour later we were in Jerusalem! Found our Air BNB no problem, dropped our stuff and then hit the road to see what we could find. Did a bit of window shopping and found some more craft beer (shocker) and just had a relaxing, wandering afternoon!

We had a late dinner, then walked to a place with vegan deserts which did not disappoint. Overall we had a pretty lazy day of wandering, eating and drinking! But I loved it. Today we have a big walking tour to do, and I'm excited to learn about the history of this holy city!