Tel Aviv

From the sherut, I walked with my Filipina companions to the train station where the bus stops were supposedly at. I couldn't go with them through the entrance due to my big bag and I was told by the security guard that I had to go through a different gate to undergo the security scans. So I said my goodbyes and gave my thanks to these kind people who really helped me out of a not so good situation. Israel really takes its security seriously though I am not sure if seeing a lot of guns around the city should make me feel safer or more on edge. I was able to enter the station but now I was alone and with my heavy bag, I started to make my way around to try and find the right platform and my search took me to the top floor. It was hot here, and I realized the bus I was waiting for was still due in 6 hours. The only upside to waiting in this desolate terminal was the amazing graffiti all around the walls. At this point, I was getting a bit down as this day has just been a roller coaster of emotions. I was still stressing about my return flight and wondering whether it was possible or not. I got restless and decided to try my luck at McDonald's to see if I could get a decent meal and use my credit card. Luckily, there was wi-fi! I was able to get in touch with Rozy and let her know my situation. She made a pretty good recommendation to check out Gordon Beach which sounded absolutely delightful compared to waiting in this depressing place. Thanks to McDonald's wi-fi, I was able to plot my route going to Gordon Beach and from there to Givatayim, Rozi and Elad's place. I set out motivated and ready for a renewed chance to reclaim the day.

Getting in the station was easy, getting out proved to be a bit difficult. It was a like a labyrinth in here and the people I tried asking had no interest in helping me. I ended up in an underground market. It was amazing to see how large and strong the Filipino community in Israel is because the whole market was owned by Filipinos and the shoppers were all Filipinos as well. I asked one of the clerks on how to get to the exit and she gladly pointed me in the right direction.

Outside the station, I made my way to the bus stop following Google Maps. It was empty and the bench a bit dilapidated but I was both hopeful and somehow doubtful if a bus was really coming due to Shabbat. I waited until the supposed arrival time but the bus never came and going back to McDonald's again seemed like such a dumb idea after making my way all the way out here. I waited for a bit more but my patience was dwindling and I was thinking of just giving up but then a girl came to the bus stop and started to talk to me in Hebrew. I told her that I'm not Israeli and she switched to English asking about the bus. She told me that there was actually a free shuttle bus going around the city during Shabbat and it should be arriving soon. I confirmed if it was going to Gordon Beach and she said yes. This was amazing news and perfect timing as well since I was on the verge of going back to the station. The bus did come as predicted and I was one step closer to the beach promenade of Tel Aviv.

I got down the bus and started the long walk to the beach, it was still a bit a far but now I was in a good mood, the smell of the ocean and the energy from it was quickly washing away my negative mood. Crossing over the last street separating me from the beach, I was greeted with an amazing panorama. The sand stretched for kilometers and was filled by innumerable beach-goers. The vibe here was insane, people were playing all sorts of sports, sunbathers and swimmers lazed along the coast line, dogs and their masters taking a walk and the unmistakeable scent of weed almost everywhere. The Tel Aviv beach scene was very different from the one I had in mind but on hindsight, this seemed to be much more realistic. I made my way nearer to the water and found some empty seats to put my things. I took off my shoes and enjoyed feeling the sand on my feet. The sun was nearing the horizon and the lights grew more warmer and golden. Watching the sunset on the beach was definitely one of the best ways to spend the day while waiting for Shabbat to end. I spent a long time here, even after the sun had set and darkness taken over. It still felt melancholic and nostalgic to be in front of the ebb and flow of the water especially at night. I was able to catch the bus going to Givatayim, I followed Rozi's video and ended up at their place. I punched in the code and knocked on their apartment door and was warmly welcomed by Rozi and Elad. I hosted both of them while they were traveling around Japan and this time around they are returning the favor by hosting me back. We had some time to catch up and they also helped me get up to speed about the ins and outs of Israel. Elad helped load my Rav-Kav and Rozi introduced me to their two giant dogs. I was sleeping on their couch which was much more comfortable and better than the hostel I was staying in Amman. The night was cool and I felt really cozy. I took a much needed shower and got all my things settled in and my game plan set up for tomorrow. I wanted to make some calls to confirm if my flights were going to be possible or not first and foremost.Read more