Israel Trip: Jaffa - an ancient city port

Ah Jaffa!  I’m simply awed by this place!

Jaffa – Yaffa to the Arabs; is believed to be one of the oldest port cities in the world.  This is being used since the Bronze Age (3300-1200BC).  Yes! It is that old.  It became part of Tel Aviv in 1950.

I have researched on places to visit in Israel and this is one on the list so I bugged my colleague to accompany us there. 



Isn't it magnificent???

Going there, we walked for 3 hours, including the photo shoots.  Though it’s quite far, we have enjoyed walking since the scenery is so beautiful – the sunset, the beach, the museums, the architecture and the people.  There are a lot of subjects along the way.



getting closer



We arrived there when the sun is beginning to set, at around 8PM.  Unfortunately, I brought only my telephoto lens (wrong choice!).   The alleys are narrow so I didn't have the chance to capture everything as they are too near to be photographed.



magnificent sunset...

the guitar man...

I’m really amazed with the structures, alleys and brick roads.  Even the street signs are beautiful.

the ancient brick road



imagine how the people of the olden times walk on this alley

Fortunately, there is still an open jewelry shop and it has its own museum.  Though this is still new, they have incorporated the old stones. I got goosebumps while looking at the relics.  I felt so fortunate being there.

 

After two days, I requested Sir Gammy to accompany me again there since we don’t have enough time to check everything.  This time we rode a cab, for an amount of 50 Shekels, almost Php600.00 for one way only.  Anyway, it’s all worth it.

We started our tour with St. Peter’s church and the antique shop.  This church was originally built on 1604, rebuilt on 1888-1894 and restored last 1903.  It is also an ancient church.  It was in Jaffa that St. Peter raised Tabitha, one of Jesus’ disciples, from the dead.  The church also contains thirteenth century remnants of St. Louis’ citadel.   Too bad, it was closed so we didn’t see the interiors. 



entrance to the church...



i wish that this is the fountain of youth and sexiness...i will bathe here... ; )

A lot of couples marry in this church and take their pre nuptial shots here.  I noticed that their cars can be of other colors and with decorations of ribbons only.  Also, their maid of honor can be wearing a black gown.  This is a no-no for us since we signify black with death and sadness. 

There is also a mosque here since this was also occupied by the Arabs prior being part of Tel Aviv.  It stood very near the church.

I entered an antique shop and I liked their wares but I can't afford them so I just took a picture.  Pottery is one craft they are really good at. This was introduced to them by the Armenians.

Aside from the church, mosque and ancient roads, there are also a wishing bridge and a park here.


Just touch your zodiac sign, then face the sea and make a wish.  Don't drop a coin as it will fall on the passing vehicles below.

Couples kissing and hugging each other is a common sight in Tel Aviv.  They are quite showy of their affection.

the statue of faith...

On our way out of the port, we saw some modern and deteriorated buildings, restaurants, shops and the market.  We also passed by a souvenir shop which sells cheaper items compared from others.  Day 1 of spending spree for me ; ). 


modern structure but still followed the color scheme



the market..still looks like a shop...it is so clean...

One structure you can't miss is the Clock Tower.  This was built in 1903, during the Ottoman period. It is made of limestones with two clocks and a plaque commemorating the Israelis killed during 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

Anyone visiting Tel Aviv should not miss Jaffa.  It's like being transported in the ancient times and there are not so many cities like this anymore. I highly commend them for preserving this port city. I wish that I will still have another opportunity to return here.