Evening thoughts from a Tel Aviv balcony
I'm sitting on the small balcony of my hotel room, watching Tel Aviv transition from day to night. The temperature has dropped to a pleasant 17°C, and I can see the lights coming on along the coastline. It's been a full day of exploring this vibrant city, so different from Jerusalem in almost every way.
After my morning walk along the promenade, I spent most of the afternoon exploring Jaffa, the ancient port city that now forms the southern part of Tel Aviv. The contrast between the ancient stonework and the modern city skyline creates a fascinating juxtaposition that seems to embody Israel itself—a place where history and innovation exist side by side.
Jaffa's narrow alleyways wind through the old city like a maze, occasionally opening to breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. I found a particularly impressive old fig tree in a small courtyard that must have been there for centuries, its gnarled branches spreading wide over stone walls that have witnessed countless generations.
![Ancient fig tree in Jaffa courtyard]()
I climbed to the top of the hill where Jaffa's clock tower stands and spent nearly an hour just watching the waves crash against the ancient port. Fishermen were bringing in their catches for the day, and tourists mingled with locals at the waterfront restaurants. The scent of grilled fish and spices filled the air.
On my way back to the hotel, I took a detour through the White City area, famous for its collection of over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings. The clean lines and functional design of these structures from the 1930s earned the neighborhood UNESCO World Heritage status. As an architectural style born from the idea that form should follow function, there's something deeply satisfying about how these buildings sit in the landscape—practical yet beautiful.
I arrived at the Bauhaus Center just 10 minutes before closing time and had a quick chat with the attendant who recommended a self-guided walking tour for tomorrow. She gave me a map highlighting the most significant buildings, mentioning that early morning provides the best light for photography.
Now, 150 days into my journey, I find myself thinking about the halfway point approaching. The first five months have gone by surprisingly quickly. I've seen ancient wonders in Egypt, tasted exquisite food in Italy, wandered through history in Greece, and now I'm experiencing the complexities of Israel. Each place has left its mark, but I'm still searching for that elusive something that prompted this journey in the first place.
Perhaps that's the point—the search itself is the transformation.
The city below me pulses with energy even as night falls. Tel Aviv has a reputation as a city that never sleeps, with a vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene. But tonight, I'm content to observe from above, making plans for tomorrow.
I've heard that HaYarkon Park offers a beautiful green space in the heart of the city, and after today's urban exploration, I'm looking forward to finding some natural tranquility. There's also a tech hub called Start-Up Nation Central that welcomes visitors interested in Israel's innovation ecosystem. Both are on tomorrow's agenda.
For now, I'll enjoy this moment of stillness as the Mediterranean breeze carries the distant sounds of the city up to my balcony. Day 150 of 500—still so much world to see.
![Tel Aviv skyline at dusk]()
Note to self: The Austrian Airlines evening flights to Tel Aviv have been suspended until the end of January due to regional security concerns. Something to keep in mind for future travel plans, though it doesn't affect me now since I plan to be here for at least a few more days.