The Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea on my first full day.

The Walk to Jaffa

Minaret in Tel Aviv

The promenade between Tel Aviv and Jaffa.

I originally thought this was a school field trip, but later learned that school was out on this day for a national holiday. So this must have been a tour.

Entering Jaffa's Old City

Here is a clearer view of Jaffa approaching. The tower on the far right is the bell tower of St. Peter's Catholic Church.

There were some fishermen and their boats along the Jaffa shore, as well as teens enjoying the day off (?). There were also some touristy shops to cater to visitors.

Jaffa Randomness

Me taking my first of several doorway pictures in Jaffa.

Another thing only a tourist would do . . . take a picture of a manhole cover.

Jaffa fishing boats

Street Art in Jaffa

Interesting graffiti art directly across from a modernized building that looked to have art studios on the ground floor and apartments above. Perhaps a resident artist did this?

One close up detail of the graffiti.

A full-on shot of the same wall, standing in front of the apartment building entrance.

Along the Jaffa Streets

This is found on all electrical poles in every city. I guess it prevents anyone getting close to the wires above.

self-evident

Courtyard of St. George church

Looking out from the St. George church doorway area, out into the courtyard. Matt and I had entered through a fenced gate--which was open, by the way.

Accidentally, I tooka few really pretty pictures

Much of Jaffa's old, historic area looks like this. Stone buildings, paved stone alleyways. Of course, in much of the areas we walked, the doorways led to jewelry stores, art galleries, tourist shops.

Jaffa flowers

Evidence that Humans Exist in Jaffa, Not Just Architecture

St. Peter's church

Look--a human being! This is Matt, Karen's husband. (Karen works with Lynda.) He walked with me during my visit on my first day while our wives were working.

Views Through Jaffa

Entrance to St. Peter's Roman Catholic church.

Looking down below to the Med. Sea from the top streets of Jaffa.

St. Peter's Church, Jaffa

One of the stories in the New Testament says that while visiting Jaffa, Simon Peter received a dream telling him to preach to the Gentiles. This church is a Franciscan Roman Catholic church, which is the same order that I grew up with as a kid in south Georgia.

St. Peter's altar

St. Peters ceiling

Ceiling dome window decoration above the St. Peter's altar.

St. Peter's ceiling decoration, symbolizing the Keys to the Kingdom.

Jaffa's History Mystery

Jaffa historical marker, decorated as a Napoleonic era soldier.

Here is the "historic area" the previous soldier marker was pointing to. I don't know what this area actually is, but I think it is a stage area for seasonal historic performances. I also think there is a historic museum down below this--there is a ramp to the left of this photo.

Mysteries of Jaffa

Another interesting (hopefully for you?) glimpse of alleys and doors and windows in Jaffa.

I don’t know what this was advertising, but people of Hebrew descent certainly know to not mess with Ramses.

Jaffa at Rest

My contribution to the Windows desktop theme sweepstakes?

At first, I didn’t know what this doorway was referring to. But I found out in a few more pictures. Stay tuned!

Questions about Jaffa

In line with the admonition to NOT mess with Ramses, you might also want to know that Cool Rabbins (why that spelling?) are skateboarding.

Hey, another doorway! Why do tourists take such boring pictures?

Jaffa Details

Many of the alleyway streets in Jaffa featured these street name makers. (I’d hate to deliver mail here.) It made me wonder if they were a civic art project, because they look decidedly un-governmental.

Here is the explanation for the blue door with the white cross shown previously. It was one of the entrances to the Greek Orthodox St. Michael’s Monastery in Jaffa.

The Streets of Jaffa

Jaffa alleyway, capturing St. Peter’s bell tower in distance.

Looking back at Tel Aviv from Jaffa.

The Jaffa Marketplace

Walking back to Tel Aviv, Matt and I wandered through the open markets, full of people selling absolutely everything. Very individualized, with not much indication of corporate strucure.

Window with displayed goods.