The weather was beautiful; the food -- terrific; and the bus driver and tour guide couldn't be better. We started out with a 4000-year historical survey of Israel (yes, I did say 4,000 years) and proceeded with a walking tour of Jaffa. After lunch at the famous Abu Hassan (known for its hummus massabacha), we drove over to nearby Neve Tzedek, an art colony. Afterward, we went to the pedestrian mall Nahlat Binyamin (operates Tuesdays and Fridays) and the adjacent Carmel Market. After a brief stop at our hotel, we later walked over to the US Embassy and had an enlightening conversation with David Berns, first political officer there. A nice surprise came toward the end of our meeting, when my friend Ambassador Dan Shapiro walked in and spoke to us for a few minutes at the tail-end of the day. (A picture will be posted soon.)
Our previously mentioned guide for the day served for decades in the IDF and was one of its spokespersons. As a former media person, he is friends with Meet-the-Press moderator David Gregory, an SIS alumnus. (Cue Disney tune, “It’s a Small World”)
We’ve just finished our welcome dinner at the hotel, which everyone enjoyed. This evening, we’re planning a walk to the port area to see another, more yuppie, side to Tel Aviv.
Since tomorrow is a double-holiday -- Shabbat and the harvest festival of Shavuot -- we're anticipating a relaxing day at the beach.
Our previously mentioned guide for the day served for decades in the IDF and was one of its spokespersons. As a former media person, he is friends with Meet-the-Press moderator David Gregory, an SIS alumnus. (Cue Disney tune, “It’s a Small World”)
We’ve just finished our welcome dinner at the hotel, which everyone enjoyed. This evening, we’re planning a walk to the port area to see another, more yuppie, side to Tel Aviv.
Since tomorrow is a double-holiday -- Shabbat and the harvest festival of Shavuot -- we're anticipating a relaxing day at the beach.
- Prof. Guy Ziv
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