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Summer

Editorials Travel

Voyeur Magazine; Tel Aviv Heats Up

August 1, 2014

I was very excited to get an email the other day from the Photo Editor and Art Director of Voyeur, the inflight magazine of Virgin Atlantic, asking me to shoot a story about Tel Aviv for their August issue.

I love shooting for inflight magazines. They are the first thing I look for when I am taking a flight. My excitement got topped up when I have learned that Virgin Atlantic doesn’t fly directly to Israel and yet, chose to feature Tel Aviv as one of the hot and exotic destinations in the Middle East.

This Israeli city is riding a wave of trends thanks to forward-thinking locals, a booming nightlife and experimental art’ says the subtitle, and I had to capture these essence with my lenses. I had less than three days to do so.

In case you are not flying Virgin Atlantic this coming August, here is a summary of the article;

“…Israel’s most cosmopolitan city is a fast-paced, chaotic and idiosyncratic, a place where global fusion and local innovation rule everything from food to fashion and even music and architecture . Culturally, Tel Aviv has much to offer. Its collection of art galleries, boutiques and designer fashion markets are easily comparable with any large cultural capital, and it’s known for its wild nightlife and thriving gay scene…” 

Some of Tel Aviv’s Must-See Spots, mentioned in the article are;

‘…Much of Tel Aviv’s appeal lies in its different neighborhoods, each with an individual feel. The city holds the largest single collection of Bauhaus buildings in the world, collectively known as White City and declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2003. The 4000 or so buildings are scattered throughout several neighborhoods; the best place to start exploring them is the Bauhaus Center. Wander through the scenic south-west neighborhood of Neve Tzedek (dating from 1887) with its narrow streets, lovingly restored buildings and main shopping strip, Shabazi Street offering charming boutiques and chic cafes..’

Where to stay:

Luxe: For classic European charm with a modern Israeli twist, head for the Hotel Montifiore, which occupies a beautifully restored 1920s building, with 12 luxurious rooms and a superb restaurant.

Hip: The trendy Brown TLV Hotel has a decidedly 1970s flavor and offers 30 comfortable rooms and two cool bars popular with local movers and shakers.

Budget: For those looking for cheaper accommodation, the cosy and friendly Eden House TLV, in the city’s historic Yemenite Quarter, is only a short walk to the beach and the busy Carmel Market.

Suburb Spotlight: 

‘…In the south of the city is the neighborhood of Florentine. Largely overlooked for years, the area has become increasingly hip, home to students, musicians and artists and plenty of bars, cafes and nightclubs. The area’s main attraction is Levinsky Market, a stretch of shops offering an astonishing variety of exotic spices, locally roasted coffee blends, cheese, Middle Eastern products, pulses, dried fruit and one of the local specialities bureka (savory pastries)… ‘

Where to Eat: 

‘…Hummus is a big deal in Tel Aviv. Locals go mad for the no frills Abu Hassan, where, if you can get a seat, you’ll be treated to what is generally agreed to be the best hummus in town…Cult chef Meir Adoni’s Mizlala is a mecca for the city’s hipsters, with its minimalist decor and cool playlist. But the food is what they come for: creative and meticulously constructed dishes with a pan-Middle Eastern vibe…For a taste of cafe culture, try Sonya Getzel Shapira with its relaxed atmosphere and attractive back garden…’

Don’t Leave Without: 

‘…Checking out Tel Aviv’s underground dance venue The Block – it’s a must for those wishing to experience local nightlife. Try and catch a contemporary dance performance at the Suzanne Dellal Center. Also visit the Center for Contemporary Art, which showcases cutting-edge installations and video art…’

 

Travel

Carefree (in) Tel Aviv

November 8, 2012

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel,

While Europe is getting ready for the coming winter and the temperatures are slowly falling down and the first snow storm is hitting Manhattan on the first week of November, the Tel Avivians keep their habits and enjoy another sunny day at the beach. I walk around with my summer dress in the streets of Tel Aviv (crazy, I know) as the weather is still warm (24-27 Celsius degrees) and the humidity is much more bare-able than the summer months in the city.

When you walk in the streets of Tel Aviv and see the masses of people filling the coffee places, sipping their coffee in a nonchalant way and talking loud to each other, using their hands (so Israeli of them) you instantly realize that Tel Aviv is a care free city.

Well…at least for now.

And therefore, it is the perfect time for a visit.

Yes. Tel Aviv seems to be a care free city, but a hectic one at the same time. Its famous slogan ‘The City that Never Sleeps’ goes hand in hand with the energy that runs in the streets. It is alive and contagious at times, but getting much quieter on the weekends.

I raved about Tel Aviv before and blogged about it last Summer, but when I have another opportunity to do it again, than I will do so, why not?

I was here for two hectic months for some family matters, three editorial shoots for Travel magazines, one opportunity to do an exhibit, some dating with Israeli guys and endless laps in a half olympic outdoor pool (Yes, even in November)

Here are some of my recent images of the city.

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Sunny Weather, Beach

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Sunny Weather, Beach

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Sunny Weather, Beach

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Sunny Weather, Beach

 

 

Travel

Kiss and Tel Aviv; Summer in the City

July 27, 2012

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Kiss, Beach, Summer, Middle east

Lately, I’m being asked a lot about Tel Aviv.

Actually, since the ’60 minutes’ story on BBC, From Fear to Fortune, was broadcasted on May 20th and featured Tel Aviv as a lively and hedonistic city, there has been an increased interest in Tel Aviv. The city has developed tremendously in recent years; New high rise buildings were built alongside old ones that are being restored. Chic and trendy outdoors cafes, boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants, fashionable boutiques, bakeries, bars, dance bars, an exciting night life scene, new museums, parks, beaches and simply lively people, make the city into an attractive one not only among Israelis but among tourists as well.

As someone who has been living in New York for the last 10 years, every time I come to Tel Aviv for a visit, I am amazed by the endless stream of energy the city has to offer and how fast it changes. Yes, it is true, as Israelis we live in a constant fear of any terror attack or any imbalance in our daily life, but maybe because of that, we have adopted an hedonistic way of living, a way of ‘Here and Now’ because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

If you are heading to Tel Aviv this summer (mind you, it is very humid and hot) or if you are planning any getaway sometimes soon, here is some basic information you should know.

Neve Tzedek: The city oldest neighbourhood is a colorful oasis with an atmosphere that evokes an artists’ colony or a small village. Spotted with colored old houses next to remodeled ones. Lots of great restaurants, wine bars and the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance is there as well. Beautiful both day and night.

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer, Kiss and Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer, Kiss and Tel Aviv

Hatachana Compound: Is a renovated area next to Neve Tzedek, where the old train between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem used to pass. Now the area is a home for outdoors restaurants and wine bars, designers’ boutiques and gallery space for exhibitions and fashion shows

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, Kiss and Tel Aviv, Travel

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer

Rothschild Blvd: Is a real gem of Bauhaus architecture. A tree-lined boulevard with old trees, lined with benches and dotted with outdoor coffee kiosks  and some chess tables. This is one of the most charming places to stroll, bicycle and hang out. Along the boulevard, there are numerous historical buildings, which have been renovated lately but still maintain the look and the feel of colonial buildings. The Blvd starts at the outskirts of Neve Tzedek and ends at Habima Theater, the national theater of Israel.

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, Travel, Kiss and Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer, Kiss and Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer, Kiss and Tel Aviv

Yavne-Montifiore: This area is where the retro and the Bauhaus Architecture meet. It is also known as ‘off Rothschild Blvd’  and the side streets. There is a mix of old crumbling buildings being renovated with great boutique hotels and upscale restaurants. This is one of my favorite areas, mostly for its great photography potential and because I love the architecture and the colorful renovated buildings. Take a peek at one of the most interesting furniture store Rugine. Something to get some inspiration from.

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel Summer

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer, Kiss and Tel Aviv

The Carmel Market (Shuk Hacarmel) and Kerem Hateymanim: The Carmel Market is the largest outdoors market in Tel Aviv which sells everything from toiletries, clothes, meat, fruit and vegetables and some delicatessen cheese. Kerem Hateymanim is a small neighbourhood named after the immigrants from Yamen. In recent years this small crumbling neighbourhood was discovered by bohemian Tel Avivians looking for some inexpensive housing. These days there are lots of boutique hotels and upscale restaurants even in the middle of the Market.

Jaffa ancient Port and the Flea Market: Are both picturesque and colorful locations. The old part of Jaffa includes the ancient port, some historic sites, restored housing dating back to the Ottoman period and some upscale restaurants, galleries and boutiques. The flea market is buzzing especially during the weekdays and crowded with some interesting characters, deals and steals.

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer, Kiss and Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer, Kiss and Tel Aviv

The Beach: If you want to escape the craziness of the city and unwind for a bit or breath some fresh salty air, head West toward the Mediterranean Sea. There is no better way to clear your thoughts than staring at the ocean. Tel Aviv beaches are well equipped with plastic beach chairs, wide beach umbrellas, restaurants and of course lifeguards stations. More info about Tel Aviv beaches 

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer

 

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer

A Bit of Culture: Here are some of my favorite places I go and check out when I visit Tel Aviv. The Tel Aviv Museum of Art, (check out the new addition of the museum) The Helena Rubinstein Pavilion for Contemporary ArtDiaspora Museum Tel AvivEretz Israel MuseumSuzanne Dellal Center for DanceThe Israel Philharmonic OrchestraThe Israel Opera Tel Aviv Yafo and The Felicja Blumental Music Center. I wouldn’t skip some galleries spaces such as Baad Gallery, Gordon Gallery 2 (the new edition to Gordon Gallery) Tempo Rubato Gallery , ArtStation and the newest loft of Art, Feinberg Projects.

Tel Aviv, Israel, Travel, Summer, Kiss and Tel Aviv

Eat, Sleep and Drink: By the next time I be in Tel Aviv (September) there will be so many new places that has been recently opened; Bars and restaurants, bistro bars, bakeries and cafes to hang out, new galleries, urban spaces and boutique hotels. It is not easy to keep up with that rhythm of the city and yet, I hope this list will help you find your tempo and way in the city.

Recommended Hotels: Tel Aviv, and especially the quiet neighbourhood of Neve Tzedek are spotted with a lot of small boutique hotels that offer a great local experience. Please check online for availability and price range: Most of the following are boutique hotels; Hotel MontefioreThe VarsanoNina Cafe HotelNeve Tzedek HotelArt Plus HotelBrown Tel Aviv, and the recent edition Townhouse Tel Aviv.

Recommended Restaurants: Tel Aviv and Jaffa are filled with great restaurants varies from all kinds of Mediterranean food, seafood, Italian and more. With these restaurants you can’t go wrong; Coffee Bar Yad Haruzim Manta RayOh YonaDr. Shakshuka,  Catit,  ContainerMessaKitchen Market and Delicatessen.

City Guides you don’t want to miss: City Guide Tel Aviv (English and French version) and a city map by The Selected you don’t want to leave your house without it!

One thing to remember though; Don’t worry if the locals don’t smile at you very often. They are not being snobbish or cold, but just cool, in the fashionable sense. They warm up very quickly.

Guaranteed! 

Travel

Summer Time; Nassau, the Bahamas

June 12, 2011

Travel, Nassau, The Bahamas, Paradise Island, Summer

To be honest, I don’t have a lot to say about Nassau in the Bahamas.

I arrived here few days ago with my friend Sharyn to celebrate our birthdays on the island. For the last two years or three we celebrated our Birthdays together in one of the rooftops in Manhattan, inviting our friends to have a drink or two with us.

But this year we both felt we want to avoid the city drama, and we got too bored with standing behind velvet ropes, so we have decided to have a destination Birthday and escape. We escaped a tiny, crowded, hectic island (Manhattan) and replaced it with a relaxed, slow paced, scattered one (The Bahamas).

I’ve wanted to visit the Bahamas for a while now, but only now I got the chance. It was quite a last minute thing, as we found a sweet deal and we decided to roll with it. We knew there might be a chance of a storm, but at the same time we knew we could see all different shades of blue colors so it was worth it. Besides, June rain and storms can happen in New York as well, so why not to go to THE Bahamas.

I can’t consider myself as the type who enjoys sitting in the sun all day doing nothing, and I am getting bored if the scenarios in front of my eyes hardly change. I know a vacation for me with a capital V, will never contains only palm trees and hammocks, because I need more than that. Don’t get me wrong, I am having a marvelous time, but since not a lot of sight seeing for a beach vacation, so not a lot to write about in this post.

Therefore I’d rather just stare at these calming, colorful images I took (it was before I fell and scratched the inside of my palms) and these endless shades of blue.

Bahamas, Nassau, The Paradise Island, Summer, Travel, Birthday

Travel, Nassau, The Bahamas, Paradise Island, Summer

Travel, Nassau, The Bahamas, Paradise Island, Summer

Travel, Nassau, The Bahamas, Paradise Island, Summer

Travel, Nassau, The Bahamas, Paradise Island, Summer

Travel, Nassau, The Bahamas, Paradise Island, Summer

 

Bahamas, Nassau, The Paradise Island, Summer, Travel, Birthday

 

As much as the island is colorful and relaxed during day time, at night it transforms into something else, something different, with vibrant colors and complete different energy.

Happy Birthday!

Bahamas, Nassau, The Paradise Island, Summer, Travel, Birthday

Bahamas, Nassau, The Paradise Island, Summer, Travel, Birthday

Bahamas, Nassau, The Paradise Island, Summer, Travel, Birthday

Bahamas, Nassau, The Paradise Island, Summer, Travel, Birthday

The Bahamas, Nassau, Paradise Island, Summer, Travel, Birthday

Window or Aisle?

Back to Tel Aviv for a Minute

May 20, 2011

One shot of espresso and the rest is extra foam. 4 times a day. sliced lebanese vegetable salad, Neve Tzedek, Dalal cafe, Suzanna for lunch. Rotschild Boulevard, Montifiori Boutique hotel, Breakfast club, Pomelo. Salty cookies of Abadi. Beta cafe, The Carmel Market, Lulu cafe in Basel street on a Friday afternoon. The outdoor half Olympic pool at the Tel Aviv university. Little black dress, Abu Gosh’s humus, Jaffa flea market. A note and a prayer at the Wailing wall. Black high heels shoes of Shoemaker. Florentine, Alenby 99. Braserie, Leonardo hotel, cafe-cafe, c-cafe, Siatra sea and sun. The corner cafe in Masrik square. Tea with mint, tea without mint, Meyumana dance show, printing big sized prints for my gallery show ‘Next Stop Manhattan’. Breakfast at the seaport, Dinner at the seaport. Vanilia ice cream in Yehuda Maccabi street. A show in the Kamery theater, Mom’s dinners on a Friday night. Dad’s cooking on Saturday’s lunches. Noya’s Moroccan Fish, Body lotion of Laline, 3 books for the price of 1. One master card to pay for it all.and be back to Tel Aviv, even just for a minute…Priceless.

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids

Tel Aviv, Israel, Summer, travel, polaroids