Travelling Starfish

A couple of days ago, I was out for coffee with a good friend of mine and she suggested an ingenious topic for my blog – dating.  My friend has lived in a number of countries and we were talking about how dating varies across all the places we’ve lived in.

When I look back at my single times, I do remember dating across a number of countries but also observing the dating habits and rituals across the globe.  As you travel, you realize how different we all are but I guess dating brings out something we all share – our quest to be loved.

My friend is an avid reader of Travelling Starfish and highlighted that she thought doing a blog (or two) on the differences between dating in a few countries would be very interesting.

Over the next couple of months, I’ll be travelling quite a bit, including travels across Israel, a short blip in the UK and then some time back in Toronto. So all of this talk about dating and my next few months, got me thinking…

…and here’s what I came up with:

After some consideration, I’ve decided to pen some blogs all about dating – in Israel, the UK and my hometown of Toronto.  I’m calling this mini-series “3 dates, 3 continents“.  A bit risque for this Travelling Starfish but I thought it may be good to kick things up a notch!

Over the next few months, I’m going to be travelling from Israel to the UK and then back to Canada.  To highlight the differences of dating across these 3 countries and continents, I’ve decided to feature a different post for the next 3 months on a date I’ve gone out on in each of these places.

So…what’s this all about?

What I’ll do is try to get myself a date and report back on my experiences.  I’ll also include some information from others who I know in the country on their experiences in order to give a wider opinion on what dating is like on the continent.  These mini-interviews will also include stories of success and also dating nightmares – just to add a bit of laughter into the mix.

To get a bit of consistency across the 3 continents, I’ll do a bit of research to compare the life of a single in these areas including – number of singles, what a typical date looks like, where to go, best pickup line, who pays and what to watch out for.  If there’s something you’re really curious about let me know!

I’m hoping that this will spark some comments and some intrigue from my readers.

The first piece will start in October on dating in Israel – likely in the highly single city of Tel Aviv where the pace is fast and hearts fly.  Since it’s nearly October, I guess I’ll have to get started quickly.

It should be an interesting experiment – join me!

Miriam

You may be thinking to yourself – this girl shops and pampers herself a lot – well why not?  Life’s too short!

A week or so ago I was in the main center of Tel Aviv near Dizengoff Square and saw a sign advertising a 2nd hand/vintage/antiques fair.  Since I’m always after new and interesting things to do in the city I thought I’d ask a friend if she’d be interested in going to check it out.

Ad for "vintage" market

Luckily my friend is in town and wanted to see what this sale had to offer so we went last night to see what the fuss was all about.

The sale was just around Dizengoff Square which is a few minutes down the road from Dizengoff Center.  Before I met up with my friend, I thought I’d go into the center to check out a few things and browse around some of the shops.  It’s also a great way to escape the heat since the air con is on full blast!

Dizengoff Center is one of Tel Aviv’s shopping malls.  It was the first one I’ve ever been to in Israel and I think is quite unique compared to the “normal” shopping mall.  It is named after Meir (same name as my grandad) Dizengoff who was the first mayor of Tel Aviv.  Open since 1983 it is actually divided into 2 parts on both sides of Dizengoff Street and connected by a skywalk.  The design of the center is quite odd – it is built on a descending ramp from top to bottom.  I recommend starting at the top and walking down the ramp – a lot less tiring than the reverse.

Dizengoff Center

The Center was built on the ruins of the Nordiya neighborhood. Construction began in 1972, and the first store opened five years later in 1977. The rest of the mall was finished in 1983. The mall has two movie theatres, stores and restaurants, an internet cafe, a design center holding exhibitions from around the world (Soho), specialty stores (Comic books, video games, gadgets, stamp-collecting, posters), and a roof top swimming pool and gym.

Even though other shopping centers like the one in Ramat Aviv and Azrieli are more modern, there is something very “Tel Aviv” about Dizengoff.  It has 1970s decor and truly feels hectic – a characteristic you have to associate with Israel.

Security at Dizengoff is fairly high (as it is in most central areas in Israel) – in 1996 there was a suicide bombing outside Dizengoff Center which killed 13 people.  There have also been other attempts but fortunately they were unsuccessful.  Being here today, a place that is hustling and bustling with locals and tourists there is not a hint of that in the air.  It’s just all about one of everyone’s favourite hobbies – retail therapy.

I’m on the prowl for a new dress for my upcoming trip to the UK and for my birthday – yes its coming up on 10th September!  I peruse the shops in the center and come up empty handed.  I guess the vintage show may be where my luck will come into play.

I meet up with my friend just outside the center and we head over to the vintage sale.  I’m expecting to see something quite interesting with lots of clothes and jewellery.  Hmmm…I look around and realize that I may not be in luck here either.  It actually looks quite familiar and resembles a place quite close to home.  Yes, you’ve got it – Jaffa Flea Market.

"Vintage" market

The stuff here is definitely 2nd hand but unfortunately not vintage or antique.  It is full of old jewellery and literally a city garage sale (or car boot sale).  I’m sure that we could find something here but the digging we’d have to do is way too much for Sophie or I to bear.

After a bit of stroll, we go back to Dizengoff Center and give it a bit more of a wander.  I realize that I have a love-hate relationship with this place.  On the one hand it has everything I need when I go to the mall – movie theaters, chemist and a multitude of clothing stores.  On the other, I find the overall style so retro that I get frustrated with it.  Maybe its me – I have a love-hate relationship with all malls I think really.  Look what growing up in Toronto, shopping mall central, did to me:).

After a bit of window shopping we go and grab a coffee partly because we want more of the best thing about this place – the lovely air conditioning.  There are a number of spots to pick from including Aroma (my fave Israeli capp), Cafe Cafe and Arcaffe.  We settle on Aroma and slurp up a yummy cappuccino.

The best part of hanging out in the mall is that it brings you back to the days of high school when your days were filled with activities like this and they made you happier than ever.  Sitting here catching up with my friend makes me realize that those simple days weren’t so bad especially at a place like Dizengoff where there is a lot to keep the eyes wander if you get stuck for conversation.

I’m hoping that my next shopping adventure takes me somewhere out of the mall but if I have to go inside, Dizengoff is as good of an option as any.

Until next time, Miriam x

Since I’ve been back in Tel Aviv, I’ve been trying to make an effort to do a few new things.  After having two weeks of fun in the sun, it really got my social side to come alive again.

One of the things I love to do is watch live music.  I’ve always enjoyed it but I started to really get into it when I travelled on my own for business about 8 years ago (wow…can’t believe it was that long ago!). There were times where I had to stay in a city over the weekend and I got tired of sitting and having dinner by myself on a Saturday night.  I ended up finding a number of cities that had live music where you could also have a meal.  The passion grew from there.

Following this, my passion for travelling on a personal level really grew and so did the interest of listening to live music.  I love finding a small club and watching a local band either play their own tunes or covering the classics.  When I moved to Jersey there was also a great local scene of bands there.  I was actually surprised considering its a fairly small community but it tends to attract a lot of local musicians so that was something I got into, especially towards the end of my time there.

Since I’ve been in Tel Aviv I haven’t had a chance to check out the local music scene but I knew there was one.  I asked a friend of mine here if he’d be interested in checking some live music out last Wed so we did.

The bands starting...woo hoo!

I’m all about doing my research so before we ventured out I tried to find some places to go.  If I’m honest, the search came out with very few results.  I was a bit surprised.  Unfortunately, I believe one of the downfalls in Israel is trying to find websites with good information on what to do and see.  There are a few out there – Janglo, Craigslist – but I do really think they don’t do the best of jobs (sorry guys!).

I found 2 live music places (The fifth dimension & Hangar 11) in the Old Port – the area I spotlighted back in May.  I wasn’t 100% sure either of these were what we were after.  They both appeared to be very formal, big venues.  I would be fine with that but I find most of these clubs don’t offer live music daily but typically have 1/2 nights where they host a big event and a cover charge is pretty standard.  I don’t mind paying but I just wanted some down home music to listen to while sipping on a glass of wine.

My friend found out that there was a band playing at this bar called Mike’s Place.  Most people who’ve visited TLV have heard of this place.  Its just on the other side of the promenade across the street from the beach.  So its definitely easy to find.  It’s also known to stay open most of the night – someone said it’s open until 7am!  Anyway the band was called Da Good Vibrations, there wasn’t a cover charge – we thought it was worth a try!

Me at Mike's Place

Off we went!

Wow…what a great night.  We managed to somehow get seats right in front of the stage and got there right when they were setting up.  Just enough time to order that glass of wine I’d been waiting for.  As soon as the music started I knew that it was a great choice.  The best thing about the band, Da Good Vibrations, was that all of the musicians were so into playing – they loved the time they spent up there.  They looked so happy to be there and you could tell that they were passionate about what they were doing.  Love that!

The music ranged from chill out tunes like Bob Marley to the Eagles classic Hotel California.  Even though covers can sometimes be cheesey we all love them, don’t we?

I’ve posted a video of the band on YouTube.  Check it out -

A few hours in, I was steaming (and I don’t mean in an ironing sense of the word).  Too much white wine and probably the shot of SoCo (Southern Comfort) didn’t help matters.  Throughout the evening music and sing-a-long, we tried to actually talk to one another.  By about 1am, we moved our little party outside to the patio where we could have a proper chat. It’s nice that there is this option.  I like that in Israel most pubs & bars have a sizeable outside area so it gives you variety for your evening.

The band - Da Good Vibrations

I’ve gotta say, having a night out where you can listen to some good tracks by good musicians, followed by a good old chin-wag (as the brits would say – means chat) always feels like a top night.  I really enjoyed myself – (da) good vibrations indeed:).

I’m hoping to go back to Mike’s Place again as the atmosphere was great, staff were friendly and the live music was fab.  I definitely recommend checking it out sometime if you are in Tel Aviv and looking for something to do – at any hour apparently.

Enjoy, Miriam x

Everyday I walk through Jaffa and cross through the bustling markets.  When I got back from holidays, I found out that in the summer Jaffa is host to outdoor markets every Thursday night.  Last Thursday my roommates and I decided to check it out and see what all the commotion was about.

Getting into the festive spirit

As I mentioned a couple of months ago, during the day the Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk HaPhishPishim) is host to all sorts of characters.  Essentially its a big garage sale where you have to root through trinkets and trash to find your treasure.

I soon learned on Thursday nights this same place gets completely transformed into so much more.  I don’t know if the fact that its nighttime makes a difference and there’s an element of mystery but it feels like a different world altogether.

This is a highlight of my time in here – there are not only countless stalls hosted by local artists but also live music – one of my fave things to do.  There’s a great vibe here for all – families, the young and the old.

When we went last Thursday it was so packed wtih people it was hard to even move.  With this overcrowded atmosphere and the humidity, we tried to wander around the stalls of local jewlerry, art and artifacts but to say it was a challenge is an understatement.  It was so hot that night too so we gave up and luckily found a spot by the band and kicked back with a couple glasses of wine.  It was a great night so no complaints.

Caught on camera in Jaffa

However, I was in the mood for some retail therapy and/or window shopping.  So this week I went back but decided to give it a try a bit earlier (8-9pm which is early by Israeli standards). It was perfect. Not only could I move but I could also ask the artists about their works of art.  Also, if I was up for a bit to eat (which I wasn’t that night but maybe in the next few weeks – you never know), it would be a lot easier to find a place to plop myself at this hour as there was a lot more room.

Apparently this festival goes on every Thursday night over the summertime.  After talking to a few of the vendors, they typically don’t all come back week after week.  They usually rotate so at least there is a bit of variety shopping wise.

It’s incredible to stay only a few minutes away from such a dynamic event and environment.  I can walk out of our flat and be in a completely exciting and engaging atmosphere – not many can say that on a weekly basis.  Definitely beats the suburbia I grew up in.

Live music in Jaffa

For anyone visiting Tel Aviv or Israel in general, I highly recommend going to visit Jaffa.  It is funky, very different and has an eclectic vibe like no other.

I’ll be back another time to the festival for sure as its a great place to grab some souvenirs or maybe treat myself to something unique.

One piece of advice to all of you marking your diaries –

Go early but definitely GO!!

Enjoy, Miriam

I’m trying to get into a routine here in Israel (never an easy task for me).  Before I went on my holidays to Gran Canaria, every night I went on a long walk.  As simple as it sounds, it was something I looked forward to every day and gave me some great exercise.

Since I’ve been back I’ve found it hard to get back into a routine generally but especially in the workout department.  Last week I started a bit of a new ritual.  A couple of nights I ventured out to the beach after a long day at work.  I’m glad I did as I think I’ve found a bit of a new routine to get into.

Last year I got really into swimming – I started at my gym in Jersey and really felt it helped me keep fit but was also relaxing and fun.  I am not the biggest fan of swimming in the sea (hate the salt) but my holiday gave me a taste for trying it out and getting lost in the waves.

Look at that water!!

So last week, when I went to the beach by me in Jaffa for the first time, I was confronted with a herd of surfers. In all my walks past the same area, I had’t really noticed them until now.  The waves are pretty good so I guess it makes sense.

When I got back to the flat, I looked online to find out more about the surfing community in Tel Aviv.  Here’s what I found.

Apparently because of the climate and access to the Med, Tel Aviv generally provides good access to surfing all year-round.  Winter offers the best swells for experienced surfers.  It’s no Hawaii but Tel Aviv offers a really great experience for surfers to have their fun.

Apparently the wave height on medium-surfing days ranges 0.5 – 1M (2-3.5 feet). On many days the morning swell offers the best surf with no wind, so the waves are breaking long and perfect. So I guess waking up early for a morning surf is the ticket.  The waves can get as high as 2-3 meters on high swells. This usually happens in fall and winter, and sometimes at spring. This is time for the more able and experienced surfers to come out and play.  Weekdays is where it’s at if you want some quiet surfing time – weekends generally on the beach are super busy.

Catching some waves

As for where to go surfing, there is a total of 15-20 km of beach in Tel Aviv so you are spoiled for choice.  Some of the best areas are:

1) The West Shore – this is close to Jaffa and where I saw the group of surfers.  It is one of Tel Aviv’s best surfing spots, hence why I saw so many congregated there.

2) Hilton Beach - one of the best & most famous of the surfing beaches.  There are water breaks on both sides of the surf line so it makes for good surfing.

3) Dolfinarium Beach – this area is right beside the infamous night club, Dolfinarium which was hit by a suicide bomb in June 2001.  It is situated beside a waterbreak which helps make the waves better for surfers.  It offers good surf in days of 1-meter waves and above. In low swell days, the waves break too close to the shore and it’s more suitable for boogie boards, kids and beginners. On high swell days, however, this may be the best surf spot in Tel Aviv, as others get too messy while the relatively-protected Dolifinarium is still good to surf. The beach is sandy and convenient.

Hit the beach for the sunset

The best thing about coming to the beach in the evening, as I’ve learned, is how comfortable and relaxed it is.  There are less people, easy entertainment by watching the surfers and the sunset in the distance.  Ahhh…lovely!

I tried surfing on a trip to Sydney ages ago.  So who knows maybe I’ll give it a try again sometime.  When you try it you realize how tough it is – the pros make it look way too easy.

If you manage to go to Tel Aviv try and hit the beach, grab a board and give it a go!

Surf’s Up!!