Holiday Round Up

[Kangaroo495]

Wanted to share this with everyone. I got back home the other day from a 9 day trip to Tel-Aviv. While it might not be a typical destination for most of you (unless someone has some Jewish relatives there), I think it should be interesting for our European members who are close enough to take a cheap flight there like I did.

Firstly, Tel-Aviv as a city completely rocks! I couldn't helped but be shocked as my stereotype of Israel was completely shattered. What I found here was a modern, cosmopolitan, laid back and extremely fun place. Lots of young people, plenty of bars, a lot of places are open 24hrs. People are constantly partying. And the restaurants - holy ****! (no offence) The level of food, service and prices here is something I have not experienced before. Everything from coffee to steak to seafood to French cuisine to cocktails is done to absolute perfection. Service is bordering on perfection also. Being a native of Melbourne, restaurant and bar culture is always something I pay particular attention to.

I should also mention that the people are really friendly, open, helpful and EVERYONE speaks perfect English (no joke, I was shocked by this). Also, the beach was great - water is rather shallow, but crystal clear and warm.

Although I did have some idea of what Tel-Aviv would be like, I was expecting more of a strict atmosphere, I expected to see a more Orthodox religious country, more conservative people... at least I expected to see a real Kosher restaurant (I did see one). But the reality couldn't be more contradictory.

It is like Europe in quality but with an edginess and flair that Europe just doesn't provide any more (for me, anyway). Having been to Barcelona last year, I can say that Tel-Aviv is leagues ahead in terms of quality, cleanliness, atmosphere, safety, and fun. In Europe I feel crippled by rules and regulations. I see Europe as a destination for pensioners (no offence to anyone)

Over to the cigars - this was the biggest disappointment. I only managed to find one shop selling them, and most of them were fakes. Took a RASS which was blatantly fake (but I didn't notice that in the shop), though it did smoke ok for 2 thirds. Managed to pick up a decent Mag48 and a Monte Edmundo. Found a Boli Gold Medal there too, which was so fake it was funny! I bought it seeing as it was ridiculously cheap and it turned out to be a very decent RyJ! At least the flavour profile was pure RyJ (probably Cedros or something). I'd actually say - it was really worth the money!

So I suggest to all those who are able - get over to Tel-Aviv before the secret gets out and it's flooded by tourists. An absolutely world class city, and one of the most satisfying holidays I've ever taken. BUT bring your own stogies.

[Rogers72]

Interesting post. Funny how far off our misconceptions can be. In my mind, the entire nation of Israel is fearful to leave their homes b/c of suicide attacks, Molotov cocktails, and rockets being lobbed over from Lebanon.

[Danashan]

Glad you enjoyed it, Kanga! I think you got Tel-Aviv's flair exactly right - busy and laid-back at the same time.

Did you get to go anywhere else in the country? There is a lot to see and experience.

[Stalebread]

Glad you enjoyed your visit.

I'm going to read your post to my wife when she gets home.

I'm sure she'll appreciate it, particularly the part about, "I expected to see a more Orthodox religious country, more conservative people." She's an Israeli and about as secular as anyone can be.

I share your enthusiasm for Tel-Aviv. There are other, wonderful parts of the country, too, like the Kinneret in the north. A few years ago we did some hiking in the Negev in the south and it was spectacular. There is easily enough to justify another visit.

[IceChant]

I moved to Tel Aviv in July for my studies since then I find it hard to go back North to where my parents live.

As of cigars shops there are eight shops in Tel Aviv, you just need to know where to find them I didn't see any fakes in there but who knows.

Which shop did you visit ?

[bob25]

Looks like you had good time.

Lots of people from overseas doesn't really know what its like living here.

Its like you said modern and plenty of bars ...Tel-Aviv is the best place for that kind of stuff.

If you want to relax you might want to try and go to the northern part of the country for the weekend.

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit,spread the word,Israel really need more tourists.

As for cigars,in Tel-Aviv there is one reputable B&M that I know of and I used to buy from there until I started to buy online wich is much much ceaper than buy them here.

If you want I can PM you their website.

[Kangaroo495]

Glad you enjoyed it, Kanga! I think you got Tel-Aviv's flair exactly right - busy and laid-back at the same time.

Did you get to go anywhere else in the country? There is a lot to see and experience.

I've been to Jerusalem for half a day, but didn't like it too much. As I was only in Israel for 9 days, I decided not to travel any more. Mainly because when I'm on holiday, I'm too lazy to go actively touring around a country (prefer to just relax), but I also didn't want to leave Tel-Aviv, as I was having a good time there.

I think this country does justify another visit soon.

[El Presidente]

I've been to Jerusalem for half a day, but didn't like it too much. As I was only in Israel for 9 days, I decided not to travel any more. Mainly because when I'm on holiday, I'm too lazy to go actively touring around a country (prefer to just relax), but I also didn't want to leave Tel-Aviv, as I was having a good time there.

I think this country does justify another visit soon.

I have been told by friends here that Tel-Aviv and Israel as a whole is a wonderful experience which I would love. Hopefully I will be there with Benny, Dean and Steve within the next year or so.

Thanks for this post, you have turned it from a "should see" to a "must see/experience".

[cigarros]

Good post Roger! I don't know about fake in Israel, but there are few cigars shops. It's true. One of the best - Brills cigars in Jerusalem and Duty Free in Ben Gurion Airport. That's all. Thank you for sharing this! Good and pleasant reading.

[maalouly]

I have few friends from Tel-aviv, would love to visit one day when things are safer in that part of the world.

[Stalebread]

I have few friends from Tel-aviv, would love to visit one day when things are safer in that part of the world.

I've been a number of times and have always felt safe.

After all, it's the only place I've seen groups of 19 year old women -- army recruits -- in fatigues , looking in shoe store windows, giggling . . . . with M16's slung over their shoulders.

Seriously, and not to diminish the dangers involved, but I think it usually appears worse from the outside looking in than it really is when you're there.

The only time I felt uneasy was when we were in a rented car at night, lost somewhere up around the Lebanese boarder. Eventually we found an Israeli military check-point and they got us headed in the right direction.

[Kangaroo495]

I've been a number of times and have always felt safe.

After all, it's the only place I've seen groups of 19 year old women -- army recruits -- in fatigues , looking in shoe store windows, giggling . . . . with M16's slung over their shoulders.

Seriously, and not to diminish the dangers involved, but I think it usually appears worse from the outside looking in than it really is when you're there.

The only time I felt uneasy was when we were in a rented car at night, lost somewhere up around the Lebanese boarder. Eventually we found an Israeli military check-point and they got us headed in the right direction.

There seems to be almost no crime there. And as far as I remember the last terrorist attack that took place was back in 2006... Which is more than I can say for the city I'm living in now...

[scinmyheart]

sounds like a wonderful time...I, too, would not have thought it would have been just that