Jaffa Afternoon

After we finished our respective days at school, we met at the Central Bus Station and took the familiar trip to Tel Aviv. This time, however, we got off at a more southerly stop and walked a short distance to the neighbouring city of Jaffa.

We made our way to the old city by walking toward the most visible and recognizable landmark, a brick and glass clock tower. Once there we wandered through the bazaars and flea markets until we'd had our fill of cigarette smoke and hooka stores, and then made our way to a nearby park. In the park we visited the lookout over the sea, examined some monuments and statues, and gawked at the many not-so-modest brides who had come to have their pictures taken in the pretty location. We also found a restored area full of artists' shops.

For dinner we met a friend at a restaurant named Dr. Shakshuka. The decor was all newspaper articles and old iron-work, and the food was Tripolian. We aren't certain, but are under the impression that "Tripolian" either means delicious or full of beans, beacuse the meal was both.

After stuffing ourselves we waddled over to the Mayumana House for a show. The performance was sort of like Stomp melded with Israeli music, but it was so much more. The styles of dance included tap, latin, and belly, the musical instruments guitars, violins, and didjeridoo, and the percussive items trash bins, gas cans, and the human body. Every participant was involved in multiple aspects of the show, and the room was full of energy. It was also nice that David Broza, the primary musician and vocalist, was fully integrated into all elements of the show, including the acting, drumming, and dancing. Mayumana has shows all around the world, and we highly recommend going to see the show if you have a chance.