Just south of the Hilton hotel lies Spiegel Park through which I had never actually walked during the daytime. Well this time I decided to take a more thorough look around and found a few things that made it worthwhile.
First and most obviously, there is a stunning view of the Tel-Aviv coast as the park is situated on a small cliff, which also exposes one to a refreshing breeze. It I was homeless, which i may well be soon, I'd definately hang out here.
Secondly, close to edge of the cliff there lies an old an old graveyard, seemingly from the Turkish period. Unfortunatly it is closed to the public and unmarked and most pass by without even noticing it. How come the dead get the best real estate?
Thirdly I was stalked by a massive mosquito - at least, that's what I think it was. I thought it was too dry for them this time of year.
As you advance to the northern side of the Hilton, Spiegel Park becomes Independence Park, another peaceful escape from Tel-Aviv's congested mid-day traffic. Similarly it contains some interesting sculptures, most notably the giant Seagull:
and the Gate of Peace:
as well as a fountain and some abstract sculpture which reminds me of a close-up of a large guitar.
Further up the coast I wondered around the port a little, discovering a boutique called "Moraz" selling interesting food products from the Gallilee - I'm a real sucker for trying out new flavours. Apart from their pomegranate wine, which was outside my price range, I settled for 2 things I needed at home; Gallilean olive oil and mountain honey - delicious!As I crossed the bridge where the Yarkon meets the mediterranean, with Reading power station dominating the background, I made another interesting discovery which gave me a buzz. Tel-Kudida: the remains of an ancient fort guarding the mouth of the Yarkon against raiders in ancient times, apparently the first of 5 such forts along the yarkon all the way to its source in Rosh-Ha'ayin.
I love how ancient ruins can pop-up anywhere in this country, especially in the least likely of places.
