Tel Aviv Markets, Tel Aviv-Yafo

Favorite thing: This is Shuk HaCarmel, the largest open market in Israel. We came to visit on one of the few holidays that the market is closed just to see what it looked like without people. Normally the place is packed with people from side to side moving in a human brownian motion, swaying with the rythums of people interacting with those around them. You will be surrounded by the smells of fresh vegetables, fresh meat being cut and prepared, coffee, spices, candies and 1,000s of other things being sold here. Without people it is a 5 minute walk from end to end, but on a busy day, like before a holiday you might take 20 minutes to press through the crowds.

Favorite thing: This is the entrance to the Old Tel-Aviv Shuk, or market. The sign says Shuk LaYirakot, which means Greens Market or Vegetable Market. The market was enclosed and had only one main entrance, this being it. Today the door is closed and locked and who knows who has the key, or if it even exists anymore. It is just a small forgotten corner of the past, locked away because it is not "useful" anymore.

Favorite thing: The City was very nice to walk around in. One advise to you who have not been here before : Never just pay the price at the market places. ½ price is typical what you have to pay - if you know how to make a deal.