Japheth wasn't an apeth! (Jaffa)

Member Name: dangaroo

Product:	Jaffa
Date:	03/01/09 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A wonderful little town

Disadvantages: None

Whilst rowdy party city Tel Aviv makes all the noise, the much older Jaffa lives a quiet life as a neighbour which is mostly visited in the daytime by a handful of tourists. Whilst Tel Aviv's population is mostly Jewish, Jaffa's (Yaffo in hebrew) is quite mixed.

Jaffa is quite mixed and Old Jaffa which has a beautiful sea-front fort and lots of little cobbled alleyways trailing up a hill leading to a picturesque square and garden is mostly Arab. From the panoramic points at the top of the hill, you get an amazingly superb view of the Tel Aviv coastline.

During my visit in December 2008, there was a huge amount of work going on along the sea front, which gave it a slightly deserted feel. I was personally surprised that somewere so special was so quiet. The town was once a major port and was originally settled by Japeth, one of Noah's sons.

Jaffa is very easy to walk to, simply follow the coast in a southerly direction. You'll know when you get there. I actually stayed New Yaffo, an area easily visited from Tel Aviv on bus 75 amongst other possibilities. It's also rather close (20 minutes by foot) to the main bus station in Tel Aviv.

A large bustling boulevard with grass and palm trees seperating each side of the road, marks the center. Just behind the large clock tower at the entrance to the city (where wireless is particularly strong!) is a flea market where you can find everything from food to furniture, random bits of tat to Middle Eastern Antiques.

Old Jaffa is wonderfully chilled out and New Jaffa quite vibrant with a mixed population. A recommandable destination!

Summary: Cool place