Go in peace

Our last day in Israel was spent in Tel Aviv. Lenore and Allen left early for their morning flight but the Mansbach 5 had the full day to spend. We started by walking down Dizengoff. Jodi bought some new sandals and Orly and Jodi found some fun jewelry along the street. Our destination was Dizengoff Center where we were told there was a pool on the roof. After asking puzzled folks in several stores in the mall where it was, Ross finally found his "friend" who gave us directions. Unfortunately, it was really a gym with an exercise pool with folks swimming laps and not really suitable for swim time. Bram was entirely disappointed. The other kids rebounded and we headed over the market at HaCarmel. We gave each kids 40 shekels each to buy whatever they wanted -- as long as they did the negotiation and paying. Orly bought candy and earrings. Bram had his eye on lots of toys made in China but Jodi prevailed on him and he finally got some toy soldiers, a key chain, a little wood alligator and candy. Eli made a big candy purchase but really didn't find anything else. I'd highly recommend the craft market at Nahallat Binyamin right near HaCarmel which is held on Tues and Fridays. 

After market, we headed up to the beach near our hotel, Grand Beach, near the Hilton. Packed with Israelis enjoying a Friday afternoon.  The water was great, the kids stayed in a long time and we ended up being there until almost 6:30. We found the guards who stay in a huge stand set far back from the water barking out commands, telling people to come back in, etc. highly entertaining though we understand little except for the yeladim eem haboogie (kids with boogie boards). Eventually they signed off with Shabbat Shalom though the beach and water stayed pretty full. Quick showers at the locker room there and then it was time to pick up our bags at the hotel for the trip to the airport. We had a short amount of time so we walked over to the Israeli version of Whole Foods and had a little picnic on a bench outside the store. Then it was off to the airport for our nightflight back to Atlanta. Happy to be home but missing the good times and good feelings of being in Israel!