Lately I am stunned by the number of friends who have been to Israel over the past few weeks and months. I myself visited the beautiful country last month and showed you a few highlights from Tel Aviv, Jaffa and Jerusalem. I don't know if there is a major ad campaign from the Israeli tourism board or something else, but the popularity of Israel as a holiday destination seems to be booming. But I know one thing for sure: Nobody of my friends was disappointed. Neither was I - I enjoyed the country very much. So for today I thought I'll take you back to Tel Aviv and to its vibrant and lively heart - the Carmel Market.
Wherever I travel I love to visit the local market at least once. Originating from a country where people still buy their daily groceries at the farmers' market, I am drawn to the colorful, vibrant and bustling markets in the cities around the world. Tel Aviv's Carmel Market is in the city center and a typical example of a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern market. It has awning covered alleys to protect the sellers and shoppers from the burning sun as well as to keep the fresh produce in the shade. The offer of fresh fruits, vegetables, pastries, cheeses is abundant - and so are the various food stalls for a quick snack on-the-go.
I don't know why, but probably because I am used to similar markets in Serbia and Greece, I feel very comfortable among the buzzing crowds with yelling salespeople, with the touching and tasting, with all the scents and sounds that go with such an experience. Those markets are not meant to be picturesque tourist motives yet they are wonderful to be captured with a camera as they are utterly authentic and have that unique smack of local real life.
The Carmel Market is open every day except Saturdays and on Tuesdays and Fridays it has a special attraction - local artists sell their unique crafts, art and jewelry on the bordering Nahalat Binyamin Street. So whether you prefer fresh veggies, juicy fruits or local handicraft - the Carmel Market is not to be missed. But what you will get completely for free is a plentitude of inspiration, local lifestyle and the peculiar taste of Tel Aviv at a glance. Happy new week my friends!
Photography by Igor Josifovic
Wonderful post with great pictures....I can almost smell the spices and the fresh bread ! :-)
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Greetings from Germany,
Julia :)
Danke Dir Julia!! Ist auf jeden Fall eine Reise wert!
DeleteOh boy! This is foodie dreams come true! Amazing place and all that flavors! You really captured the vibe of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Ana! You would love this place too - such a great spot!
DeleteWonderful pictures. I have enjoyed reading about your trip!
ReplyDelete-Arya.
Amazing pictures! Amazing Market with all that fresh vegetables, fruits, spices, bread, cheeses ... Wow ! :)
ReplyDeleteSo this is the place I need to visit to get all the ingredients listed in Ottolenghi and Tamimi's book, Jerusalem ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think that's the best place to get set and ready for a good Ottolenghi cooking mission:-)
DeleteI love the pictures you post!! thank you forsharing your trip!
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What beautiful, vibrant images! I love the way you've captured the colours and the atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous. You captured the mood and vibrance of it all.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you like Israel. You know you could be Jewish, right? Haha!
Wow wow wow, if only my local market would look as good!! And like Lisa suggested above, it looks like you can find everything for a perfect Ottolenghi meal at the Carmel market. Yummm!
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