A Day in Yafo

We had a great day in Yafo (Joppa) today, which started with a swim in the Mediterranean.

Swimming at one of the Beaches near Tel Aviv

The water was cool. It is still early in the season, but felt good because the day was hot.

Fishing the Joppa Harbor

Yafo is built on a hill above the sea, which is a safe place for a fortress. It was conquered many times. More can be seen about this in the book Israel: Stories for Your Journey.

One of the Mosques at Yaffa

Yafo has a large protected harbor with many boats.

The port in Joppa

At the entrance of the harbor, there are rocks that can be seen from the shore which are a hazard to boats. One of the rocks, marked with flags, is where King Cepheus chained his daughter Andromeda for the Sea Monster.

Andromeda Rocks by Yafo

Tel Aviv is just north of Yafo, and can be seen across the water.

On the beach near Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is where Israel declared its independence from Israel seventy years ago, in the Mayor’s house which is behind us. Quite a story!

Street in scene in Joppa with Tel Aviv across the water

We ate a great breakfast with our hosts at a restaurant in Yafo, not far from the hill.

Shakshouka for Breakfast

Then we went downtown for some coffee at Aroma, which is near Independence Hall.

Israel Independence Hall

We finished the day with some shopping, and more great food. The day was slow paced, which was great after a full day on the airplane.