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| The Beach at Netanya |
We changed plans today 3 or 4 times - first we planned an outing to Tel Aviv but then cancelled when my aunt called to request a coffee date which I then cancelled because of an opportunity to go to the Mamediaon water park, which was then cancelled due to sick kids (not mine - but a VERY good friend's). So with nothing set in stone, I promised the kids a good time and a cool beach with a cliff - they had no idea what we were heading into. They imagined something different all together and were shocked to find that Netanya sits on top of a bluff and to get down to the actual beach, you have to climb down a million stairs, or otherwise take an elevator! Netanya reminds me a bit of Santa Monica at the California incline but on a smaller scale. The rest of my extended family was pleasantly surprised that I could make it there and back unaided by a map or a gps - but memory works great that way - if I happen to do or see something once, and then am faced with it again, it all comes back. Or, at least that has been experience with the driving and not so much that one Spanish class I took 15 years ago.....
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| RACKET! |
Andrew and Adam were mesmerized by the racket ball game played incessantly on the beach by Israelis of all ages (I tried to block out the racket of all the racket playing). They absolutely had to have their own set, so of course we got one because time on the beach in Israel would just not be complete without our very own Made in China set. We also enjoyed a lovely lunch and a small stroll through the city center, which is in the midst of major renovations. Half the piazza by the water fountain was in demolition mode. We did notice a ton of French being spoken in Netanya and for whatever reason, it is a haven for Jews visiting from France.
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| Shakshuka! |
Thanks to my aunt Leah, I toped the day off with a jaunt to a local cafe for some shakshuka - sorry guys, it tasted better than the Bakers! Next time, I'm going for some falafel!
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| View from the top before taking the elevator down. |
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| Cafe Del Mar overlooking the ocean. Adam is enjoying Mirindi oragne soda,. |
