The square shape of the bourekas tells us that they are filled with a potato filling One does not have to spend a long time in Israel to get your first introduction to a boureka. These savory stuffed pastries are everywhere You'll find them for breakfast in hotel dining halls, in countless bakeries and coffee shops, on picnics and even at restaurants that only serve bourekas. They are often eaten in Israeli homes as part of a 'light' or diary meal in the evenings. (Most households in Israel usually serve the large cooked meal at lunchtime.) More often than not, bourekas are also an integral part of the wonderful Friday or Shabbat brunch table. To be really honest however, you basically eat a boureka whenever you encounter one. They are that irresistible. If you stop to grab a quick coffee at a coffee shop, the comforting smell of the bourekas will convince you to upgrade to a 'café ve'ma afe' (coffee + pastry). Wandering through street markets, the sight of fres
In a not-so-recent photo walk I was privileged to explore the beautiful, yet shabby neighbourbood of Ajami.
This old neighbourhood in Tel Aviv is probably the best contender elegant shabby chic that I have ever seen. Various photo and tourists group often meet up to explore this old neighbourhood and if you are one of them, I highly recommend that you come equipped with a camera or even sketch book!
The neighbourhood was established by Maronite Christians at the end of the 19th century. Many of these residents made their fortunes in trade and built lovely decorated mansions surrounding hidden courtyards. It was also the first neighbourhood in Israel by the way to be connected to the electric grid in 1923.
Today the old mansions are still standing but they are neglected and run-down. And it is now known as one of the lowest-income neighbourhoods in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. Ownership of the many old mansions are in dispute, leading to even more neglect.
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| Most of the old mansions have been neglected. |
You can read a bit more of the history of this once elegant spot here.
But let's explore Ajami a bit more with these photos:
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| A smiling lady. Note the drying garlic and the amulet against the evil eye. |
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| A porch made to give shade from the hot Israeli sun. |
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| The Lion of Zion grinning above the entrance of a door. |
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| Friday morning shopping |
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| Symmetry in Ajami |
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| Window decoration |
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| Ma'agen David window |
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