Zodiac fountain

A visit to Old Jaffa would not be complete without a look at the Zodiac Fountain. Many of the streets around this square take their names from the signs of the zodiac.

Here's a closer look at my sign, Libra (or the scales). Photo taken in October 2015.

Hummus time

I'm not sure this is a good motto to live by, but I could at least agree with the daytime part! You'll find more signs here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Blue on blue

I found the combination of the blue sky, blue windows and flower boxes very appealing. The only thing I don't like in this scene is the green bin. Ah well! Photo taken in October 2015.

Pine cones

Another mural from Old Jaffa. I think it looks like two pine cones, but I am open to other interpretations. You'll find more murals here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Statue of Faith

The Statue of Faith stands on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean in Old Jaffa. The whole sculpture is like a gate and this portion represents the Fall of Jericho. You'll find more skies here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Vaulted walkway

A beautiful vaulted walkway in Old Jaffa. Photo taken in October 2015.

Fire and water

Here's the "more" from yesterday's fountain. There's a reason why it's called the Fire and Water Fountain. Photo taken in October 2015.

Spectacle of water and sound

This fountain on Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv is amazing. There is color, water and music... and more! Photo taken in October 2015.

Pastels

I loved the pastel interior of Saint Peter's Church in Old Jaffa. You can hardly tell, but this house of worship dates back to the medieval days. Photo taken in October 2015.

Flora

A little bunch of blossoms found in Old Jaffa. Photo taken in October 2015.

Sea mosque

The Al-Bahr Mosque is the oldest Islamic center of worship in Old Jaffa. It is right on the shore of the Mediterranean and was used by sailors and fishermen to give thanks when they returned to port. Photo taken in October 2015.

Green doorway

I waited forever for that man to move away, but he just never got the hint. Photo taken in October 2015.

Cats of Tel Aviv

Another wild kitty seen in the Carmel Market. Photo taken in October 2015.

Uninvited guests

Guests you never like to see at a picnic. You'll find more murals here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Hazy skies

A hazy view of Old Jaffa from Tel Aviv.

And the view back to Tel Aviv from Old Jaffa. Some of the haze had burnt off by then. For more skies, take a look here. Photos taken in October 2015.

Evening conversation

What better place to stop and talk with a friend than a bench facing one of Tel Aviv's beautiful beaches. Photo taken in October 2015.

Blue signs

The hotel sign that gave yesterday's scene it's blue cast. You can see more signs here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Bathed in blue

A man walking outside the Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv. Photo taken in October 2015.

Mural in Old Jaffa

I can't read Hebrew, but I liked the shape of this mural. You can see more of them here. Photo taken in October 2015.

ETA: A friend of mine translated the words for me. They come from a song by Alma Zohar:
"This is an urban journey with a landscape of buildings. Far from myself but in the heart of matters." 

Cats of Tel Aviv

There are feral cats all over the city, especially near the Carmel Market. This one appeared friendly. Photo taken October 2015.

Tranquility

There's nothing like a Tel Aviv sunset, especially when it's reflected off the water and sand. You'll find more beautiful skies here and reflections are here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Night swimming

The Gordon Beach Pool in Tel Aviv is a popular spot at all hours. It's filled with salt water from the ocean and gives visitors and locals a convenient spot to get some exercise in. There are even water aerobics classes offered! Photo taken in October 2015.

Spices

I can't tell you what they are, but I found them photogenic as I did many things at the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv. For more signs, take a look here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Colorful skies

Kite surfers on Jerusalem Beach in Tel Aviv. Photo taken in October 2015.

The White City

Unfortunately, not all of Tel Aviv's beautiful Bauhaus buildings have been maintained. I am sure she was a beauty in her heyday, though I wonder how people managed to paint the underside of the rings up top. For more murals, click here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Collapse

A statue of a collapsed figure in Tel Aviv. Unfortunately, I don't have any information on the title or artist. Photo taken in October 2015.

Istanbul gate

A drive-by shot from the bus. If you like fences and gates, you can see more here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Coffee, Oriental style!

We had time for just one coffee in Istanbul before catching the second bus to the airport. It was Oriental style coffee with hints of cardamom and other spices. Quite tasty and a nice presentation too. Photo taken in October 2015.

Verboten

This sign preceded the bridge across the Bosphorus River. Just a reminder of what's NOT allowed - please don't try to cross on your horse-drawn cart or tractor. For more signs, take a look here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Crossing over

My trip to Israel started with a short stopover in Istanbul. We had to take a bus from one airport to another which included a trip across the Bosphorus Bridge which links Europe to Asia. Photo taken in October 2015.

Artist unknown

Black and white mural found along King George Street in Tel Aviv. No artist or author information available. An intellectual mystery! For more murals take a look here. Photo taken in October 2015.

Oktoberfest: Workhorses

A pair of sturdy workers. Photo taken in September 2015.

Oktoberfest: Funny headwear

Funny hat, but plenty of wide smiles. Photo taken in September 2015.

Oktoberfest: Herr Burgermeister

I believe Munich's Mayor was waving personally at me! Photo taken in September 2015.

Oktoberfest: Flags flying

These paraders were proud to wave their flags! Photo taken in September 2015.

Oktoberfest: Seeing spots

That front horse looks like a dalmation on stilts! Photo taken in September 2015.

Oktoberfest: Garden gnome

I found one in real life! Photo taken in September 2015.

Oktoberfest: Trachtenumzug

Villages and towns from all over the state of Bavaria participate proudly in the annual Trachten Umzug  at Oktoberfest. I was really impressed with the parade. Each group wears the traditional costume of their village. There were also plenty of marching bands, flag bearers and horsemen. I'll post more in the week to come. Photo taken in September 2015.

Doorway details

Found inside the Belvedere. Photo taken in May 2015.

Mr. Meinl

Julius Meinl is one of my favorite brands of coffee, I haven't tried the chocolates yet, but I'm sure they're good too! For more signs, visit Signs, Signs. Photo taken in May 2015.

Getting heavy

There are many beautiful architectural details inside the foyer of the Belvedere museum. Photo taken in May 2015.

Cheeky cherubs

Architectural details from inside the Belvedere. Photo taken in May 2015.

Window sign

I found these beautifully carved leaves in the window of a Beisl in Vienna. Combined with the Kuchen ist Liebe (Cooing is Love) sign, I think it makes a nice scene. You'll find more signs at Signs, Signs. Photo taken in May 2015.

Corner spot

This beautiful chandelier hangs above the bar inside the Intercontinental Hotel in Vienna. I spent some good times looking up at it! Photo taken in May 2015.

Stolpersteine in Wien

Sadly, these "stumbling stones" are found in cities across Europe where Jewish people were deported and then killed in concentration camps. They are a stark reminder of a dark period of history. Photo taken in May 2015.

Belvedere gardens

A look out at the lovely gardens of the upper Belvedere. Photo taken in May 2015.

Moving memorial

This is part of the Monument Against War and Fascism in Vienna. It's quite a moving piece with many element, but I thought this sculpture was especially poignant. You can read more about it here. Photo taken in May 2015.

My stop

This was my "home" stop during my weekend in Vienna. Photo taken in May 2015.

Looking up

The Belvedere is a must-see in Vienna. Every room is filled with beautiful details like this one and it's the home of Klimmt's most famous paintings, including The Kiss. Photo taken in May 2015.