# 286 – Sarona Market

December 30, 2015

Sarona – Our New Mediterranean-style outdoor market

This is the Middle East. So our regular outdoor market (in Tel Aviv, it’s called Carmel Market) is the place to do regular shopping. If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle, the shouting, the strange smells – and the occasional strange sights. then you’re OK.

Everything is fresh (they don’t appreciate you asking) and the prices are fair. It’s normal to squeeze the tomatoes and avocados, to tap on the watermelons and to taste the grapes, nuts and olives.

Then they developed the old port of Tel Aviv and created a leisure area to be proud of. Undulating boardwalks, cafés and restaurants, boutiques, play areas, ice cream parlors and a marina. Perfect. Finally, they opened up a small ‘Mediterranean-style’ market, and it has become a big success: busy during the week, crowded at the weekend.

Finally I can buy almost any cheese I desire. Not cheap, but, unlike the typical Med. town, this market is not there for ‘weekly shopping’. It’s for those who can afford something slightly better – or for those who need to be seen there.

The entrepreneurs were watching. In the centre of Tel Aviv, a new development has become very popular. Sarona is the location of the Templar settlement. Buildings date back to around 1870, when a group of Christians from southern Germany settled in the Holyland. All have been carefully preserved and restored, either as museums showing the Templar history, or stores, restaurants etc., set in lovely gardens.

And this is where the latest market has been opened. And it’s big!! Here are some images…

Stephen

PS – And on the way, we pass the many signs of construction for years to come – Tel Aviv’s Light Railway system is under way….