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June 16, 2006
Israel's summer draw
A multitude of beaches will keep all ages busy.
FREEMAN PORITZ
At least once a week, I go through a similar routine to tens of
thousands of other Israelis. I throw my black Mountain Equipment
Co-op backpack over my shoulder after loading it up with magazines,
a bottle or two of cold water, sunscreen, a portable CD player and
several other uniquely Israeli necessities such as Mat-Cot, sheshbesh,
even sometimes a nargila. I don my Oakley sunglasses and I'm off
to the beach – time to enjoy the fresh air, the shining sun
and the unique feeling of freedom that comes with sprawling on the
sandy coastline of a beach where the sun is brightly shining above
you and taking in the mighty waves splashing and crashing over the
nearby corals – not a worry in the world.
Israel's biggest summer selling point is its Mediterranean coastline
and, more specifically, its many beautiful and grandiose beaches.
Stretching from the northernmost border with Lebanon to the tip
of the Gaza Strip, Israel's western beach line is magnificent and
frequently visited by people to get a tan, enjoy a social day out
with friends, recuperate and relax from a hard day or week, or even
search to find that special someone.
Tel-Aviv's Tayelet (Tourist) district has so many beaches
located in such a small area that there is something that suits
everyone. For a young, hip crowd, many Israelis and foreigners prefer
Gordon Beach, a favorite of 20-somethings. On the southern side
of the Tayelet is the popular Jerusalem Beach, which borders on
the outskirts of Jaffa and is often the scene of much rowdiness
as kids chase soccer balls, aspiring to be the next David Beckham,
while their parents look on, thankful for a small respite from their
busy lives.
Mat-Cot, a game that resembles tennis or Ping-Pong, but that is
mainly played on the beach, is by far the most popular activities.
I've heard that in some places in Canada and the United States,
it is known as paddle ball. Often when going for a run on the wet
sand that borders the sea, I have had to watch out for the fast-paced
flying balls, relying slightly on luck that one won't go whizzing
into my head. The game itself is rather fun, with each player having
a racket and hitting a hard-coated rubber ball back and forth with
the goal of keeping the rally going as long as possible. Those who
aren't playing Mat-Cot usually sit down for a drink and a good game
of sheshbesh, Hebrew for backgammon, by far the most popular
board game in Israel. The game attracts Israelis from every background
and its simplicity encourages a broad playing field.
But those who think that beach time in Israel ends with the sunset
are mistaken. Tel-Aviv beaches continue to be visited throughout
the evening and the night with youth, families and others looking
for excitement. Often groups of friends will sit down and smoke
a nargila, a candle-shaped metal structure that serves as a smoking
device and sort of looks like some aparatus from a chemistry class.
Although smoking is definitely not the healthiest experience, the
whole process of readying the nargila is distinctly Middle Eastern,
especially when served with a fine cup of Turkish coffee.
Well, it's a Friday morning in Israel – I'm off to the beach!
Freeman Poritz is a former Vancouverite now serving in
the Israel Defence Forces.
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