There is a region where millennia of warfare and endless deserts coexist
It flows with sweet wine yet bristles with defensive thorns
It sings the psalms of God yet listens to the verses of Allah
It waves the blue of the sea and churns the yellow of the desert
In everyone’s heart lies a piece of the Promised Land, our sanctuary, and the real Canaan is right here in Israel
If Jerusalem is the head of Israel, then without a doubt, Tel Aviv is the pulsing blue heart of the Promised Land
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This is Caesarea, an ancient city not far from Tel Aviv, home to many relics from the Roman era.
On the shores of the Mediterranean, this city still stands tall, witnessing the prosperity and decline of Israel over the centuries.
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In the distance is a power plant. The scenery in Israel is surprisingly beautiful, with the blue Mediterranean Sea across which lies distant Europe.
I wonder if the waters here also flow to my once-frequented Provence.
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A castle that is now a restaurant was once a battlefield for thousands of years, but now it’s a scene of peace. Reflecting on the trials of these millennia, I think the Mediterranean Sea remains as blue as it was back then.
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Tel Aviv, the capital during Israel’s founding years, features government buildings with traces of the Soviet era.
Grand, majestic, towering, and imposing.
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Tel Aviv is a highly developed metropolis with a population living in peace and contentment.
Though it was my first visit here, I felt no sense of strangeness or alienation.
Bustling streets, cheerful and adorable children, and the constant flow of vehicles.
There are no signs of war here, only a rich atmosphere of daily life.
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Two children are eating in a central mall in Tel Aviv, their faces covered in food.
You know, carefree childhood really makes me nostalgic, haha.
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A citizen is waiting at a red light. People here dress fashionably, and there are so many handsome men and beautiful women, it’s overwhelming.
Even Paris, known as the fashion capital, might not quite compare…
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Tel Aviv’s old market is a very down-to-earth place, somewhat like Porte de Clignancourt market in northern Paris.
de Clignancourt that market, though it doesn’t have as much stuff as Paris.
The items here are more artistic, with many people crafting their own goods and selling them to customers.
Prices are cheaper than in France but much more expensive than in China.
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A lady is selling handmade ornaments—pretty clean and refreshing items.
I originally wanted to bring some back for family and friends, but thinking it’s not the last day yet, I decided not to buy—~~~
But later in Jerusalem, I didn’t see anything like this anymore.
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The girl on the street is dressed quite fashionably, hiding from the sun... Israel is located in the dry Mediterranean climate zone of Western Asia, and summers can be very hot.
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These are beautiful glassware with a strong Mediterranean style, but they’re not suitable for air travel check-in.
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These are ceramic and wooden ornaments that can be hung on doors. Many Jewish households hang signs on their doors to ward off evil spirits.
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We met a father and child on the road. The girl has a striking appearance—maybe she’ll be the next Natalie Portman in the future.
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The boy has a very sharp gaze... Every Jew is required to serve in the military, so I hope he grows up to be an excellent sharpshooter.
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Past the craft shops is the market, full of all kinds of vegetables, meats, and seafood.
There are also candy stalls... These candies look just like the ones I saw in France... Could they be made in the same place?? I really miss them...
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The uncle’s fruits are great—mangoes, figs, longans... and some fruits I don’t recognize...
Business is booming, and the uncle is all smiles.
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This is the vegetable section—garlic, cabbage, green peppers, and so many varieties...
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A handsome young man is helping his family sell fruit. The fruit isn’t expensive—10 shekels per kilogram... which is about 20 RMB per jin...
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This girl is also helping out at home. Maybe summer vacation hasn’t ended yet? Kids are all pitching in to help.
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Bright little tomatoes, also known as cherry tomatoes, are neatly arranged—apparently everyone likes to display them that way.
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A very stylish woman, holding a bouquet of flowers upside down in her right hand and carrying meat in her left.
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The beach in Tel Aviv, where the sea is a breathtaking blue. For such a highly developed city to have a stunning blue bay is truly a blessing for everyone who lives here.
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The sunset by the sea, accompanied by the warm sea breeze blowing ashore.
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It reminds me a bit of the sunsets in Greece. The sunsets here are, if anything, even more beautiful than those in Greece.
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A mother and son sit by the sea, enjoying this quiet moment.
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The children living in this city are lucky—they understand how to cherish the hard-won peace.