Winter Beach-Tel Aviv

On the beach itself, apart from the seagulls who seemed reluctant to dive into the icy deep blue water for nourishment, there were the brave-hard surfers coated in wet suits (like rubbery black condoms) hitting those disappointing ripple waves with vigor, a few stragglers dragging along overdressed and bemused children and the lone (but stilled tanned) life guard.

Stepping onto the wide grey promenade, shadowed by towering hotels, it was another story, life was still in full play, Matkot that is.
Matkot is a definite Israeli obsession. In my opinion, it a version of squash with the same swings of aggression when hitting the ball and that heavy popping sound bat to bat. Played with a medium sized hard wooden bat (think large ping pong) and a stone hard tiny black ball ( think WOW pain), this game is played outside in designated areas by passionate and serious players throughout all seasons. It is often too played (in season) by wannabees on the sea shore line.

Further along and to my delight, I heard loud taped music playing and as I reached the asphalted square, the size of a mini ballroom allocated specifically forIsraeli folk dancing, I understood that even the winter chill could not dissuade the hardened traditional (but not professional) dancers from continuing their trance like formation steps.! Dressed in winter woolies they were few, but formidable.