When summer arrives in Israel, there’s no better place to escape the heat than the beach. Especially if you live in Tel Aviv, which is approximately halfway between Jerusalem and the sun. Unless you want your appearance to scream “TOURIST!!!”, you’ll want to take the appropriate measures to fit in.
If you’re the athletic type, you may enjoy matkot, a game in which you attempt to hit the ball back and forth as many times as humanly possible (bonus points for smacking an innocent bystander in the cranium). Be careful to avoid the jellyfish, known to locals as “meduzot”. Legend has it that the best remedy for a sting is to urinate on the affected area. This may or may not have begun as an IDF hazing ritual.
To add some refreshment to your beach experience, enjoy a delicious “artik” (ice cream), sold by a wandering ice cream man whose marketing strategy is to scream the word “artik” over and over again. Cafes are great too-be sure to order traditional beach snacks, watermelon, and feta. As these cafes are known for their atmosphere more than their service, request your bill the the minute you’re seated in order to receive it before the coming of Moshiach.
While there’s just so much to do at the beach, the best activity is…nothing. Israelis are great at relaxing, appreciating life, and living in the moment. See you there and don’t forget your sunscreen!