Nothing beats a long day-and-a-half of travel then waking up on a beautiful Tel Aviv Sunday. With the wind in our back, we set out to explore some of the liveliest corners of this great city, starting at our hotel by the beach, walking down to the Carmel Market, people gazing along the posh Rothschild Boulevard and cutting back through hip Sheinkin Street.

Ethan was excited for his first day in Tel Aviv. He even enjoyed his green hat, which he subsequently donated to the people of Israel or whomever find it blowing around the streets of Tel Aviv.

We arrived at Shook HaCarmel (the Carmel Market) where the sites, sounds and smells were beyond belief.

Ethan was very playful and happy.

So happy that he gladly took a hand and strolled down the sidewalks, waving hello to on lookers and stray cats.

We grabbed lunch at a cage on Sheinkin street where we enjoyed a break from the sun and wind.

And even found time for a (big) chuckle.

As the day wound down, the sun set on the Mediterranean.

From high up on the Hotel’s balcony, Grandma and Tom watched too.

And even Ethan woke up to enjoy the spectacular view.

Coming up: Hanging out with the cousins and dinner with the entire family in historic Zichron.