For those who have been following my adventures, I’m sure that you can agree that I have had a busy week. After spending hours in airports, airplanes, buses, and busy markets, I had more than enough time spent with crowds and noise. I decided I needed a quiet Shabbat afternoon, so I headed to Ganei Yehoshua or Yarkon Park.
Yarkon Park, officially known as Ganei Yehoshua, the Gardens of Joshua, is one of the largest urban parks in Israel, stretching some 3,750 square meters along the Yarkon River in northern Tel Aviv. The name Ganei Yehoshua, is for the former mayor of Tel Aviv, Yehoshua Rabinovich, who was mayor during its planning and opening.
One of the entrances to the park is at the end of the block where I was staying, so it was a short walk to get into the park and away from the noise of a crowded city and begin to decompress a little.
Walking I encountered the full range of everyday society. At the edge I saw all of the dog walkers, followed by those who were out for a run or a jog. After that there were people on bicycles and scooters, and people taking leisurely strolls. High school kids on bikes talked excitedly, boys tried to impress girls, and they zipped around me.
Middle-aged and older couples walked or biked at a comfortable pace. Young families rode or tried to ride along the path with parents patiently teaching their children how to ride bikes or scooters.
Further into the park, you could watch people paddle-surfing or piloting small boats along the river and a little further along I could see the boat rental area.
Along the banks, children played on playground equipment, couples sat lazily under trees and families picnicked.
I saw and heard more than a dozen different species of birds, as well as a seeing both a golden jackal and a mongoose in less-traveled areas of the park.
The five mile loop that I walked was a refreshing way to decompress and enjoy the natural beauty of Tel Aviv.
My Journey to Israel: Connections and Disruptions 