Tzipori Mosaics, Tel Aviv and the Opera

 I love mosaics and was thrilled this morning to go to Tzipori, known for mosaics from the 3-6th centuries CE, including one floor that features the "mosaic Mona Lisa."  The mosaics range from geometric patterns to animals, to zodiac symbols to figures in Greek mythology.  They are amazingly vivid and more complete than you'd expect after all this time.  Tzipori National Park includes a Crusader castle, synagogue, theater, streets, shops and a stunning view from the mountain top.





Although original plans for the day were to visit Nazareth and Megiddo, we decided to head into Tel Aviv so I could get my bearings, check into the hotel and be sure to get to the 6pm curtain time for the opera.  Our first stop was Sabich Tchernikhovski to get eggplant sandwiches on pita -- amazing!

From there we walked around Tel Aviv -- walking through the Carmel market, noting Bauhaus architecture, looking at restored older buildings and new skyscrapers.   I'm glad I have a couple of days to get a better grip on the city.  It's so different -- so much younger! -- than Jerusalem and it's going to be fun to explore.  My cab driver suggested a walking tour specifically to see 100+ Bauhaus buildings and I'm going to do some research on that.

Tonight I went to see Madama Butterfly in the Tel Aviv opera house.  It was stunning, moving and beautiful -- there were many ovations for the performances.  







 

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