Hatachana

Ever been to Tel Aviv’s old train station? What was once an important commercial hub has revitalized itself and now hosts annual exhibitions, shows, and gallery openings. With spectacular food and interesting venues, this is a place to be on summer nights. Their website says “This was the first railway line between Little Asia and Egypt and the first means of transportation to replace the camel as the mode of transport for heavy loads taken over long distances.” Having closed it’s gates over 50 years ago, this is still a thriving entry point for those looking to explore all Tel Aviv has to offer.

http://www.hatachana.co.il/home

Oktoberfest Tel Aviv

Last night I went to Tel Aviv's first Octoberfest at Hatachana (the old train station). This is a two day event ends tonight at 23:00 and is worth a visit.

I'm still not quite sure anyone outside Israel would count this event as part of Oktoberfest. Taking up only a fraction of the Hatachana compound it it seemed more like a Paulaner expo than a German beer festival.

With free entry, great music, lots of beer, and food  stands it's a solid choice for your Thursday night. The live band played familiar songs at a volume that still allowed you to have a conversation. And I'm pretty sure we were always within an arms distance from beer. The deal of the night is a 36nis 1/2 liter with a complementary glass. The glass only says Paulaner, not Oktoberfest. 

Foodies, if you're a fan of German Bratwurst then this is the closest you'll find in Israel outside shtern1.co.il/. Located next to Neve Tzedek and Yafo, Hatachana is a great place to explore with it's late night galleries and high end restaurants. Go for Oktoberfest, stay for the atmosphere.

Photo from bit.ly/PzmUXk  

Tel Aviv Events in October

Some Fun, Free things to do

Oktoberfest is located in HaTachana, the old train station. It is only a two day event from the 3rd-4th, but is well worth a visit. Walk around, enjoy great beer, free music and head over to one of the German food stands to get some Bratwurst.bit.ly/KxOcuU (HaTachana also is home to Tel Aviv's Bodies Exhibit)

TMarket located in the less touristy part of Tel Aviv, 13 Harekhev, is a hipsters paradise. Open the 3rd-5th this fun market has music, shopping, food, and great atmosphere. Last year was 10nis entry but bring more cash if you're planning on shopping. on.fb.me/OEJxio

Sovev Cycling is on the 5th and is a 7.5k, 22k, or 42k race ride around Tel Aviv. The ride will begin at Kikar Rabin 8am on the 5th. With a 60nis sign up, 150nis for a family of 4, it's a great way to stay in shape and join in the fun. bit.ly/SIl9HS

Helena Rubinstein Pavilion will feature, David Claerbout: The Time That Remains, for the month of October, November, and December. This free exhibit will merge movement and film with stationary photography to explore reality and illusion. Located next to Kikar Habima this is a great place to check out after strolling down Rothschild. bit.ly/Vkm7Ar

Heartbeats is an interesting piece by Christian Boltanski at the Nahum Gutman Art Museum. Showing until the 13th, Boltanski's art takes you through his life, beat by beat. This is another free exhibit in Neve Tzedek that may be worth a quick stop. bit.ly/O78IsA

Journey Among Dreams is at the Jaffa Museum of Antiquities until the 20th. Touted as an international exhibit, geared towards children, it will surely resonate with everyone both young and old. I'm sure the 20nis entry will be worth it. bit.ly/SzlxML

Dance My Way by Mikhail Baryshnikov is a free exhibition at the Suzanne Dellal Center in Neve Tzedek. This is Baryshnikov's first exhibition and attempts to capture the fluidity of dance on camera. Open from the 24-27th, it would be a shame to miss. bit.ly/SzkOeI

Nike Night Run on the 30th is a 10k race through the city. 150nis to sign up, you receive a Nike dry fit shirt and get to participate in a iconic Tel Aviv moment. Starting at Kikar Rabin, taking a circuitous route though the city, you will find yourself trying to keep pace with thousands of other Tel Avivians. bit.ly/SrqiEQ

Leave a comment if you know of anything else going on

Why doesn't Israel have a Costco?

Israel maintains a very European lifestyle. There are markets to buy fruits, butchers for meat, and grocery stores for staples. Tel Aviv even has a store for only eggs and honey. Not all of Israel is like this. There definitively are places where people have yards with grass, SUV’s, big fridges, and even bigger homes. In Tel Aviv there simply doesn’t seem like there is room for a Costco.

The average Costco shopper, in the US, has a higher level of income than I would have guessed. I have read two separate reports that said these upper middle class shoppers have an average income of over $72,000 - $100,000 a year. If we assume that the Israeli market would also attract these higher income buyers, those who have the trunk and closet space to store all of their purchases, it becomes realistic to have a Costco. Why not bring this warehouse giant to a country that loves a good bargain?

I was on my way down south when the people I was driving with took me to a supermarket in Ber Sheva. I was in love. It looked like a Costco. Everything was big, in bulk, and cheap. The Israeli’s were shocked, who wouldn’t be. In most cities all you see are the little makolets (general stores) and grocery stores called “Super Something”.

I understand not taking up valuable real-estate in the country’s center with a Costco Warehouse, but why not the North or South? Heck, if people are willing to rent a car to drive to Ikea, and assemble DIY furniture, why not drive out to buy 100 of something at a 14% markup?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/CostcoMoncton.JPG