It feels like I’ve done the impossible….
It has been over two years since I’ve visited my family and my hometown of Israel. Travelling internationally these days poses a few challenges: first, of course, pre-departure health clearance with a mandatory covid test. Second, travellers need to know and abide by the entry requirements of the country of destination. Unfortunately, there is no standard as of yet and every country has different requirements and rules. Third, as there is no standard proof of vaccine, every country chooses their method of dealing with it.
In my case, although I am fully vaccinated I was required to conduct a serology test, along with a standard COVID test to be exempt from quarantine. Here’s my take-home message based on my recent experience If you are planning an international trip, do your research and ensure to know all the requirements at your destination (mandatory declarations, proof of vaccine, and COVID test requirements). The whole ordeal was a bit of a hassle.
Past client connections
As a Israeli realtor in Vancouver for the past 17 years, I was fortunate to build a clientele base and a referral network among the Vancouver Israeli community. Israeli newcomers value the advantage of dealing with someone who not only speaks their language but (more importantly) understands the differences in mentalities and business conduct.
I have developed a close relationship with many of my clients throughout the years and became friends with many. I was excited to meet two past clients on my recent trip to Israel, Oded & Dubi, who have recently moved back home with their families. Meeting in Tel Aviv was great. We’ve talked about the many differences in the culture and the challenges of moving back and adapting to being back in Israel in comparison to Vancouver.
Both are professionals, both are family men with young kids who are in the process of experiencing the challenging transition to their new lives. It reminded me how immigrating to a new country can be a challenge and almost an impossible task. I was happy to hear they are both up to the challenge and excited to be back closer to their extended families.
Dubi & Oded: although we are sad you’ve left Vancouver we wish you all the best in your new chapter!
Life in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is a city like no other, the vibrancy, architecture & culture make it very unique and wonderful place to visit. Situated along the shores of the Mediterranean sea, anywhere in the city you will always be 5-10 minutes walking distance from a white sandy beach, world-class dining & city happening – to top it off it’s the endless summer. I’m writing about this experience in November and the temperature is almost 30 degrees!
Tel Aviv holds true to the slogan – The city that never rests! There is always something to do, experience, great food vendors, music, shows and something going on at any time.
The city’s new-looking architecture & business hubs is complemented by the skyline of Old Jaffa, a 2000 years old city is always a reminder of the history in this place. In the south of Tel Aviv, you’ll find the markets, older heritage buildings from the beginning of the 1900s.
Tel Aviv holds true to the slogan – The city that never rests! There is always something to do, experience, great food vendors, music, shows and something going on at any time. The city’s new-looking architecture & business hubs is complemented by the skyline of Old Jaffa, a 2000 years old city is always a reminder of the history in this place. In the south of Tel Aviv, you’ll find the markets, older heritage buildings from the beginning of the 1900s.
Due to the multiculturalism and immigrants who came from all over Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the food influence is so diverse. On the streets, you’ll hear many spoken languages: Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, Amharic (spoken by a big Ethiopian community immigrated to Israel during the ’80s). It is truly a place worth visiting.
In Vancouver, we often hear about the housing (un)affordability & the dramatic gap in values of Vancouver real estate prices in comparison to other provinces and cities. Real estate prices in Tel Aviv are Just as high, if not higher than Vancouver. It was a good reminder that world-class cities command higher property values and unfortunately become less affordable.
