Graceland

Don't be alarmed! There is only one King, and he's been dead for a bit. Around the world thousands of people frequently don their Elvis wear to commemorate the King and to spread the peaceful love and cheer that he could so effortlessly do. These two fine Israeli gentlemen are doing their part by entertaining the many shoppers and tourists enjoying their evening at the Jaffa flea market.

Jaffa, also pronounced Yafo, is an ancient port city just south of Tel Aviv. Evidence suggests that the area was inhabited by humans as early as 7,500 years ago. Many believe that the city was built by Japheth, one of the sons of Noah, after the Great Flood. After coming to prominence as a port around 1500 BC, Jaffa has been, until recent history, the major port of Palestine.

Jaffa is mentioned many times in the Bible, in both old and new testaments, and has passed through many hands since its inception. The Egyptians, Persians, Israelites, Phoenicians, and Romans have all governed over the city, but it has been predominantly an Arab town throughout recent history. The Arab influence is still very strong there today, with Jaffa having probably the largest Arab community in the Tel Aviv-Yafo municipitality.

Jaffa is a very beautiful and peaceful town, and I have included some more pictures below.

In other news...

Since my last pointless entry, Barack Obama has taken the oath of office of the President of the United States. This is very exciting, but I'm kinda going to miss "Ole Tex." He's so silly.

Also, after a progressive escalation, and hundreds of dead civilians, a bilateral cease fire has taken effect in Gaza, with Israel currently withdrawing troops. I'm not informed enough to really understand the implications of this conflict, or to have a strong opinion on a course necessary for peace. But two things I do know are: 1) Arabs and Jews live relatively peacefully in Jaffa, and 2) There are a couple of guys that dress like Elvis and sing in the streets in Jaffa.
Coincidence?
I don't know, but a wiser man than me once wrote:
"No Elvis, No Peace;
Know Elvis, Know Peace"

Just a thought.