With the imminent launch of easyJet’s new London-Tel Aviv route (starting in November), London has been the center of attention for Israeli tourism this week, including the conversion of London’s most famous landmarks, including Leicester Square, into typical Tel Aviv scenes.
Part celebration of easyJet’s new route, and part celebration of Tel Aviv’s 100th anniversary, a big orange bus (plastered in easyJet colors and logo) will be touring the streets of London this week, trying to give Londoners a taste of life in The City That Never Sleeps.
As the promo puts it:
To present EasyJet’s new route to the Big Orange and celebrate the city’s centenary, Tel Aviv will be coming to London this October! For 5 days, a double-decker bus crammed full of Tel Avivian goodness will tour London and give a glimpse into the many facets of Tel Aviv’s character.
Ah, nothing like a bit of Tel Avivian goodness. Though apparently, some Palestinian protesters are not so keen on the goodness coming out of Tel Aviv and have tried (peacefully) to protest in front of the bus, much to the frustration of the Israeli security around the bus.
Anyway, here’s the route that sexy little orange bus will be taking this week.
11th October, Spitalfields Market, 10am – 5.30pm. Here Londoners got a taste of a real Israeli market, much like Carmel Market, with stalls, Turkish coffee, mint tea, shakshouka, olives, baklava, and live music.
12th October, Leicester Square, 1pm – 5.30pm. A true Tel Aviv cafe scene was the order of the day with mismatched chairs, stacks of books, and a soundtrack provided by live musicians.
13th October, Coin Street, Southbank, 12pm – 6pm. Yesterday saw Tel Aviv beach get a shot at pulling in the Londoners, with plenty of sunbeds, beach umbrellas, beach balls, backgammon, matkot, live music, and a surfing simulator! It was also a sunny day in London, so what more could you ask for?!
14th October, Broadgate, 9am – 7pm. Today sees Tel Aviv architecture, notably Tel Aviv’s renowned Bauhaus buildings, strut its stuff. And there’s also an outdoor photography exhibition and lecture to enjoy.
15th October, Old Truman Brewery, 5pm – 10.30pm. Tel Aviv’s famed nightlife gets a shot at pulling in the punters, with an open party including DJs and dancers. Perhaps a few Friday night arsim to make it completely authentic?
Great idea, though not sure all Londoners will be winging their way over immediately. But it should open some eyes and give people a different perception of Tel Aviv, which I guess is the main aim here.
Come on over London!