By Simona Shemer, NoCamels -
Relationships have been tested time and time again during the coronavirus pandemic. In Israel, with many social distancing rules still in place, fostering a romantic climate has required creative dates that go beyond sitting at home with restaurant takeout and Netflix.
The Tel Aviv-Yafo municipality has decided to step in and use the city’s natural spots to take dating to a whole new level with a unique idea that will have couples enjoying Tel Aviv’s captivating beach views and warm Mediterranean climate while keeping a distance from others.
Kicking off this week, Tel Aviv’s “Saving the Date” project offers a romantic dating solution for young couples at one of the city’s lifeguard towers.
Couples have been invited to book dates at three lifeguard towers that are inactive during the winter months. The dates “promise an unforgettable evening overlooking the picturesque Tel Aviv coastline and the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea and also represent a creative addition to the already-thriving outdoors city life enjoyed by young residents,” the municipality said in a statement.
The city will provide participating couples with a bottle of wine and decorations to go with the unique location.
Dozens of couples have already reserved two-hour dates at lifeguard towers at Bograshov Beach, Hilton Beach and Metzitzim Beach, the municipality said.
“The social life in Tel Aviv-Yafo does not stop and is constantly reinventing itself – making lots of lemonade out of lemons. When was the last time you went out on a date in a lifeguard tower? It’s an unforgettable experience and a fun initiative for all,” said Dana Moison, a Tel Aviv resident who celebrated the four-year anniversary of the day she met her husband Uri Pozniansky with a date at Bograshov Beach’s lifeguard tower.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality has leveraged the city’s reputation as exciting and safe location for residents and visitors alike.
The city has also made an effort to keep up its status a location recognized worldwide for its vibrant atmosphere, outdoor activities, impressive culinary scene, and young and dynamic spirit. Approximately 30 percent of Tel Aviv-Yafo residents today are aged 18-35.
Last week, the municipality unveiled the “Tel Aviv-Yafo: The Non-Stop City Refuses To Stop” culture campaign to launch a winter season of performances and initiatives that will include hundreds of events every week across the city in compliance with Health Ministry restrictions.
Rooftop performances, outdoor art and photography festivals, cultural activities for elderly residents, beach yoga classes, gyms on wheels, and free city tours for all ages are some of the many cultural and leisure events taking place in the public sphere during the coming weeks and months until art and culture venues reopen their doors
“Culture has been the lifeblood of the first Hebrew city since its establishment, and also provides a livelihood for 150,000 citizens who have been left behind since the outbreak of COVID-19,” said Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, who proposed the plan for the reopening of open-air venues to the health and culture ministers, “Therefore, we will hold hundreds of events every week to provide a livelihood for thousands of people and medicine for the souls of tens of thousands of residents.”
Image: Tel Avivian newlyweds Dana Moison and Uri Pozniansky enjoy a date at a lifeguard tower on Bograshov Beach.
Crediy: Courtesy.
