IMTM 2019

On Wednesday(13.Feb.) in the late afternoon hours, I went to the International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) at the 'Convention Center' of "Expo Tel Aviv".

to the main entrance of Expo TA

Quite a colorful, entertaining event!  Less lively and versatile than in previous years, I must admit, but that's not surprising. Things around us get more instant and/or business-like all the time. Besides , I visited on the second day. It is the first day that gets all the buzz.

Lovely poster!  it attracted attention.

There were many touristic booths to be seen (some of them very nicely decorated; Guatemala, Greece, Czech Republik, Cypress), and  a lot of walking to be done among them.  However, it was all worth the effort.
The event had a cosmopolitan air about it which made one feel part of the big world, and that was a good feeling.

Guatemala's attractive space

Czech Republic; nice!

 near the Serbia booth- reminder of my  Belgrade visit last summer

The fair is an opportunity to get free quality maps of all of the participating countries and cities.  A good map is priceless, and it always comes handy when you're away from home. Sometimes, the map offered at the stand is accompanied by small ,cute mementos (pens, bags, coasters, cards, tiny calendars, mini maps) which make the visiting experience even more pleasant and rewarding. 

exchanging information

Some booths offer special attractions. This time it was Taiwan with a contest and prizes. Certain countries have their representatives wear national costumes (the girls from Odessa, for example- a delightful sight). A filipino girl attracted visitors with some specific technique of creating a picture.

Taiwan contest with prizes

we have a winner

Odessa girls in traditional embroidered blouses

filipino young woman creating a picture 

the picture as seen on the nearby screen

Food , as always, is the star ; fast food  outside, in the lovely warm weather, before or after entering the huge Expo building. Cafeteria food (pastry, sandwiches, coffee and beverages ) in the main entrance hall.  Inside the booths' area -   there were  offers of biscuits, candies, cheese, wine to visitors.  Culinary brochures with specific food of various regions, were displayed on most of the stands.

Fast food stand in the open air

Fast food stand

eating fast food outside

Cafeteria in the entrance hall

cakes and sandwiches

people eating in the entrance hall

Information pamphlets on Wellness opportunities (spas, beauty, health treatments), are also quite an attraction at these fairs. To mention a few: ayurvedics (India), aquatic pool at Debrecen (Hungary),  mineral springs (Romania, Czech Republik, Slovenia).

I came home loaded with stuff I'll have to sort out , view and read. I feel I'm behind with certain geographical and political knowledge, and this stuff will definitely help me catch up with things. 

HYDRA - island, town,water, dragon

Hydra ( the name means 'water' in Greek) is the capital and main port of the rocky island with the same name . What is special here is that motorized transport is forbidden. Even bicycles are not allowed. Transport of people and goods is made by cart, backs of donkeys, boat.

Since 1950 it has attracted artists from all over the world turning into a cosmopolitan artistic and cultural center.

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Hydra Harbour

From port to town

Cafes and shops line the quayside

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The Hydra with no cars

Hydra (multi-dragon, in mythology)

A cosmopolitan town and artist colony

Painters/writers find here inspiration

For their versatile cultural creation

It has a horseshoe port with yachts

Many cafes, tavernas and shops.

Timeless, stone charming houses

Separated by narrow paved alleys

No modern transport is allowed

On the island and in the small town

Tourists stroll in the cobbled lanes

Enjoying it all, despite leg pains.