Yotam Agam: Yogi´s Insider’s Guide to Tel Aviv
Yotam Agam, producer, Mysore practitioner, musician and surfer born and raised in the desert, shares his favourite places in his vibrant home town Tel Aviv.
“Tel Aviv is not beautiful, it´s not about architecture. It´s about the people who make Tel Aviv.”
Yotam & Kia on a road trip to the desert 2019
Name: Yotam Agam
Occupation: Producer, musician, yoga teacher. Constantly involved in creative projects around the world.
Your connection to Tel Aviv: I am from Israel, and Tel Aviv is our main vain. It’s a place we all share at one point in our life, a melting pot of all things Israel.
Why go to Tel Aviv? The people, the food, the neighbourhoods… Tel Aviv is not beautiful, it’s not about architecture. It’s about the people who make Tel Aviv.
Favourite places: The markets, Levinsky and Carmel – the hustle and bustle of the Middle East. Mediterranean colours, smells, noises and tastes… Also the Neve Tzedek neighbourhood – here old Tel Aviv meets new Tel Aviv, it’s the capital of fringe dance and art.
Yotam’s favourite places in Tel Aviv for…
YOGA: Ashtanga Mysore practice at Orhayoga. Another great Studio in a stunning location right on the beach is Ella Yoga who is hosting Kia’s workshop in Tel Aviv in June 2020!
COFFEE: Everywhere! Specific: a small kiosk at the beginning of Rotchild Boulevard called Espresso Bar.
FOOD: Everywhere! Specific: Port Said, on Har Sinai 5 is a great place to hang out, have a drink and a small bite. Very special vibe and always full of beautiful people. Abu Hasan / Ali Karavan in Jaffa has the best hummus in Tel Aviv! Israel is a pita culture and Miznon in Alenby, has re-invented the concept! Shila by Chef Sharon Cohen on Ben Yehuda St 182.
CULTURE: Suzanne Dellal Center for dance arts, live music at Barby Club and the street art of the Florentin neighborhood. The Rothschild boulevard in the afternoon, the beach promenade at sunset and Jaffa Flea Market at night. The sculptures of artist Chen Ziv or one the many galleries of Tel Aviv.
INSPIRATION: People on the streets living their life, expressing their art and freedom. The warm air of urban Middle East.
PEACE: Sunrise walk on the promenade north of Tel Aviv Port and Yarkon Park in the afternoons.
“Take the time to let the desert grow on you, walk silently , sit under acacia tree and soak the sun into your salutations.”
OUT OF THE CITY INTO THE DESERT: Israel has a lot to offer but the desert, which is the largest part of the country, will leave an unforgettable imprint on your visit. Yotam highly recommends a visit to one unique community at the edge of the Negev desert, touching the Egyptian border called Ezuz . A 2.5 hours drive south of Tel Aviv, the landscape slowly turns into desert. On the last stretch the road narrows, and it feels like you have reached the “End of the World”…
The community is a welcoming gathering of artists, activists and inspiring people who are living off the land in many alternative ways. There are plenty of places to stay from budget desert lodges to fancy huts. There is one amazing place to eat owned by a French couple, Peggy and Eyal. Their cafe called Café Ezuz feels like Baghdad Café. They serve vegetarian plant-based fresh meals with amazing locally grown vegetables.
Yotam is taking groups to the desert for a unique experience, if you like you can contact him HERE
Yotam will be co-hosting Kia´s workshop at Ella Yoga June 5-6 2020 including an evening of Philosophy & Pranayama at Studio Liron June 4th.
Workshop details for Kia in Tel Aviv HERE.
