The bell of the great church located in the central plaza of Old Jaffa said its piece. I sit on the rooftop of Andromeda House and watch the sea whose color turns from blue to green with turquoise-colored spots while a last ray of sun flickers on the surface. The Muezzin from the mosque stopped singing and the sun turned orange and started its dip into the waters of the Mediterranean. The waves splash forcefully against Andromeda's Rock and the first fishing boat begins its journey.
According to Greek mythology Andromeda was an Ethiopian princess whose mother, Cassiopeia – daughter of Aeolus god of the wind – married the founder of the city Cepheus. The mother was so proud of her daughter's beauty that she brought on her the wrath of Poseidon god of the sea, who thought his daughters were more beautiful. He sent waves that threatened to destroy the city. In order to appease him, Andromeda was chained to a rock near the beach and was given as sacrifice to the sea monsters. The hero Perseus, mounted on his flying horse, unchained her and killed the sea monster that wanted to devour her.
Andromeda House is located inside Old Jaffa, right on the walls, and has a 100-meter-high vantage point over the coastline. Across from me is the urban coast of Tel Aviv that slides into Old Jaffa. The colors of the Mediterranean make the view spectacular and breath-taking.
The entrance is from an iron gate steeped in lavish vegetation. The pathway, paved with white fragrant Jasmine flowers, leads to a magical large garden. A Spanish Cordoba wall, with its many Geranium flowers, surrounds the water fountain. On its other side, seating corners on different levels located in the rockery garden with a small fish pond. In the background there are palm trees and ornamental trees gazing through clear windows to the blue sea.
The picturesque nature of Old Jaffa is clearly visible inside the house. The stones, the vegetation, the shades and the character of the design fit perfectly the nature of the three-level structure and the 750-meters garden.
In the central space there are seating corners and a central bar opposite white wooden table on a walnut shade background. The warm, intimate lighting surrounds the space and the big glass windows let the sea inside the house.
In the lower floor an intimate space was built with cognac-colored glass lighting, a knights table made of heavy wood and shelves for wine bottles all over the walls. The wide wooden door opens and I look at the façade with its blue shutters. It seems like a magical picture that embodies Old Jaffa.