10 things Tel-Aviv and Toronto have in common

Comparing Israel to Canada is hard, because, well, for starters, Canada is about 481 times bigger than Israel. Also, one is located in the quiet North America while the other is located EXACTLY in the centre of the Middle East, making it one of the most challenging to live in and controversial countries in the world. And then there's the weather thing: the coldest days in Tel-Aviv are considered Spring here in Toronto, funny enough.

However, moving from one big city in Israel to another in Canada makes the comparison easier. They might be located on two different sides of the globe, but they sure have a lot in common.

I'm talking about Tel-Aviv and Toronto, for those of you who haven't realized that yet.

I fell in love with both in two different points in time, and here are 10 things I think they have in common.

1. They both start with a T. lol (not funny) 

2. They're both considered to be the unofficial capital of its state. Ottawa and Jerusalem are the official ones, but let's be honest, Toronto and Tel-Aviv are where everything happens. They are the centre, the heart and the soul. Ever heard someone say: "Gosh, I can't wait to visit to Canada for the first time and go to Ottawa"? I didn't think so. Same goes with Israel. Visiting Israel without spending time in Tel-Aviv is like watching a movie without a popcorn. Who does that?

3. Hipsters. Need I say more? These are easy to spot: Long beard (for men, yes?), glasses, tattoos and plaid shirts, and they're everywhere. Tel-Aviv and Toronto are packed with hipsters, hipster cafes, hipster restaurants and hipster clubs, to the point where you almost feel uncomfortable not having a tattoo. And the cutest part is the hipster kids: 2 y/o with Blundstones, men bun and sunglasses. These kids will never know what it feels like not to be cool, and I'm cool with that. 

4. Over-priced food. Restaurants in both cities can offer $14.99 / 50 ILS basic Avocado toast and people will stand in line to try it. The food scene in both cities is amazing: you can eat almost anything, but it comes with a price tag, and it's an expensive one. Food prices in both cities are probably at least 20% more expensive compared to their neighbour cities, and people continue to complain about it. While eating over-priced Avocado toast. 

5. Veganism. Beyond meat, bacon mushroom and cashew cheese, to name a few. These are all an alternative to animal-based foods, and can easily be found in menus around Tel-Aviv and Toronto. Easily to the point where you need to work harder in order to find non-vegan food. Or shoes. Or a bag.

6. Ridiculously expensive housing. You can't really afford to buy a proper house in any of them. The only 2 ways to have one is by inheriting it OR renting it and stop paying rent. In Toronto the law will even protect you if you do the latter, so this is really my tip to you for how to get a house in Toronto. Kidding. 

7. Cannabis - It might only be legal in Toronto and not in Tel-Aviv (yet), but easily found in both, not that I ever looked for it! :). 

8. Best concerts - "Toda Tel-Aviv" and "Thank you Toronto" are probably the most common sentences used by artists while touring in the Middle East and North America, cause let's face it, where else would they perform? 

9. Cute dogs - At every street corner in both cities there's a coffee place. And a dog park, with the most adorable dogs in the world, competing for 'The cutest dog in the city" title. Gotta love them, until you step on a poop that their owner forgot to pick up after them.

10. You can find me in both :) Mostly in Toronto, but sometimes visiting Tel-Aviv.

Which one is better though? hard to say. They are very similar (except for the weather aspect), but each has its unique personality and temper. I choose not to choose, but enjoy both.

Over an Avocado toast.