Pairi Daiza, the Garden of the
Worlds, leads its visitors on a trip from one continent to another,
among the plant, animal, cultural and spiritual riches which can be
found hidden in this domain formerly inhabited by the Cistercian monks of
the Abbaye de Cambron located about 15 km away from the town center of
Mons.
Drawing inspiration from the
homage being given to Van Gogh, the park is opening, for Mons 2015, a
new garden inviting the visitor to take a path inspired by the most
beautiful works of impressionist artists. The theme of the garden is carried
out so that the views, lights and colours take us into the universe
of painters such as Monet, Manet, Pissarro or Renoir.
The garden becomes the easel, the
sky the canvas and the plants the brush strokes. The movement, the
fleeting impressions, the fluidity of the space materialise through a
movement, as it happens, of a flow of water which, like the
pictorial current, draws us into a universe that is both real
and bucolic inspired by the nature that surrounds us.
This garden open from April 4 –
November 8, 2015.
If you happen to be visiting or
around Mons, I would recommend to go to Pairi Daiza. It’s really a beautiful
park, whether you come alone or with your family. Honestly I haven’t visit all
the areas because it’s getting bigger every year and there’s always something
new.
Few months ago I was so happy
having the chance to meet the family who (mostly) built the park. They’re the
one who make me proud, making The Kingdom of Ganesha – the largest Indonesian
garden in Europe, which was opened in 2009. It reproduces the plant life and
feel of our beautiful and loving archipelago, particularly Bali because there’s
this massive Balinese Hindu temple called Pura Agung Shanti Bhuwana.
I still remember clearly when the first time I visited five
years ago.
Very emotional, knowing we have a piece of home in this
faraway land and located so close from our place.
The lush plantation and rice
terraces.
The jukung (Balinese traditional fishing boat).
The musical ensemble of gamelan.
The smell of incense which fills the air.
Thank you Mr. Eric Domb, the founder who has deep affection
to Bali.
“It is a symbol of my gratitude to Indonesia.
When I was 17 years old, I made the first visit to Indonesia and fell in love.
I came back thirty years later, 2006, with a project to build a real Balinese
temple, with the stone from Gunung Agung, with the best people to craft the
temple”.
This temple is a tribute to the
supreme deity that favours harmony, serenity, prosperity and happiness. Indeed,
'Agung' stands for large, Shanti for serene and Bhuwana for the Universe. Pairi
Daiza dedicated this temple to the Hindu community. So during the opening
season (April-November), along with Balinese people in Europe, we come and celebrate Balinese
Hindu ceremonies.
Apart from the Balinese temple, a miniature Borobudur, a
Timorese village, long Dayak houses and Papuan artifacts are also found in the
complex. The Indonesian government also sent a pair of Sumatran
elephants to enliven the Indonesian Park. It is the first endangered animal
breeding loan program that Indonesia ever had in Europe.
If you haven’t been to Bali or
Indonesia, come and join me on the festivities. Enjoy the traditional music,
dance performances and win special prizes. At least we have it three times a
year (check out Pairi Daiza website or Facebook for updates of the event).
See you there!