Showing posts with label Parks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parks. Show all posts
Pairi Daiza: Jardin Impressionniste
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!
Les Jardins d'été
A summer
garden for relaxing at place du Marché
aux Herbes.
August 10 –
September 15, 2015
Monday-Saturday,
11 am – 6 pm/ Friday 2-6 pm
Mons Invisible, Le Jardin Suspendu
Our
secret and hidden garden.
Mid-way
between Peter Pan’s Neverland and the legendary yet mythical gardens of Babylon,
the Hanging Garden is a secret spot, a hidden place, a vantage point from
which we can see without being seen, on the roof of the former military bakery.
The
building dates from 1818 as barriers against France. Then the
place was abandoned. In the late ‘90s it became a public park with a
playground, but closed in 2010. Finally it reopened for the Mons 2015 project
of ‘hidden Mons’.
This
is a fantasy space…
Parc de l’Ancienne Boulangerie militaire
Open
everyday
May
29 - September 15, 2015
10.30
am – 6 pm
An Autumn in Waux-Hall Park
This beautiful park was built in the nineteenth century and hosts a remarkable collection of plants and massive old trees which changed into colors in autumn and provide an enchanting spectacle. The lawns planted with no fewer than 100,000 bulbs which provide a blaze of color in the spring time. The ducks rollick in the ponds. The landscape dotted with some mysterious yet romantic scuptures. There are also playground for kids and tennis court in this 5-hectare park.
One Little Spot
My favorite place in Mons, whenever it's warm and sunny.
This place always makes me happy. Just me and serenity. Such a bliss.
I love to lay down on the fresh green grass.
Either close my eyes or staring at the blue sky.
Guessing cloud shapes.
Honey bees are flying from flower to flower.
The trees are gently swaying.
Lovebugs enjoying the sun.
Kids playing balls.
A girl sunbathing.
An old man sitting on a bench and wondering.
And I'm dreaming of home...
Saint-Germain Square
 |
| Winter 2010 |
One of my favorite spot to view the Belfry is the Saint-Germain square. Located in between the shopping street and the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru.
It's a very small and not so beautiful garden. But worth a visit.
There are few benches and a rustic fountain in the middle (which I've never seen water coming out from it).
In winter and during the heavy snow, the place looked really dramatic!
The Mayor's Garden
Even
there’s only a small chance to be bored with the Grand Place, I sometimes need a
new place to get away. A place which more tranquil and serene to sit around and
relax for a while.
This garden also connects to some museums, but I haven't really check them out.
Le Jardin
du Maïeur (The Mayor’s Garden) is one of the option.
 |
| The sign, around the Grand Place |
 |
| Lock of Hôtel de Ville |
 |
| The Battle of Mons, Hôtel de Ville entrance |
Located
in the inner courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville, some called this place as off the beaten path. It’s
a perfect quiet place in the center of Mons.
Just within a short walk from the Grand Place through a tunnel
around the Hôtel de Ville, and there it is.
The garden is not big and not much to offer. In spring
and summer of course the best time to be here because of the colorful flowers. But
the attraction is fountain of ‘Ropieur'—a
boy who teased by spitting water to people.
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| Ropieur |
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