Postcards from Bali - Culture
Monday was another cultural day. We traveled to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. This park was inaugurated in September 2018 after 28 years of being built. And I can see why it took so long!
The total height of the statue (which is Indonesia's tallest) is 397 feet. It was inspired by an event that is rooted in Hinduism. The short version of the story is below:
Garuda was a powerful bird-like being. He was the son of a woman named Vinata. His mother had become enslaved after she lost a bet to her sister, Kadru. Garuda loved his mother dearly and was heartbroken seeing her treated like a servant.
He was desperate to free her so he asked what ransom would release her. Kadru demanded something nearly impossible: the sacred elixir of immortality, called amrita, which belonged to the gods.
So Garuda set out on a dangerous journey. His journey was filled with battles, tests, and sacrifices. He fought fiercely, not for power or glory, but purely out of love and devotion to his mother.
Eventually, because of his courage and determination, he was able to obtain the elixir and won his mother’s freedom.
Because of his loyalty, strength, and selflessness, Garuda became a symbol of courage, protection, and devotion. In Hindu tradition, he later became the sacred mount (or companion) of Vishnu, the preserver god.
That's kind of the short version but the park is massive!
At the entrance to the park, there were three signs hanging that I absolutely adored! I'm not really sure of their connection to the park, but they are were great!
Now, more about the park. The park is filled with other symbolic statues but Garuda is the largest and can be seen for miles.
Then it was time to relax. I headed to the pool with a few other ladies for some much-needed downtime. The pool overlooks the sea, so of course I was right at home.
There’s something really special about sitting in the warm sunshine, half-floating in cool water, listening to women laugh and share stories from our lives back home. We had just met days ago, but travel has a funny way of making people open up quickly.
Maybe it’s because everyone is out of their normal routine. Or maybe beautiful places soften people a little. Whatever the reason, it felt easy. Peaceful.
Hanging out with like-minded women, relaxing in the water, and enjoying the sunshine is one of the best medicines ever. It’s good for the soul.
Love to all!
Ruthie 🩶
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