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The Garuda

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The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue (otherwise known as the GWK statue) stands at a height of 397ft and is visible for 15 miles. It is the tallest statue in Indonesia and the tallest statue in the world for any Hindu deity. Completed in 2018, it depicts the top Hindu God Wisnu (also known as Vishnu), riding the mythical eagle-like bird Garuda. It cost roughly $30M over its 28 year creation.  Sculpted in copper and brass, giving it the green patina, it symbolizes the harmony between mankind and the environment, as well as the spirituality of Bali. Another massive nearby statue depicting Garuda Massive statue of Wisnu (Vishnu) Water god overseeing her element . . . . Traditional Balinese dancers Returned back to our villa today to find this freaking dinosaur sunning itself in our plunge pool!  Guessing this fellow, whom we later learned has been given the name “Boy,” is about 4ft long and around 80lbs!  He is a monitor lizard or what the native folk call an alu (a water lizard)...
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A Day in Ubud

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  Great day traveling to the central Bali town of Ubud. Several great destinations, one of which was the Sacred Monkey Forest, home to over 1600  macaque monkeys The Tegenungan Waterfall The Penjor It symbolizes a dragon and represents rhe divine presence and harmonious coexistence between humans and gods More statuary. Not sure of whom but clearly a musician Onward to the Tirta Empul Temple (water temple), which has been here for over 1000 years. Statue of Indra, god of water, greeting you at the gate Tons of interesting statues within the temple grounds People come for purification rituals within the temple’s waters. No thanks. I purify with rum . . . .   A life-size Ken doll of a temple priest who collects money at the gate.  We’re putting one of these in the  driveway at Boothbay.  Ha Ha! The split gate - prolific in Balinese architecture. It symbolizes the split between the physical and spiritual worlds Before Hinduism, the religion of Bali was  A...
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