Easter Island: a volcanic Polynesian Island halfway across the Pacific Ocean. It takes our big Boeing Dreamliner 5 hours to make it from Santiago. Worth the trip? Read on.
As we travel, there are some places that take our breath away by their sheer physical presence, some that are culturally fascinating and there are some that, in a strange way, bring a deep emotional reaction; Machu Pitchu is one - and so, it has proven to be, is Easter Island or Rapa Nui.
Of course, Easter Island is known for its massive carved stone figures, the varying theories about their transportation around the island and the tumultuous history of the the Rapanui people. What is a surprise is the intense pride, knowledge and interest of the islanders in their culture and heritage.
We're transported around the island by cheerful drivers (one young delightfully crazy young guy deeply into local music) and knowledgeable, passionate guides. To stand next to 5m high moai (stone figures) having had their history vividly explained, is deeply moving indeed. At least for us at any rate.
We see the quarry where the moai were carved then extracted, the quarry where the 'top knot' (or hats) were extracted, the Rano Kau volcano where the birdman cult was centred and much, much more. Here's (here) how the pukao or hats were moved - which is pretty amazing.
Let's not forget a wonderful restaurant that teters near to the pacific ocean; we watch surfers as we eat great local food after a hectic day.... our anticipated last pisco sour turns into a local beer as a power cut means no cocktail mixer... so we drink to the heath of Georgina, our youngest, who has had a rough time recently. Get well soon.
How about some images?
The Moai were carved before removal... this one is possibly a reject
The Moai were carved before removal... this one is possibly a reject
Seven leaders/kings/chiefs
The Fifteen Moai
Someone has to do this
6 Centuries later..
Dreamliner... and so it proved
Arrivals...
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