Arrival

Beautiful, bright, sunshiny day. There's a 2 hour time difference but my phone did not participate.
Orongo

The history of the Birdman competition was fascinating. I don't know why it is called a "cult", it seemed like a perfectly legitimate way to elect a leader, respected and agreed upon by the governed.Read more
Ahu Vinapu

It was the perfect place to educate us not just what moais are and how they came to be, but also WHY THEY WERE KNOCKED DOWN, and why there are many that do not want them restored.
Most of the time,Read more
Puna Pau

It was a scoria quarry I believe, I didn't realize they get that big lol. The flowering trees were beautiful and there were stray horses. Yes, stray horses, in Santiago they have dogs, in Rapa NuiRead more
Ahu Akivi

Gotta give it up for Bruno's storytelling here. From the theory about the 7 explorers to the reveal of the farmers, to the astronomical significance of the moai's positioning and how it's ideal forRead more
Ahu Tahai

Last stop of the day. It's not like I didn't believe Bruno when he said the hats were actually hair, like a top knot, but he sure (unintentionally) showed me he was right. I didn't get to walk over toRead more
Te'Raai Dinner and Show

Signed up for the whole package, we got a welcome drink, face paint, saw the demonstration of the "Hangi" (that's aotearoan, I forgot the Rapa Nui term), had delicious dinner and finally, a stellarRead more
Vaihu

We went to a village and saw some "houseboats", chicken coops, and an unrestored platform with the top knots scattered by the shore. It was interesting to see houses that were used solely as sheltersRead more
Rano Raraku

If I had to pick one site, this was probably my favorite. The green, the hills, the sheer quantity and size of the moais... It felt like a giant art studio. It was a windows wallpaper walk, what can IRead more
Ahu Tongariki

This was the site. THE site. 15 moais, against the beach. It was lovely and wonderful and awe inspiring. Quite the clan this would have been. The weather was great, and there was a cute dog who let meRead more
Anakena Beach

I had to pick between the platform and the beach. Some regrets lol. I did see the moais from afar. And I DID just see Tongariki. It's alright haha.
Terevaka on a Horse

My horse was Chileno, he likes walking close to the other horses. He galloped for me for a few seconds, he was a good boy. It was a chilly and windy ride and it was a little too cloudy for a properRead more
Siete Arcangeles Hitu Merahi

Some biblically accurate arch angels by the beach, and non-biblical words of wisdom. It's nice to find things by chance.
The most beautiful cemetery

I've never seen a cemetery as beautiful, and lively and colorful as this, it was still somber but joyful. A celebration of life, not just a reminder of the end. Two of the graves matched my dress, itRead more
Ahu Tahai, take 2

Back to Ahu Tahai. I didn't get to wander over the other side so it was nice to revisit on a quieter morning. I asked a Japanese grandpa to take my picture and he went above and beyond squatting lowRead more