We arrived with a hangover (thanks Juan Pablo) but were still pretty overwhelmed by the Moai we saw on our first day - and it just got better and better as we explored more of the island by pedal power and eventually on an organised tour (there was only so much we could learn from the Lonely Planet).
Easter Island isn't your average backpacker destination and is mainly geared up for those with deeper pockets and package tours - we did manage to find a reasonable hostel rather than resort to camping. The island belongs to Chile, although it is 3700 km from the mainland, and is considered one of the most remote places in the world. The nearest inhabited landmass are the Pitcairn Islands 2000 km away. As the original inhabitants were pretty much wiped out by various European and South American fortune hunters and slavers, not much is known about the culture and history of the people of this island, but they have left some pretty impressive markers in the form of the Moai - large stone statues mounted on platforms and thought to be ancestors protecting the villages.... They were all pushed and destroyed during internal warfare at some point in the 18th century, but have been gradually re-erected by archaeologists (not all the islanders think this is a good idea) and make for amazing photos.
(click on a photo for a bigger version)
1 comment:
fantastic pictures, what a place! I really liked the rougher one lying almost buried staring up at the sky. thanks for posting them. Atacama looked amazing too but like you, I am sure I would have welcomed hanging out by a beach again. and a drink called Pisco has got to be something.
it's cooler here but still quite dry. Heathrow and Gatwick are a mess after the latest terrorist alert. 10,000 mislaid bags, (yes, 10,000, I just heard it on the BBC). Max just had a great time on his birthday; he went bowling with 8 of his pals and they had such fun. Jane has been a bit poorly again but seems to be coming out of it. Aly and family are back from the USA; he finished the SF marathon!
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