Sunrise over Easter Island
Greeting Party
The seas were high and the waves were hitting the rocky shores of Easter Island with a fury this morning. Therefore, the Captain and his staff had to carefully evaluate the situation before lowering the tenders and allowing us to visit this remote island. It is a territory of Chili and that is 2,000 miles to the east. Most of us would never get a chance to be in this part of the world again There was much joy when he decided that it was safe enough for us to cross over. So many people were looking forward to seeing EI, including myself. Sharon has been to Easter Island and had NO interest at all in boarding a rocking boat.
Lowering the Life Boat (Tender)
Our Captain
Checking the area out…
The tour that I went on was called “Ancient Cultures of Easter Island”. We went to – Rano Kau, the volcano closest to the village of Hango Roa. As we looked into it’s crater we saw a strange microclimate of dense and exotic vegetation. It looked so unreal. 
Looking into the crater of the Volcano
Next we were driven by a non-English speaking young man, in our small, crowded and hot van on a bumpy dirt road to the ceremonial village of Orongo which showed evidence of the Birdman culture and it’s rituals. Beautiful views looking out to the 3 obelisks that the bravest and fittest men of Rape Nui swam out to get a birds egg and then bring it make to the chief which would make them and their clan the ruling class for a year. These waters are shark infested and the cliffs were steep and jagged. What a system!
Three Obelisks
Our Guide
Our tour ended at Thai on the west coast of the island, that is where we saw up close or as close as we could go – the famous Moai statues. They are stunning and very strange. We were rushed because of our late start. But I of course saved time to purchase one item from one of the local crafts people.
Platform of Moai
Standing Guard
After a long day on the island it was nice to see our ship sitting off the coast.
ms Amsterdam “Home Sweet Home”
Julia,
ReplyDeleteEaster Island! It must have been fascinating. So cool to be able to read what you did today. Meanwhile, I took the cat to the vet today for a strange ritualistic injection. . .
Karen D.
Oh my!
ReplyDeleteTo see your photos, read your words, and see you in my mind's eye, exploring EASTER ISLAND!! -- too cool!
We all here in the Northeast, meantime, bundled up against our 0-10 degree frozen world of winter.
It's 9:30PM and already it's below 0 on my front porch!
Soak up a little warmth on my behalf!
Love and blessings,
~ Barbara
WOW - I read up on Easter Island over the weekend because I knew you were going there - such an interesting place -- how did those statues get there - I guess that is a mystery.
ReplyDeleteI loved the picture of your ship - awesome -- take some pictures of your cabin so we can see how tough things are for you.
It's lovely here in Ventura - 79 today - heading to San Diego this weekend for a bike riding weekend with some gal friends - not around the world but still fun.
Miss you, Bunny