Rapa Nui

This was an exceptionally great trip with a combination of a lovely location and extra congenial traveling companions. Krista, Beverly and Mike who were easy going and great company for meals and outings.  Santiago and Valparaiso are interesting cities and could, perhaps be worth further exploration at some point. Rapa Nui is just an island paradise for those interested in Polynesian culture and history. It may not hold much for the 'beach person.' as it does not have many beaches worthy of surfers or sunbathers, nor does it have big resorts or casinos. There are scuba diving and snorkeling, fishing and other water sports. We did see some surfing but when we were there the surf was not very high - perhaps at stormy times it is. Rapa Nui's position at the extremity of the 'Polynesian Triangle' (Hawaii, Rapa Nui & New Zealand (Aotearoa), gives it a uniqueness. We found some similarities with the Marquesas which we visited a couple of years ago but also many differ

After arriving from Rapa Nui late on the evening of Saturday 28th April, w e had a 'spare' day in Santiago before our flight home and we decided to use it to have a private tour to the hot springs situated in the Andes, 2.5 hour's drive from Santiago and close to the border with Argentina. We contacted Santiago Tours and booked a private tour of the Valle de Colina hot springs. Even at this short notice, they agreed to arrange a tour and we scheduled a pickup from the Hotel La Quinta close to the airport at 7 a.m. in the morning. After a brief sleep we grabbed a few bites for a short breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and arranged with the tour guide and driver to load our baggage into the van so that we could go straight to the airport on our return from the tour. We were extremely fortunate to have as our guide Consuelo a very personable and knowledgeable young lady who was in other times a teacher and an actress. The driver was also a very helpful and charming guy, J

  It was a showery day with so with heavy bursts of rain interspersed with sun, it was typical island weather!! Maeva came to pick us up at 9.20 a.m. and we drove to the 'Quarry’ where most of the Moai were created and where almost all of them were found before being restored. The site is right by the coast and as this was a more windy and stormy day than before, the waves were crashing against the shore making for a wonderful backdrop to the hillside upon which many of the Moai stood silent witnesses to us and to history. We walked up the hill to see close-up a Moai which had unique features. From here the panorama was wonderful. At this point it might be of interest to learn more about the Moai, although much is shrouded in mystery and everything you read and learn about them is subject to some amount of conjecture and assumption. The trusty Wikipedia has this long entry and may be as good a guide as any. Moai - Wikipedia ...and another article with more photos and information. M

  I have had a desire to follow this remarkable enterprise for some time since learning of the co-founder, Mahani Teave who combines work at the school with the work of a celebrated, largely self-taught, pianist.  Mahani Teave The school building was commenced 10 years ago and took about 1.5 years to complete. The ingenious design and construction were inspired by an architect/engineer from New Mexico, Mike Reynolds. It is based on ‘off the grid’ environmentally sustainable use of materials. This Wikipedia entry gives some idea of his rather bizarre career which is worth reading. Mike E Reynolds This entry in Architectural Digest has more information and pictures of some of his work Architect M. E Reynolds The walls of the school are constructed of discarded soda cans and glass bottles bound together by stucco and sealed with a water-resistant paint. 40,000 cans and 40,000 bottles were incorporated into the construction. 2,000 people from around the world volunteered to help with the w

  We got up at the usual time but it was raining heavily, a real Polynesian rainstorm. Maeva called and suggested that we do not go out in the morning but wait until the afternoon. We agreed with this plan on the basis that the weather would get better as the day wore on. So, we drove the short distance to the Boulangerie restaurant for breakfast. Service was ‘island slow’!! But the food was very good and the coffee excellent. We sat awhile and watched the world go by. At one point a car passed chased by a pack of dogs!! No idea what had excited them so much about this particular car and they dodged death by being so close to the wheels, then as usual, they realized the pointlessness of their chase and gave up. Dogs are not cats!!! Then we went to the Post Office to have our passports stamped with 'Rapa Nui' but were redirected to the Information Office where a nice lady obliged. Then we decided to go to the museum, always a good option on a rainy day. The Rapa Nui Museum is sm

  We awoke around 7.30 am and had some coffee and showered and dressed. Maeva was a bit late arriving due to us having missed some messages during the night. She arrived at about 9.30 in a small jeep which we will have use of for the next three days. We started off on our tour and our first stop was a group of 7 Moais on a platform in a large field. The weather was beautiful, and this was a spectacular opening scene for us. The silent stares of the moais were so impressive. They said that they would keep their secrets and that they stood the test of time as their human creators passed on. One interesting fact is that the ‘best’ Moai is in fact in the British Museum in London as it was stolen from the island and given as a gift to Queen Victoria. Note to self, write to King Charles lll and ask him to have it returned to its rightful place on Rapa Nui. The following link gives information about the TWO Moais stolen from Rapa Nui. Moai in the British Museum This is the Wikipedia entry for