Rano Raraku, the quarry where all the Moais were carved from the volcanic stone, Rapa Nui or Easter Island, Pacific
After a few days on Rapa Nui, it was time to visit what we had actually come to see, the legendary Moai. There are many places where these amazing statues that seem to stare into the distance can be found, but five locations are truly spectacular. Continue Reading →
Queen Elisabeth with 1.800 passengers arriving in Rapa Nui or Easter Island, Pacific
We have only been here for one week but keep meeting the same people when shopping in the village or going to the festival. Giving that the island has only 3.600 residents, this is not a surprise. A lot more horses, not less than 5.000 of them, roam the streets and every bit of the countryside. Continue Reading →
Tapati Rapa Nui, Tau’a (kind of Triathlon that is held inside the crater of volcano Ranu Raraku), Rapa Nui or Easter Island, Pacific
We can only repeat how lucky and privileged we feel to be able to watch this unique festival! We try to see as many of the events as we can and each time we are thrilled anew. None was of the typical “hula hula” type so common for other Polynesian islands, but truly authentic. Oh, in case we have not mentioned it, every single performance of the festival is free of charge… Continue Reading →
Tapati Rapa Nui, Estival de Cantos y Danzas Tradicionales (Traditional Singings and Dances Festival), Rapa Nui or Easter Island, Pacific
The concept of this festival is that various families compete against each other in a number of contests, like dancing, singing, swimming, stone carving, producing artefacts, fishing, horseback riding and canoe racing. There are other activities that need to be described in more detail, because of their exotic and unique nature! The points won by each of these subgroups are added and at the end decide which group has won. This very group can claim the crown for its queen. The problem is to get families to participate because it is quite a financial burden on the family and requires months of rehearsing. Often preparation for next years festival start right after the current one finishes. Continue Reading →
Ahu Tongariki, the largest Ahu ever built with 15 Moais, Rapa Nui or Easter Island, Pacific
In the museum in Rapa Nui, the diligent visitors can learn everything they have always wanted to know about this particular Polynesian culture, but were afraid to ask… Here you find answers or at least theories to who the people were that created these unique statues called “Moai”. Why were they put up and how? What led to their destruction? Continue Reading →
Moai, in Ahu Tahai, close to Hanga Roa, Rapa Nui or Easter Island, Pacific
The minutes we stepped off the plane, we knew we were on a tropical island: a steady wind blowing, the balmy temperature and the smell of the nearby sea … Everything was as it should have been! Continue Reading →
Palacio de la Moneda, Santiago de Chile
Our farewell to Argentina was appropriate, a spontaneous party with Argentineans at our hostel. We sampled the food and wine people had bought touring the bodegas that day and everybody shared whatever they had. We were particular proud to be able to follow the conversation in Spanish about any random topic. Continue Reading →
