I am really trying to get all caught up...This post will include photos to give you a view of the whole island. The next post will be more Moai 'cuz it's hard to get enough of them!
I stayed in a small family-operated hotel in the center of town. The closest sunset hike was through this area, which passed the beautiful cemetery.
This is a slightly different view of the same area on the island.
On the first full day of exploring we (a small group from hotel) stopped on the island's second highest point - looking toward the highest point.
Only natives are allowed to own land here. If I were to marry a native I still could not own land, but our children could. One of the interesting facts about the island is that there is no begging on the streets & no poverty. I don't mean all the natives are wealthy, but rather each has a piece of land (to grow food) and a roof overhead.
There is a misconception that there are wild horses on the island. The reality is that they are free range horses. One reason for the confusion is a poorly translated sign that reads: Danger Wild Horses.
Wouldn't be a Polynesian Island without boats and palm trees....
Probably the most beautiful house I saw during my stay....
For the tent campers....here's the island campsite, just across the road from the Pacific Ocean.
This next spot is important because: (1) the Green Sea Turtles often hang out here; (2) the ice cream shop is among those buildings & they have some very good favors; and - Dana, just for you! (3) it turns out that being the only person in the water around 8am on a cold & windy day is the perfect chance to meet Chile's National Stand Up Paddle Board champion. He is one of just two SUP boarders on the island & there are only about 100 in Chile right now. He said the sport is just starting to gain popularity there.
Finally, a small group of houses with an interesting path....
That's all for tonight....gotta get some sleep. Tomorrow I get to hang out with middle schoolers again & talk to them about traveling! The best part of it for me is when they start talking about the places they want to go. Tanks for stopping by....more soon!
Love that cemetery, especially with the flowers bloomimg.
ReplyDeleteLove the wooden octopus - that's cool!
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