MO goes Around the World

Easter Island

The ship arrived early in the morning. So exciting to see Moai from the veranda of the cabin. Definitely the realization of a “bucket list” item.

Moai from the ship
Our location and future ports on this segment

The tender ride was long and bumpy. But worth it! Our tour guide was Alex. Alex is not a native to Rapa Nui. He “moved here from the mainland” (Chile). The population of the island is currently about 5000 with 60% of those being native Polynesians.

Alex

The first stop is a sight to behold. The only Moai with eyes. And one of the few with a topknot.

Ahu Ko Te Roku

And nearby, Ahu Vai Uri, supporting five Moai of various sizes and shapes.

Ahu Tahai

Ahu Tahai contains three restored Ahu (ceremonial platform).

Our ship, Azamara Onward in the background.
One of several Moai that have not been restored
Unusual for its inland location, this was the first scientific restoration on the island (in 1960)
These seven Moai are the only ones that face the sea. But like all Moai, they overlook the site of a village, traces of which can still be seen. The site has proved to have astronomical significance: at the equinoxes the seven statues look directly at the sun
We stopped along the coast
road to see a Moai ruin
We passed the airport on our way back to the seaport. The runway was built by NASA as a bailout for the space shuttle missions. Most island goods and visitors arrive by airplane. Latam Airlines has a daily flight from Santiago, Chile. The guide said the island is visited by cruise ships only twice per month. The other aircraft is Air Tahiti.
Ahu Tautira, overlooking Caleta Hanga Roa, the fishing port in Hanga Roa where our tender boat moored.

The middle of the tour included a stop at a local handicrafts market. Of course I contributed to the local economy. But nothing large or bulky ( in other words no sombreros)just a pair of earrings which set me back $6.23.

Wednesday evening was white night for the segment.

White Night is dinner and entertainment on the pool deck for those who choose. Most folks wear white. Bathrobes and sheets (as togas) are okay.
The crew parade of nations. Over thirty nations are represented in the ship’s crew
A beautiful sunset as the party continues.

A half day tomorrow at anchor and then two and a half sea days to Pitcairn Island. I think I might need to get busy and finally read “Mutiny on the Bounty.”

Marianne Harris

One response to “Easter Island”

  1. cookfamily7 Avatar
    cookfamily7

    This is amazing! Thanks for the pictures. My parents visited Pitcairn on a cruise years ago. I will be interested to hear of your experience there. Anne

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