Iorana!

After a brief stopover in Santiago, Chile, and collecting a 30+ hour day from our flight from Auckland, we flew into Rapa Nui, (Easter Island).  We landed and went through the easiest airport process ever before being greeted by the friendly Marcel and being given the traditional welcome gift of a flower necklace!

On arrival we got chatting to another guest at the Inn where we were staying called Laura and at breakfast the next day she suggested that along with Roberto, another guest, we all hire a car and explore the island together.  It was an excellent idea - we saved loads of money, met two new friends and also had the use of Roberto's excellent Spanish (don't ever believe an Italian when they say that Spanish and Italian aren't similar!!) to get us around!

These photos were taken at one of my favourite places on the island, Rano Raraku, the volcano from where most of the island's Moais were created. A lot are still where they were left, some just half carved into the rock faces before being abandoned for reasons people still don't understand.

 I think Jon did a better impression than me - having a similar nose helps!!

This guy below was one only a small number of Rapa Nui natives.  He was excellent and very kindly modelled for a photo with me!

 After walking around the outside of the volcano we explored the crater inside, which was beautiful - complete with a lake and another Moai 'graveyard' .  We were the only four people in there for most of the time which gave us a bit of time to have some fun with photos!

From Ranu Rakaru, you get the first tantalising glance of that famous shot - all of the 'heads' lined up with the sea as the backdrop!! It was more impressive than I thought it would be - my particular favourite was the chap with the red headress/hair!!

Most of the Moai's face inland, which is thought to have been to protect villages. Ahu Akivi is unique in that it faces out to sea and after an interesting and bumpy drive to get there (there was a reason why a 4x4 was needed) they were one of our last stops of the day.

After covering most of the island by car in one day, we decided to make our way to Orongo, the site of a ceremonial village, and Rano Kau, another of the island's volcanoes the next day.  Some bright spark suggested that the walk would be good (not sure if it was you Laura, or me!!) and all started off well. However, by the time we made it to the volcano the heavens had opened and the wind was joining in with the show.  We made it to the village but unfortunately didn't see much.  The kind park rangers provided some rest bite from the downpour and even captured the moment on camera for us.  I have to say that this photo does not show the true extent to the soaking we received!! Roberto's wallet got soaked and he had to lay all of his notes out on his bed to dry and both Laura and Roberto's passports suffered as well!! None of us stopped laughing though - an excellent day!

After setting up the perfect shot, checking the lighting, and getting everyone into position, we settled back and waited for the timer to snap the camera into action. Meanwhile, Willie the dog was thinking of ways to be naughty, this is what he came up with!!

  Thanks WIlie... This is a shot of a refurbished Moai, with amazing colours and patterns.

 This chap was quite special because he had eyes unlike a lot of the other Moai on the island.

  The island was magical and our time was even better because we met Laura and Roberto.