From its ground, we fall under the spell of this mystical island. Often considered as the most isolated land in the world, this small Chilean territory mixes Latin and Polynesian cultures. And although at the other end of the world, Easter Island is well known in Europe; we waited impatiently to discover it.
Polynesia with an hispanic taste
We were not lied to, the Polynesian culture here is well marked and very much like what we have known in French Polynesia. First clues, necklaces of flowers around the neck that we receive on our arrival, we do not change the good habits. We will stay here on a camping site, no seaside but “in town”, under the protective eye of the boss, Benjamin, an extremely friendly host, speaking an impeccable French. The king of the warm welcome!
First empanadas engulfed – yes the chickens do not forget either one of the spearheads of the trip: gastronomy – we go to the “discovery” of the small and unique city of the island, Hanga Roa. A calm of the end of the world reigns there. Being in the early afternoon, most of the tourists are scattered on the island to enjoy the beauties of Rapa Nui.
A little cultural aside, Easter Island is called Rapa Nui in Polynesian language. The island will be officially renamed as such in the coming months.
We take advantage of the seaside, more like Brittany than Tahiti, and meet three Chilean friends offering us our first glass of Chilean wine at dinner, oh happiness, we feel that we will feel good in South America!
The island discovery
On the second day, we explore a good part of the island and the main sites by car (like bourgeois, the scooter is behind us!) accompanied by our adorable new friends having offered us to join them. This day will also be an opportunity to practice intensively Spanish, our Chilean companions are not very comfortable in English. Perfect for the chickens who during all day through, mime and use again and again the “como se dice”. Especially Ben who, you have to remember, never learned Spanish except during his festive visits to Andalusia at his friend Max. Needless to say, the vocabulary taught by his teacher at the time will not serve us much, except perhaps during alcoholic evenings, or to describe the feminine curves of the local population.
During this day, and from the first moments, we enjoy this marvellous views. Rapa Nui keeps all its promises and has false airs of Skype island in Scotland, more tropical of course. The heavens are with us since a weather between slightly cloudy sky and big sun accompanies us and offers us superb panoramas. We discover a new culture, visit magical sites dotted with moais here and there. The island has 887 in total. Do not imagine that they are all standing and aligned, the majority being face down or on their backs all over the island. However, the sight of these stone giants made its effect, and we ended the day with angels and satiated after our second plaster of empanadas.
Sunrise and hiking, back to basics
The next day, we decide to wake up at dawn (just to be clear, at the stroke of 7am) to contemplate the famous sunrise site of Tongariki offering an alignment of 7 moais, always in the company of our three Chilean friends. The cloudy sky will not give us the miles and a shade of pink expected, but it does not matter, the chickens start to have some beautiful sunrises to their track record.
There will be a hike on the west coast of the island, a good 6 hours walk for the chickens who feel their wings grow and are especially carried by a powerful wind worthy of the Breton coast on a stormy day. Caves, archaeological sites, and breathtaking coastal landscapes follow one another and we are delighted with this walk. The day ends with a traditional Rapa Nui dance show with the Kari Kari ballet. A very beautiful moment with a troop giving itself thoroughly, and using its charms. Indeed, there is something for everyone, Ben with the dancers swaying to the rhythm of traditional drums and yukulele, but also Audrey in contemplation before dancers certainly fit let say. See for yourself!
For the next day, perhaps to punish us for salivating before the dancers, the gods do not give us a good weather, but rather a rainy day. We were aware that it was not uncommon and we adapt by loosening all day. The only recurring task of the day is to monitor water leaks in the tent, nothing fancy.
The last day, and what a day to end this Chilean stage, is more than special, as we celebrate Ben’s birthday. It’s not a coincidence, it was one of the key dates of our trip, so that Ben wavers goodbye to the 20th on Easter Island. It is during a beautiful hike on the southern peninsula of the island that we admire the Rano Raraku volcano around a good sandwich. The evening will be dedicated to a beautiful sunset (yes Audrey has false airs of Romeo for his male chicken), and a great meal in a restaurant to celebrate this special day. The rest does not concern you of course.
This is how our stay on Easter Island comes to an end. Another unique and special place that chickens will be able to boast of having visited. An excellent transition between Polynesia and South America that reaches us. Direction Argentina, but that’s for the next article of the chickens travelers!
See you soon,
Audrey & Ben