Easter Island

I had wanted to see Easter Island for a long time, so when we started planning this trip to Chile and I found out it was actually part of Chile, I knew we had to include it.  I didn't realize then that it would take a five hour flight to get there from Santiago, but that didn't stop me.  I had a little trouble finding a tour guide available, but was finally able to book two days of guided tour and the hotel.

We arrived at about 11 pm so we didn't get to see much then, but we were met at the airport with leis made of real, fresh flowers and driven to our hotel.  The next morning we discovered that we were staying in one of those hotels you see advertised in travel magazines with the individual cabanas that have large doors that open up to a view of the ocean.  I couldn't have chosen anything better.  We had two days of guided tours around the island and through the national parks.  The guide was great and we even met some friendly Italians on the trip.   Here are some photos of the famous Moai.

 There are over 300 of them scattered over the island.  This last photo was taken at the quarry where they carved them.  I'm so glad we made the trip to see this.  The island was fantastic, so laid back and friendly.  Only those who are descendants of the original tribes can own property, so there are no highrise condos, no Starbucks, no McDonalds,..., just a perfect place to go for vacation.