Ahu Tongariki in the distance

Rapa Nui farewell

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December 2nd 2006
Dodging some serious rain showers, we paid a last visit to downtown Hanga Roa before our flight back to the 'Conti'. For those who somehow miss the craft vendors whose pickup trucks precede the procession of mini-buses at the island's main sites, there's an artisans' market selling an array of moai fridge magnets, shell necklaces and sarongs near the church. Despite my earnest supplication, I fail ... read more

South America » Chile » Easter Island

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Prior to the coming of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern Chile was under Inca rule while Araucanian Indians inhabited central and southern Chile; the latter were not completely subjugated until the early 1880s. Although Chile declared its ind... ... read more