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Published: November 10th 2011
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Day 4 - Easter Island (Isla de Pascua/Rapa Nui)
Our day started early, with the alarm going at 6.30am, which as we only got in after midnight from eating the night before seemed very early. We had a quick breakfast, and packed the rest of the bags. Luckily, the hotel said we could leave some of our luggage with them, so we jetisoned our big jackets, thermals and boots, so we could make some room for purchases!
On our way to the airport, we saw someone using a bit of enterprenerial spirit - someone at a junction on a 6ft tall unicycle juggling for tips. At the airport, our guide showed us to the queue we needed, and we checked in. There did not seem to be any limit on the number of bags to be checked in, or weight, or number of peices of handluggage.
The 5hr 10min flight was pleasant enough, although we were not sat either together or near a window. At least we had our own in flight entertainment. The breakfast served was a choice of omlette or sandwich. We both went for the ham and cheese sandwich, which was hot, but the bread was
not toasted, just warm.
We arrived on the island to be told it was a warm 19deg, but actually getting off the plane, it felt a lot warmer. We were now a 5 hours behind uk time as we had gained another 2hrs from being in Chile. The Airport building looked nice and had palm trees and an outside seating area for people awaiting their flight. On our way into the terminal building, we purchased our National Park tickets which we would need to visit two of the sites on the island. We reclaimed our baggage from the only carousel, next to the man off loading big boxes of fresh fruit and veg for his restaurant, as nearly everything here on the island is imported except fish.
Outside, we were collected by the hotel and treated to a flower garland they put round our necks, it was obvious that the island had a greater polynesian influence than that of Chilean culture. We hopped on the Mini bus with a few other guests and were taken on a whistlestop tour of the one and only town on the island "Hanga Roa" which consists of a "main street" a few
shops, cafe's, a phamacy and a bank. On our way to the hotel we drove to the sea front and caught our first glimpse of one of the Giant stone heads that has made this small volcanic island in the middle of nowhere so unique.
We were checked in at our hotel "Tea Nui" for our 4 night stay before sitting down to a welcome drink of freshly made papaya, banana, and guava fruit.
The owner gave us a little map and proceeded to tell us about the various trips and activities that the island had to offer. It soon became apparent that although this is only a small island, there was no chance we were going to be able to do everything, so we took the map back to the room to try and decide the best course of action. Our room was basic but nice, although the curtains were far too small for the window - so caution at all times! We decided to book a full day excursion which takes in a number of the main sites, and then hire bikes for a couple of days to explore the rest of the island at our own
pace. The hotel said this was totally possible, and if we found we were running out of steam, we could also get a taxi to a couple of the places. We also booked an evening trip which is a night of polynesian dancing, food and entertainment.
We ventured out for a wander round the village, and to see if there was something for luch. Having been warned that prices were higher than the mainland, we also went to see what the restaurants had to offer for later that night. We went down to the harbour and had a empanada snack whilst watching the local Under 6 team train on the football pitch next to us. We then walked up towards Main Street, taking in some of the local shops and an artisan market. Finally, we went to the local mini market for supplies and headed back to the hotel.
We started the blog, and whilst typing and having a drink, started to talk to one of our neighbours Kay and exchange some travel stories. Kay has been to Mongolia and Kazakhstan, so had some interesting tales to relate. Before we knew it, it was time to think about
some tea, so we changed and headed out to one of the local restaurants. The steak Russ had was enough for two people, but it was hardly the type of place that we could ask if we could share!
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