Rapa Nui: Tapati Festival, Remote, Fascinating

Wow!
The racing apparel and the dancing would have me there tomorrow if I could catch a flight :-). After spending a month in both Samoas I can definitely say that these folks look physically very different from that other Polynesian culture.

Were all the trees cut down...
to move the Moai? What a wonderful visit! My nephew and his wife went there in 2017. Not sure where it falls on my go to list.

Your Dream Visit
Loved the Azure Waters photo! Did you get close enough to the Navel to see if your iPhone compass was “confused”? The slow approach sounds wonderful. Thanks for the great blog 😊

Easter Island
Fascinating ! What a great time you must have had. But I missed seeing photos of yourselves. MM

Yes Please!
Wow, this is the dish that caught my eye. I enjoyed reading about the island, but you know how I feel about food. So looking forward to seeing you and hearing your stories in person.

Enjoyed the article as well the photographs. Easter Island has been on my list for some time, but now I know I should plan my trip in February.
Glad to hear that damage from the fire was not extensive. Thanks

Fascinating Place
Wow, what a fascinating place to travel to! I didn't realize Rapa Nui had such a big population. And what an interesting history too. Your photos of the Moai are great!

Incredible!
Absolutely incredible! You have very much whetted my appetite for a visit Merry Jo and Dave! Six days sound perfect to really get to know the place, and it sounds like you did. This seems a really once-in-a-lifetime experience, which must indeed have been quite emotional for you since dreaming about it as a child. I can well imagine the tear or two upon your arrival. A beautiful place, well done for having made it there! ☺️

Beautiful
I think the National Geographic mags are responsible for many many travel dreams such as yours Merry. I know it definitely contributed to my travel desire too. The moai statues look so enigmatic and it's always a great idea to photograph iconic monuments at multiple times of the day, especially when you have the luxury of time. The food looks delicious and fresh :)

Greetings from Ecuador
Thanks for commenting on my Thanksgiving post! I loved reading about Easter Island and learned so much! We seem to blog in much the same manner! I notice you are still in South America. Any plans to visit Ecuador this trip? WoW! Congrats on joining the Travelers Century Club. I'm only at 50 countries, and at this juncture, I'm quite happy to hold still in my little paradise of Baños de Agua Santa. That's not to say that I don't travel widely around Ecuador (my next blog about to be published recounts coastal and sierra adventures!). Let me know if you're ever headed my way...you seem like fascinating folks to meet and know!!

Just amazing!
A destination I'd love to go someday. I didn't realize just how remote it was, until you pointed it out in your blog. It seems you had no problems with getting a flight? I heard that they prioritize Chileans first before foreigners.