Welcome To Rapa Nui!
I think that some of us are in the mood to escape to somewhere less frenetic, more relaxed, perhaps less controversial. Well, Rapa Nui is for you!
Also known as Easter Island, this looks like one of the most incredible adventures you could have in the world – what a way to take your mind off of the everyday!
Crater of Rano Kau, Easter Island, Chile
Rapa Nui is located in the middle of the Pacific ocean – a 2,300-mile, six-hour flight from Santiago, Chile. Easter Island is located alfway between Tahiti and the South American continent. Rapa Nui is technically part of Chile, but is a world away…
The Terevaka region of the island has a world heritage center, which offers an undisturbed heritage that is the essence of Rapa Nui.
Now, it’s one of the most incredible – and remote – adventures in the world!
Rapa Nui’s Moais – Monolithic Human Figures!
The most spectacular aspect of Rapa Nui are these Moais figurines – massive sculpted figurines. On average, they stand 13 feet high and weigh 14 tons, human heads-on-torsos carved in the male form from rough hardened volcanic ash…
I was compelled to share this after reading a great story in the New York Times – here is a short excerpt as the Writer was getting a closeup tour from a seasoned guide:
“It looked for all the world like a natural feature of this rugged terrain. Beno informed me that it was a moai, about 20 feet long, most likely toppled accidentally when its carvers were moving it from the quarry to its stone platform, known as an ahu. Moving closer, he indicated the neck, head and still-visible details of an ear of this sad figure, forever face-planted in the rich volcanic soil of Rapa Nui.”
“There are no ropes or glass cases protecting this archaeological treasure on a gusty slope in the middle of the Pacific, so I got close and examined the fallen moai. Our only witnesses this day were a few caracara birds wheeling overhead.”
The Writer tells a great story of hiking through the remote areas of Rapa Nui, and how his guide feels about the Moai statues that are being restored…
“I asked Beno how he felt about leaving these and the many other undisturbed moai toppled in this area in a state of gradual decay. “I don’t agree with restoring the moai and platforms continually,” he said. “They will never be restored as they were before, and they hold our ancestors.” The idea of archaeologists, or anyone else for that matter, clambering over what are essentially ancestral burial sites clearly disturbed him.”
Terrific writing, with interesting insight as well.
Click here to read the entire, fascinating story:
I would LOVE to visit this remote island paradise…as you know, I suffer from “wanderlust” all the time…let’s look at five great “wow, why not!” places to see…yes, #5 on my list would have to be Rapa Nui…
#4 on my list of amazing escapes is the original “Mutiny On The Bounty” island…a truly gorgeous, remote getaway also located in the south seas…
See more about life on Pitcairn Island by clicking on my story here:
The third great escape to share is a place that allows you arrive like this!
Can you imagine hanging out on a beach a waving at the next arriving flight?
Click here to see this amazing beach / airport!
https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/09/amazing-airline-landing-skims-crowd-incredible-travel-adventures/
My #2 great escape is a place that offers you a nice room, and a group breakfast that you have with the locals – THESE LOCALS!
Yes, this hotel offers the same meal to the Giraffes that they serve you! I would love to spend a night here – see why:
I am very interested in doing a great safari adventure with my wife – it’s at the top of our bucket list…and why not?
This would be a “once in a lifetime” adventure – #1 on my list – but remember one thing – or you could be in big big trouble:
“Don’t Run – FOOD RUNS!”
That’s right, in Africa the animals pursue their meals – do not run because that’s what food does!
Read a hilarious memoir from an African tour guide here:
https://johnrieber.com/2014/09/08/wild-travel-adventures-safari-rule-1-dont-run-food-runs/
Let me know if you’d like to visit Rapa Nui!
