On The Road Again: Rapa Nui

The date, AD 450 Rapa Nui was first touched by King Hotu Matura arriving from the east to hit the islands north coast to form Anakena. The first few centuries past and the islanders grew slowly at first then later on population grew at a rapid pace, gradually clans devided and huge human like statues were built to protect their land and so the moai were created. Cultivation of the land took its toll on the island and soon enough by the late 17th century clan warfare broke out. Moai were toppled over to demoralise different clans, at one time 1100 people lived here and after the wars 100 were left, leaving incredible monuments of a civilisation far from forgotten but who keep their building skills buried deep in secrecy and mystery…….
The date, 2nd of September 2007, 3700km from mainland Chile and a strange new face enters the island long awaiting this trip for many years.
I arrive at Hanga Roa airport pick up my bags and head to the campsite, located in front of the sea on the west coast to meet, as usual friendly travellers. We all get set up and have a little wonder around the tranquil town of Hanga Roa pick up a few supplys and enjoy a good meal with rum and beer accompanied with many a story.
The first day I go and check the local easily accessible moai (the famous heads). A beautiful walk along the coast about 30 mins from camp and there reside Ahu Tahai, 5 moai on there ceremonial platform (Ahu), absolutely incredible. I never imagined these enigmas to be so big some range up to 21m!!! however these ones were on average 5m or so, for so long I have wanted to stand infront of one of humanities archaeological wonders, something very magic resides on this island and the fact that how these things got here are still based on theory and wonder adds to the islands atmosphere.
The next day I hooked up with an Ozy (Dane who showed me how to surf for the first time!) and a Polish (Mike aka Borat) fellow camper who persuaded me to hire out a moto cross bike with them- this decision was awesome!!! And so 24 hours of ripping up dirt roads in Rapa Nui scaring myself but loving every dust filled second. We cruised around and caught the sights of the Moais dotted around the island and finished up on the beach for some sun soaking. The next morning I got up early (its possible) and headed to Rano Raraku. This is the birth place of the moai, at the base of this old volcano there is like a cemetery of moais who didn’t make it to there Ahu some stand some face down, the most impressive aspect here is to see the moais half carved out of the mountain face and to see how it was done. A quick walk to the top had to be done for some amazing panoramic snaps.
Back on the bike to check out a few more moai to be ticked off then sadly hand the bike in. We checked out a nearby volcano called Rano Kau where I have never been so taken away by such scenery. You walk through an ancient ceremonial village called Orongo where the King used to chill out with dances and rituals and what have yous. To stumble across the head of the volcano it was just huge!!!! A picture just does not justify it, it blows you away, plus hundreds of petroglyphs to feast your eyes and camera on.
Rapa Nui has so much to offer I recommend it to anyone and not just for 6 days a month could easily be lived out on this island, very sad to leave this magical place, I have probably missed bits and pieces out of the writing above but im mega tired of staring at this screen. Hope you all enjoy the photos!!!
Much love Tom xx
Peace