Rapa Nui – Easter Island

While preparing my travels back in Europe, I concluded it would be much too expensive to fly over to this island during my trip. On the road, I felt a growing urg to come here, couldn’t really put a finger on it, why. I just knew, I had to do it. I spoiled myself. Leaving Ecuador and Colombia out off the trip for this time, this little extra was my treat. 

In the plane, I had to switch to the other side of the aircraft, without any explanation. Now, I had a window seat at the shadow side of the plane. Fine with me! I had the chance to watch the Pacific for 5 hours, kind of impressive, but also… not. Landing was another cup of tea: we flew quite low over waterlevel, the landing strip just fit across the whole island – one cost to the other, at the end we turned and wheeled back to the terminal: a thatched roofed open building with some basic controle structures. As this is basically an inland flight, quite understandable. One of the very few airports you might call cosy. Standing between door and stairs at the airplane, it instantly felt a kind like home. Peaceful. welcoming.
I walked the two blocks to my cabaña, my B&B. Paula welcomed me with the traditional orchid neklace. Her connection with The Netherlands: her husband made a maoi-sculpture for Texel. 

I installed myself, answered a few emails and met with my guide for the next days (it’s mandatory for the National Parcs, where the maoi are standing). Leo is thé documentary producer of this island (and other islands with polynesian culture). Lucky me! We went through the plans for the next days. After that, I took my first walk through Hanga Rau village: main street, cultural complex, habour, restaurants, B&B’s… you won’t need a map. 

Back in the cabaña – a little piece of paradise – I red some more about the island… names of places I never will remember… and felt a deep peace and peace of mind, being here. Now.