Tag: Moai

¡Chile Sí! ¡Eclipse No! Day #4 “Sleep is Good” 12/10/2022

by reissmd, posted in Chile, Rapa Nui

Yesterday afternoon we had our first opportunity to see the Moai statues and we were not disappointed. It is estimated that these enormous statues were constructed from 1400 (we have read and heard this date to be as early as 1000 and as late as 1400 AD) to 1600 AD. They first became a major tourist attraction due to the work of the American anthropologist, William Molloy. Previously these gigantic art masterpieces had been knocked over and were horizontal. Thanks to the efforts of Molloy (and lots of machinery and strong backs) these goliaths were uprighted beginning in about 1960 and soon after a tourist attraction was born. The first commercial flight to the island occurred in 1967

Our first look at the Moai statues of Rapa Nui on yesterday’s afternoon excursion.

Today we were given the opportunity to see the Moai accented by the sunrise providing what we were told would be a majestic experience.   One of us took advantage of this opportunity (me) and the other (Patrice) chose to sleep.  Patrice definitely made the better decision.  It was quite cold this morning and very cloudy.  Although what I saw was very lovely all I kept thinking was how nice it would be to be in a cozy warm bed. 

One of the giant statues highlighted by our guide’s spotlight.
Silhouette view. I think if it hadn’t been so cloudy this truly would have been spectacular.
Isn’t this a great shot with the moon in the background?
Do I look like I thought a 6:00 am departure was a good idea?

After the morning excursion, I returned to the hotel to join Patrice for breakfast and a brief rest. Then it was back on the road to seek out some more sights worth viewing.

Who looks like they got more sleep. Be kind!

This afternoon we had a great time going to the quarry where apparently all the Moai were carved. There are close to 900 of these incredible statues on the island and about 400 of them are at this one location. Here are some pictures of my favorites

The white patches are Lichen. This is a combination of algae and fungi that eats away at the sculptures and risks turning the statues into rectanular blocks (in 100 years).
Getting tired of looking at Moai. Last one, I promise.
Was Patrice trying to tell me something with a smile while sitting next to this sign?

Tomorrow is our last morning on the island. We head back to the mainland in the afternoon and then the next day we will fly to the Atacama desert.

Hasta luego.