We were surprised to find the island green and hilly - it reminded us of the Isle of Wight!
But with the addition of ponies everywhere.
even on the beach!
Hanga Roa, the only town on the island, has a natural sea water swimming pool.......and a colourful fishing boat dock
but no sheltering bay for the hardy souls who come here by sea
In fact the coast line is positively forbidding!
and the Pacific surf is beautiful, but fearsome!.
The weather can change very quickly, but with clear views out to sea you can usually spot the rain coming....or the storm clouds building.
Being on an island there is plenty of fresh fish...........especially delicious when served by the local Japanese restaurant.
But of course what we really came to see were the Moai - the mysterious statues for which Easter Island is famous. Our photographs cannot do them justice. First there's the sheer size of them....!
but harder to describe is their uncanny dignity....
...even when toppled, as many still are.
The largest group, at Tongariki, has the benefit of the most wonderful setting.
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While nearby is the quarry from which they were all carved, with many more statues gazing longingly towards the coast, abandoned in haste, never to make it to their intended resting places.
Our favourite place on the island was Ranu Kau, a sunken volcanic crater.
and at the end of our six day stay we said a heartfelt thank you to LAN Chile airlines for a very special trip.
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