Starry nights and dog bites - Easter Island mysteries

Every account I have read of someones tales on this tiny isolated island always describes how there were many mysteries and they throw in their own conclusion to the reason the island is littered with giant statues (called Moai). So I think I will begin by getting that out of the way, alot of what we saw had very little archeological sense, but alot of what we saw had artistic sence, and in my rather under qualified opinion they were all artists of a specific kind, devoted to creating symbols of worship. However the symbols were not of a god but their wise ancestors! This ritualistic process takes the saying 'respect your elders' to the extreme and although scientists aren't sure it is believed by many that the construction of so many statues was the reason for the end of the islands resources and a knock on effect of war between the tribes. However what they did leave behind were lots of questions and some really very picturesk monuments.


Okay so appart from my conclusion, our tales were fantastic and again something that will be much better decribed in photos. There are photos of Moai (the name of the statues that represent ancestors) and plenty of landscapes! Enjoy...

Restored Moai as all were found pushed over when the island was investigated.

Isolated Island Sign (check this out in large)

Walking the island

Fallen, forgotten and buried Moai

Tree in a cave

Did I mention the dog bite.. well don't panic I don't have rabies or anything but yes it did hurt but it shocked me more than anything, it will teach me to walk on someone elses land eh!! It was a very big and nasty Alsasian and he didn't want me were I was standing, sadly I didn't notice it was to late and he had a chew on my leg!! Owch!

Finally I should mention the fantastic night under the stars. To save abit of money we spent a well worth it night in a car we rented. We watched the milkyway past throught the sky and try to reach the horizon before the sun rose but of course it would never get there!! Car camping has definately gone up in my estimations, Belisimo!!


So, onward bound to a place with just as mystery, the Nazca Lines…