拉帕努伊国家公园

We recently returned from a cruise we took from Fort Lauderdale to Tahiti via Panama Canal. I understand 50 per cent of the cruise ships are weathered out and are unable to visit. We were fortunate enough to be able to visit Easter Island. It was much more than I expected. The moai are all over the island in various stages and status of condition. I had always thought they were all in one spot. We were lucky enough to have Josie as our guide, she is the granddaughter of the archaeologist who came to the island to refurbish the moai. His ashes are in the one group we visited. Although we were only able to be on the island for six hours, we were able to take a tour around the island to the most important sites. We walked at the volcano crater where the moai were carved. It was well worth the trip. If an opportunity to visit arises - jump on it.

When you think ozone seen most all, there's more. The Moai were tumbled down in a tsunami and resurrected. Great art and architecture. The feats on this remote island continue to amaze. Several different epoch and types of Moai represented from different ages. They were constructed over 500 years. Fascinating adventure.

Most travelers to the Easter Island come in groups. For those who are still in the planning, my suggestion is to visit alone. The island definitely has magic, but groups scare it away. The best memory I have is walking among Moai as the sole living being. That´s what I did. I stayed in a cheap boarding house with a bed, a sink, and a toilet. The advantage - I preferred to spend the whole day outside. One early morning a neighbor took me to the National Park and left me there. Still in the pitch-black darkness of a Pacific night. I had to persuade him to leave me there, alone with the statues. This a strictly no-no for most of the locals. According to their beliefs, many locations on the island are home to spirits who, given a minimal chance, are quite likely to drag you somewhere you´ll stay forever. The sunrise is truly spectacular. But then, a dozen of my fellow sun worshippers got into their mini-vans, and I was left alone. It takes only a 30-minute stroll to the slopes of the National Park, teeming with stone heads. At that hour, the Park was still closed to visitors and I was the only living being to wander around it as far as my eye could see. It is a strong spiritual experience. Then I hit the road back to town. On foot. It took me over five hours. During that time I saw two cars. Since there was nothing much to do except to move my feet - the walk is monotonous, the country flat and drab - I looked into myself. And reached into some lockers I didn´t know existed. Next day, I climbed the main volcano. The climb is easy, there is a path, but again, pretty monotonous and long. It took me over 2 hours. But there is no hurry, isn´t? At the top, you can walk among the local wild horses. As long as you mind your own business, they stick to theirs. You can see for a hundred miles in all directions. I got a feeling that I was inside a postcard where nothing moves. I lay on the grass and looked into the bottomless sky. I am a very rational person, but I couldn´t help feeling some kind of...presence? pass through my mind. If you are willing to embrace and savour this kind of feelings and emotions, Rapa Nui is your destination. But do not tempt the spirits. Stay inside when it´s dark. Seriously.PS I went to the Easter Island in November 2013. Somehow, I do not think it has changed in the meantime.

One of the finest examples of Moai. This national park is a don't miss while traveling East Island. Get there to see the sun rise for an extra special treat.

This was a stop on our cruise to the South Pacific. This is definitely a must. Pictures don't even come close to seeing these amazing Moai. It's more of an experience than words can describe.The history and site of this park is unbelievable. This place should be on your bucket-list. It was an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone than can get to this part of the world