Lobby of our hotel across the square. Hotel Cabo De Hornos
Plaza de Armas Munoz Gamero across from our hotel.
Touching the foot and having your photo taken is considered good luck and you'll return to Punta Arenas.
global signpost near the top of the hill in Punta Arenas
Large delivery vehicles barely clear the abundance of wires (and shadows of wires) in Punta Arenas
We stayed an extra two hights in Punta Arenas before hitting Rapa Nui,
Our bartender at the Hotel Cabo De Hornos introducing Paula to the Pisco Sour!
We sucessfully made it to Rapa Nui! When you see the wing of the plane in a few shots you'll understand the joyous expression on Paula's face :-D
A quick view out the window and here's what I see! That's missing pieces of finish and small strips of metal (Aluminium my guess) along the leading wing edge. Explains Paula's smile upon landing.
Despite missing finish and some oddities with the wing - we landed successfully :-D
A very small replica Moai behind Paula as we enjoy a cocktail and late lunch while our room is made ready.
The requisite breaking surf pic as we stroll the buzzing metropolis of Hanga Roa :-D
A smaller hand carved modern Moai by a local artist. Of note, this modern version is made of red volcanic rock while maintaining the traditional forms and details. Historically the Moai were significantly larger and carved from black volcanic rock from a single location on the island.
Our awesome digs on the island.
Ukulele girl noodling around on the island.
The pukao tops (1 or 2 pieces),are generally considered chifetan topknots by some experts, and are in fact off center front to back. Imagine trying to move and balance that tonnage +6m up in the air in 1400~1600!
To try and understand the scale of this scene check far right to see people to try and put some size to the Moai.
PERFECTLY aligned hand place Moai weighing several Tonnes. Impressive is all I can say
The coastal Moai's are facing inland. Note fellow visitors image right for scale. These were a short trip from the quarry in next photo
The same Moai in previous photo. This time seen from the quarry on the hilside. These were the most conveniently located Moai relative to the quarry. For scale some small white blips along the road at the T-intersection are folks standing along the stone wall.
All Moai were carved from lava in this area then moved to other areas of the island. Reminder that occured in circa AD1400~1600...ground transportation was provided by "Arm Strong" movers :-D
Strolling the Moai field
Imagine how much larger these truly are given so much is now buried.
Fulll sized Moai scattered throughout the carving site; abandonded and buried metres deep over the centuries.
What appear to be holes on the cheek is damage from musket fire c.1900. Sailors using the Moai for target practice.
Eyes were traditionally added only after the Moai were erected in their final location. This is a restoration using traditional methods. Eyes were coral with black obsidian or red scoria pupils.
Goodnight Moai or moʻai ...First night on Rapa Nui
Our guide was a wealth of great info - and the sunset wasn't too bad either :-D
Entrances to the stacked stone and sod covered living units on the coast.
A portion of one sod covered roof removed to show the cantilevered stacked stone construction living areas.
Stacked stone structures constructed as per previous image. Paula can give you a sense of scale.
Note the red Pukao topknots, and they're asymmetrically balanced on the heads. Makes for an interesting task of balancing these after the Moai is stood in place.
Note the carvings on the backs (which face the ocean). Pukao topknots come from a different lava quarry than the main bodies. Also note the carving in the black base stone(s).
An example of an inland alter of 'smaller' Moai facing toward the ocean. Typically they face inland. Note it's impossible to know the state of the vegetation and view centuries ago.
An inland Moai at the top of the hill facing the ocean. Contrast that with the large coastal installations.
Note there appears to be two pairs (4) hands carved near the base of the Moai. However, only two arms.
Alternative transportation home to North America :-D
The contrast between the strong dark vertical corridor and the angled circular LED lights creates a lovel contrast of moving shapes, light, and dark which immediately caught my eye in the Olá Santiago Providencia hotel lobby.
One last shot from Santiago - ack! Some of the worst uburan waterfront design in a major world city I've ever experienced.
The Napster in Santiago Airport
Our last boarding area at Snatiago Int'l Airport before heading to Houston, then Denver and home.
