Began this 3 week trip with a stop in Santiago. Spent 2 full days in the largest city in Chile enjoying the sights, including a winery tour, before making our way to Easter Island which the native people prefer to call RAPA Nui. Getting to Easter Island requires a five hour plane ride as it is 2500 miles from Santiago. Latam Airlines is the only means of transportation from Chile to Easter Island unless one goes 2500 miles by boat. Going to be covering a good deal of ground on this trip which in total requires 9 flights and several long bus rides.
Now on to just a few pictures from Santiago, and then on to Easter Island,
Began trip in Santiago. Then on to Easter Island. Fly to Buenos Aires. Then make our way to Bariloche to begin the Patagonia trip.Central Market in Santiago with many shops of local origin. Six stories of shops plus plenty of gardens on each floor. I ventured here my first afternoon so I wouldn’t be tempted to sleep after the long traveling day.One example of public art in Old Town Santiago.Pretty square in Old Town Santiago. Local guide led us on a walking tour of the old town where we learned about the turbulent history of Chile’s quest to become a democracy.Church of San Francisco in the old town of Santiago which dates from the 1600’s. It is the only structure still remaining from that time because it was constructed of limestone, sand & egg white. The egg white created the bonding agent. Really quite a beautiful church. Chile at one time was mostly Catholic, but as in many countries, the number has declined significantly over the years.Visited the Cousino- Macul Winery. Tasted five different wines which were most generous pours. Had to finally ask for half of what our guide was offering. Excellent Chilean wines, and a great story about the 7 generations who have owned and operated the winery.The barrel room of the Cousino Winery.Rode the gondola to visit a religious sight, St Christopher Hill. The 14 stations of the cross were all painted by local artists.View of Santiago from St Christopher Hill.Jill & I being silly at the end of our tour to St. Christopher Hill.Welcome to Easter Island. Hello, good morning, good evening; a most useful RAPA Nui expression.Lobby of Taha Tai, our home for three nights while visiting Easter Island. Polynesian setting on the Pacific Ocean.Our first visit to see the world famous Moai which date from most likely the 5th or 6th century. A total of 887 stone statues have been inventoried on the island & in museums.Top knots at Puna Pau. These massive stones were placed on the heads of the Moai after being carved and moved/walked onto the Ahu (platform).Maui with top knot.Martin, our local guide & a RAPA Nui, telling us about the chicken coup. Chickens were brought to the Island by the first settlers & still abound today. Martin is so passionate about his heritage & full of absolutely wonderful oral history. So many stories. Squatting just as the RAPA Nui still sit today. OUCH.The Moai who never walked away from the quarry.These 15 Moai have been restored & placed here using a crane. The archeologists heading up the restoration had no intention of placing the top knot on the second Moai, but the RAPA Nui guarding the place at night claimed the spirits put it in place. The platform on which the 15 Moai are standing is called an ahu.One sandy beach on Easter Island. The rest of the coast line is rocky. My travel companions: Regina, Connie, Jill & Chris.New friends dipping toes into the cold Pacific Ocean.Fishing boats in for the night.RAPA Nui cultural dance.Face of a Moai looking up for enlightenment. Many of the Moai are no longer upright; in fact, most aren’t. Warring factions between the clans, pirating & erosion over the years are just some of the causes.Lunch on Saturday overlooking the ocean. Visited the home of the son of Henri, a Frenchman, who came to the Island with Jacques Cousteau for exploration. Married a RAPA Nui & his son is keeping his history alive. Lunch of freshly caught tuna, shrimp, hearts of palm, salad & small quiche. So delicious.The ocean from one of our local dinner spots.Beer brewed on Island. Mahina means moon. Mild, but tasty.Vinapu. Our small group. Marta, our guide, in back with arm raised. Swimming pool at hotel on Easter Island: Taha TaiSunset in RAPA Nui on our last night. Celebrated with a picnic: wine, charcuterie, fruits, wrap. So sad to leave this peaceful island in the middle of nowhere.
Now back to Santiago for the night before leaving early for Buenos Aires on Monday morning. More to come if the internet allows.
Traveling with Judy 
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