On the last night, I went to the most photographed spot on the island - the Moai of Ahu Tahai which stand within walking distance of the town centre. This is the place where I encountered the most people who were drawn to the Moai being illuminated by the setting sun. As the sun sank on the horizon shards of light were cast over the immovable Moai. One, in particular, stood out as it has eyes which stare blanky out over tourists taking photos. The eyes were restored to the way they initially looked in the mid-seventies. Not many Moai had the eyes carved and painted like this one and experts are baffled as to why only a few were decorated this way.
I took my last photo as the sun disappeared and headed back to my car casting one last look at the darkened silhouette of the Moai knowing this would probably be the last time I would cast my gaze upon one. I had a final meal in town and headed back to Christophe's to nod off to sleep with the sound of waves crashing upon the rocks.
My flight left at mid-morning and Christophe drove me to the airport. He shook my hand warmly and gave me a shell necklace. A few shops were open selling souvenirs, and the airport thronged with tourists heading back to Santiago. I watched the incoming plane land and disgorged its passengers the plane was quickly cleaned and prepared for taking off. I trudged in line to the aircraft steps when I got to the top I turned and looked back one last time on this mystical place called Rapa Nui.
I took my last photo as the sun disappeared and headed back to my car casting one last look at the darkened silhouette of the Moai knowing this would probably be the last time I would cast my gaze upon one. I had a final meal in town and headed back to Christophe's to nod off to sleep with the sound of waves crashing upon the rocks.
My flight left at mid-morning and Christophe drove me to the airport. He shook my hand warmly and gave me a shell necklace. A few shops were open selling souvenirs, and the airport thronged with tourists heading back to Santiago. I watched the incoming plane land and disgorged its passengers the plane was quickly cleaned and prepared for taking off. I trudged in line to the aircraft steps when I got to the top I turned and looked back one last time on this mystical place called Rapa Nui.
