Around the World III

Day 18 - Thr 19 Apr 07 - Tahiti/Easter Island

The LAN flight is an older 767-300 with no individual screens, but it does have quite a spacious feel to it, the overhead lockers seem very high, and quite small.

It's been a bumpy flight, but because it's not full I got two seats to myself, and I think I even managed to get some sleep. I've no clear idea what time it is, but breakfast is being served, and we seem to have an hour to go before we land. That makes me think that Easter Island may be on a ½ hour time zone. I've filled in all my documents, so I'm all ready to go.

Right, landed and headed for the Easter Island route, not the transit one. Second in line to get my passport stamped, luggage x-rayed, and out into the arms of the hotel pick up - Literally! Patricia gave me a garland of flowers, and a kiss on the cheek. If only all airport greeting were like this!

Still a bit sleepy, but got the drive by tour of the place on the way to the guesthouse - there are only two main streets. My room is spacious and has all mod cons. As soon as I'm settled I head out to see some Moai, as there appears to be one just around the corner. Very impressive, as is the weather, one minute bright sunshine, the next absolutely tipping it down.

I then walk into town, change some US$, as the cash machine only takes MasterCard - I get some chocolate and water and walk up the main street. My plan is to walk up the volcanic crater at the end of the island, but I walk past a guy renting mopeds and mountain bikes, well a bike will get me there quicker, so for $14 I've got a bike for 8hrs.

So I head off, a good idea at the time, but of course it's all up hill. I'm surprised how much I actually cycle, but some bits are just too steep, eventually after what seems like hours I get to the top for some great views. While I've been cycling it's been sun shine, but now it's raining hard! I got a few photos and met a French couple who are heading to Tahiti for two weeks.

The trip down the volcano was a lot quicker then the ride up, but it was hard on the hands as the road is just a dirt track. I hand back the bike, and get a few more snacks before heading back to the guesthouse. I collapse and recover for the next couple of hours.

Head out in the evening to get something to eat - found a restaurant by the harbour and got an omelette and chips for a lot of money, but they accept credit cards, so I can save my cash! On the way back to the Guesthouse I looked up and saw the Milky Way!