After yesterday’s day of moai-marveling and night of stargazing, today we relaxed: a morning walk along the Hanga Roa waterfront, an afternoon boat ride, and an evening watching the parade marking the end of the Tapati Festival.
The waterfront is lined with restaurants, stands selling pineapples, grilled fish, and crafts, and outfits offering boat trips. As you walk around the harbor, there are statues and objects both ancient and modern.
Our afternoon boat ride took us to some small islands and rock formations where those who wanted could snorkel. Being a confirmed landlubber (hence the title of this post), I remained aboard while Shari enjoyed a swim through the warm, crystalline water.
The highlight of the day was the parade marking the end of Tapati. Everyone, from small children to the wizened, dressed in traditional garb, and many of the men wore body paint. Although the outfits would be considered “indecent” in America, in Rapa Nui they are simply what people used to wear – though they certainly made for a “cheeky” performance.
Many people rode on floats decorated with traditional carvings. Bands played, women and men sang and danced, and everyone seemed to be transported with joy.
Later today, we’re heading back to Santiago, closing out our visit to this fascinating island where the past has been so expertly interwoven with the present. I’ll be back in a day or two with posts from Chile.
PuffinlessTravel 