it's a dog's life
a small Moai sunbathing in Hanga Vare Vare
the small harbor is called Hanga Roa Otai. From here you can go fishing or diving
the view just south of Playa Pea
The church of the Holy Cross mixes Catholic and Rapa Nui symbolisms
Hanga Roa is Rapa Nui's only town and with 4500 inhabitants it is the most populous spot within a radius of 3500
km.
Its harbor allows only small vessels but the
Mataveri airport can handle the largest of aircraft, including the now retired
Space
Shuttle. NASA paid a hefty price for the extra long runway but never used it.
LATAM (formerly LAN) is the only airline to service the
island.
Untill 1956 the locals were convined to a walled and gated Hanga Roa as Chile had leased out the rest of
the island. Since then
Rapanui have the chilean nationality and can move around freely.
Resentment against Chile still runs deep
and activists for more freedom and self-determination regularly clash with police.
Some locals make a living with fishing or
farming, but the majority of Hangaroans work in the tourist industry.
Most offices, hotels, shops internet cafes and restaurants
are located at Atuma Tekena, but there is no rushing so dogs can sleep in the shadow of the trees lining
the main street. A relaxed environment indeed.
Local events preferably take place at
the Hanga Roa shoreline just south of Ahu Tahai
you can get refreshments in simple restaurants like this
the streets are quiet
Rapa Nui decoration
for the hungry there are ample opportunities
a moai near the runway
a statue at Mataveri airport
dinner! smothered pork
houses at the outskirts of town
after a couple of interesting days we take the plane back to Santiago