Easter Island, Santiago, Atacama Desert

The metaphor is so obvious. Easter Island isolated in the Pacific Ocean — once the island got into trouble, there was no way they could get free. There was no other people from whom they could get help. In the same way that we on Planet Earth, if we ruin our own world we won't be able to get help.

Jared Diamond

Amigos,

Chile is a land of extremes and nature on a colossal level. 

There is so much to say about this exciting trip but so little time, I am reloading for a backpack on the John Muir Trail, so I must give you the abbreviated version.  Of all our travels, this exhausting trip is hard to beat.

Phoenix, Miami, Santiago, Easter Island, Santiago, Valparaiso, Santiago, Coloma, San Pedro de Atacoma, Andes, San Pedro,  Coloma, Santiago, Miami, Phoenix

The mystical allure of Easter Island has been with Gerry and I since we were kids,  a magnetic vibe.  We were not disappointed and blown away by this tiny piece of volcanic land, one of the most remote and isolated locations on the planet. The island (Rapa Nui)  with logic defying statues is eco-friendly and has simple savage beauty.  Our hotel was right on the water and the restaurants were perfect for those of us that love sea food. The pisco sours were not bad either. The white sand of Anakena Beach with its turquoise sea and coconut trees was breathtaking. 

We all know that the most pervasive images on Easter Island are the statues. (moai) The question that has yet to be answered …how were these giant statues moved where they were carved to their platforms.  Of course ELG knows, but the wolf is keeping it a secret mystery. 

This was our second visit to  cosmopolitan Santiago and it gave us the opportunity to see more of this worldly city. We did revisit the arts district and figured out the metro, although we found the city a great opportunity to stroll, each neighborhood has its own texture. 

Our boutique hotel was centrally located. Very nice! 

We took a day trip to colorful Valparaiso and visited one of the homes of the celebrated poet Pablo Neruda, a Nobel Prize winner. 

ELG purchased a book….20 Poems of Life and a Broken Down Bell. This was enjoyable reading on the long flights. 

Ever since I watched the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, filmed in the Atacama desert, I have wanted to go here. It is the driest location on the planet and off the charts beautiful!  It last rained in some of the area in 1921. And yes I am a desert rat!!

We both absolutely loved the time we spent here. San Pedro, is simply a handful of pretty adobe streets with a tree lined plaza and gorgeous church. A scene from a Fist Full of Dollars.  Our hotel and service was fantastic.

We took day trips to the Valley of the Luna, and Lagunas Altiplanicas. Fabulous!!!

We both feel so fortunate to be able to travel off the beaten path, sharing the experiences with each other as well as making new friends from around the world.

OK gotta go-Next up-The John Muir Trail in 9 days. 

Take care.