Travel Dreaming: Our Inspirational Photo of the Day

January 18, 2021 ctn_admin

Since we’re not travelling much, Canadian Travel News is spreading a little travel joy by publishing a regular (we try for daily) inspirational travel photo.

Today it’s a truly amazing place in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. Easter Island, known by the natives as Rapa Nui and called Isla Pascua in Spanish, is a teeny, tiny dot that’s legally part of Chile. But it’s about a five-hour flight from Santiago (3,756 km’s).

It’s one of the most isolated places on earth, and also one of the most mysterious. In case you hadn’t heard, the island is covered with hundreds of giant statues called Moai.

Scientists still don’t seem entirely clear how they were built or how they were transported around the island, but you’ll find several major sites with these hulking sentinels gathered in rows.

One of the most amazing experiences of my life was visiting the island and getting up at 5 a.m. to watch the sun rise over a group of Moai on the south coast of the island. It was foggy, and we could hear wild horses and their babies nosing about on the thick grass.

Suddenly the fog began to lift, and a brilliant orange sun came blazing up over the shoulders of one of the Moai. I was lucky enough to get a decent photo of a memory that will be seared into my brain forever.

We stayed at a marvellous lodge called Explora Rapa Nui, with spectacular food and beautiful rooms. I borrowed a bicycle one day and found a great beach and tranquil, rolling hills to admire.