The small bus picked us up at our guest house around 9am and went along one of the very, very few paved roads on Easter Island. Stops included:
Ahu Akahanga
Site of toppled moais.
Looked as though they clumsily tripped and landed right on their faces. In reality, these moais were toppled many years ago when fighting between clans broke out. This family was probably on the losing side.Rano Raraku
Moai quarry. This could possibly be my favourite place on Easter Island – absolutely beautiful and interesting!
On the outer side of the crater (yes, this used to be an active volcano), Moai statues were all over the place. These didn’t make it down to the coast to be erected onto the platforms. No one knows why. Well, no one seems to know for sure how these huge monolithic statues were moved down from the quarry and dispersed throughout the island in the first place.
Going up towards the mouth of the crater, there was a one of a kind moai – the kneeling moai. The only one in existence.
And the coolest sight of all was the “moai under construction”. It made me think, “Oooooooooooh. That’s how moais were made...” 
While the other passengers were having lunch (my friend and I frugally brought our own sandwiches), we explored inside the crater. This crater here isn’t that deep, so you can walk around the inner rim. More coolness – moai heads everywhere!!! Combined with the blue water, green grass, and red sand. Amazing. 
Ahu Tongariki
Probably the most photographed moais. 15 moais of all different shapes and sizes lined up on the ahu. BTW, the “ahu” refers to the pedestal blocks beneath the moai. Never step on those and the moai – considered very disrespectful.
When this group of moais were discovered, they had all been toppled down. But with the help of the Chilean and Japanese governments, they’ve been restored.
Anakena
Moais sunbathing on the white sand beach.
The heat was unbearable. And no shade. After a quick look at the moais, I headed straight back to the bus and daydreamed, while the others were enjoying beach time. How was I supposed to know to bring a bathing suit???It was near evening when we got dropped off back at the guesthouse. A friendly Korean guy had arrived during the day and the three of us went out for dinner. Not dinner really, but a highly recommended small restaurant with THE BEST tuna and cheese empanada. (BTW, Easter Island is famous among the Japanese backpackers for fresh tuna. They all go nuts buying fresh tuna for sashimi when the fishing ships return.) Followed by a cup of red taro ice cream. I thought they only had that in Taiwan...
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