Friday, January 24, 2025

Report #22  Wednesday  January 22, 2025  Day #2  Easter Island, Chile  Tender Port  Anchored---Depart At 4pm    Mostly Sunny With Some Clouds 82 Degrees----Casual Dress


During the wee hours of the morning, the ship was reacting to the swell of the ocean just enough to give us the feeling that we were moving.   It could be described like going over speed bumps in a vehicle, and often enough that it woke one of us up often.  Previously, the Captain warned us it was normal and we need not to be concerned.  As calm as the waters looked, they were not.  It was most evident today watching the guests load on and off of the tenderboats once again.
 
It was just getting light when the tender service began at 8am.  This time we got our tender tickets right after breakfast, not knowing how long it would take for our number to come up.  Lo and behold there was no line and we were asked if we were ready to go right away.  No, actually we had to gather our things in our room first before leaving.  With that, we were handed the number ahead of the current number they were calling soon.  We knew from yesterday' operation that our ticket number would be accepted even after it had been called.  Needing some time to work on yesterday's photos before leaving, we left for the tenderboat around 9:30am.  The boarding was easy, and we even had the pleasure of riding to shore with some of the crew members who had been given two hours to see the island.  They were thrilled like kids in a candy store.  It was the first time visit for most of them.  All of the guests insisted that the crew be let off first since their time was so limited.  All aboard for them was 2pm, and 3pm for us.  Our time had been shortened from 3:30pm and if we heard correctly, the last tender from the ship to shore was 12pm.
 
As well as the tour shuttles, there were some taxi fellows and a few ladies offering less expensive tours to the major sites.   They would have to be adjusted to fit the time we had ashore and still be back to the marina before the last tender boat going back.  So out of curiosity, we asked a local lady that was using her own car to take people around.   The first problem was that she spoke no English, but referred to the map as to where she could drive us.  The next negative was that she could offer us 4 hours of driving to vista points for photos only.   No entry fees to any other sites, such as the quarry were included.  It was like pulling teeth to get her price, but eventually she whipped out her cell phone and printed $200.  While she was searching for a price, one of us was checking out her small vehicle which had smooth tires coated with mud.  No thanks was our reply, which we said politely but firmly.  Then she yelled out another price as we walked away, not taking no for an answer.  Again we shook our heads no.  Then she turned her car around and followed us for a little way until she finally gave up.   There were many more passengers coming up the road behind us, and we are certain she will get some customers soon.  Later on, we did see her with people in her compact car. 
 
The first thing most of the crew did was check out the half dozen souvenir tents, then walk the main road until they found a vista point to try their cell phones.  We're fairly certain they could pick up free internet here as well.  There really was no interest with the crew members for site-seeing, but they may find a local café for some Chilean cuisine and bragging rights to say they were here. 
 
We followed the same path we took yesterday, chatting along the way with some folks that recognized us from previous world voyages.   One of the nicest comments we have heard was from a couple that had read our blog for many years, and decided to try a world cruise since they liked what we wrote.   Always nice to hear because we tell it like it is.
 
There seemed to be even more locals out and about today, especially the kids.  Having picked up a nice tourist magazine at the pier, we learned that there are about 7750 residents on this island (2017 census).  The total distance from Chile to Easter Island is 2298 miles and the distance to Tahiti from here is 4621 miles.  In the center of Hanga Roa, there is an area where families and kids can swim safely in a protected section of the shoreline.  Today we saw a group of girls and boys getting lessons on boogie boards and finally small surf boards.  Most of them appeared to be quick learners, and maybe some of the girls were first in getting the balance part correct. 
 
A bit further up the road is one of the main streets of Hanga Roa where there is a small marina for fishing boats.  Yesterday we had spotted a huge turtle here and decided to go and look for it again.  Just about then, a fisherman came into the marina with  his morning catch.  We could see he had caught three medium-sized yellow fin tuna.  He brushed the headless fish with a hand broom with sea water.  We heard that they sell them to the local restaurants in the area.  No wonder we see so much ahi tuna, sushi, and other seafood varieties on the menus.  Can't get any fresher than that.  And we bet that was the school of fish we saw last night.  The size was right as was the feeding frenzy on the surface.
 
We did spot some tropical fish and even some pufferfish under the outboard motor boats.  Then we saw the huge turtle swimming under the boats too.  It was next to impossible to get a photo of it.  Even the young show-off kids jumping and diving in the water did not scare the turtle.  By the way, signs are posted in this whole area warning people not to touch or feed them as it is against the law.  
 
One of the main streets in town goes up the hillside.  We never took the time to explore up here, so today we did.  There were a few small shops offering some t-shirts and local fun jewelry, but some did not take US dollars.   A couple of doors up, we came upon a very small artist's boutique who did accept US dollars.  We purchased a pair of black and white tiny seashell earrings to match a collection of Polynesian necklaces.  While paying the owner, she kindly put a lei of frangipani flowers around my neck as a gift.   Now that is something I will remember always. 
 
Since our time was limited, we headed back to the same Restaurant Pea Rapanui where we dined yesterday.  This time we got a table right on the edge of the beach below.  Actually it is more rocks than sandy beach, and the attraction is the presence of many sizes of turtles.  They are after the algae that grows on the rocks and are not bothered by the kids attempting surfing or people swimming in the surf. 
 
Once again we enjoyed two Corona beers with an order of French fries and catsup.   We did share a dessert of chocolate and  vanilla ice cream.   The place filled up solid by the time we left.  There was still a long walk to get back to the little harbor, and we took our time doing it.  The sun had come out with few clouds, and it was heating up.  At least there was no rain today, because we had packed the umbrellas of course.
 
Back at the pier, we saw that Shiv, the head of housekeeping, was still working with the tender operation.  Thinking he was here for hours, he said he had gone back to the ship and just arrived to assist for the final hours ashore.  Kimberly was also helping as well as enjoying one of those small pineapples.  She confirmed that this was her first visit here, which we suspected due to the thrill in her voice with the arrival messages.  We told her to keep up the enthusiasm because it gives everyone that special shot of energy that she displays.
 
We made one last sweep by the souvenir tables, then boarded the boat without tender tickets.  The security staff knows us from previous cruises and welcomes us back every time we see them.   Boarding the tender here was a piece of cake, but that was not the case at the ship's platform.  The waves and swell were acting up, making debarking a dangerous thing.  We always wait to be among the last to go off.  When there is that much movement, you have to wait for the timing to be just right to jump on the platform.  Well, one of us had a surprise when I was told to jump, while the fellows on the boat held me back.  Good thing I listened because unknown to us, a rope had broken and the boat was drifting away from the platform.   Whew….saved by the crew for real.  The boat driver had to turn the boat around and approach the entrance where a better rope was used.  We have heard of these almost accidents, but never expected to be part of one.  Believe us….once was enough for a lifetime.
 
We were back to the room by 3:30pm and were on our way by 4pm heading towards the next service call at Pitcairn Island in a few days from now.   Ice cold sodas and relaxing on the veranda took up some of the afternoon.  Having taken so many pictures the last two days will keep one of us busy for two days to come.  Never a dull moment we say.
 
Our dining room waiters had missed us last night and we let them know we had dined onshore.  We promised to let them know when we would be missing, but sometimes things happen and plans change.   Tonight's menu had some new items such as a cabbage, tomato and bacon soup.  Sounds strange, but it was quite good.   Caesar salads and one shrimp cocktail were the starters.   Entrees were one chicken Kiev and lamb ossobuco, another first on the menu.  Both were very tasty and filling.  But we saved room for the strawberry sundae which was refreshing.  
 
Good news was a notice that the clocks went back one hour finally.   We're still a few hours off, but that will change soon as well.  There was a show in the World Stage with instrumentalist Andy Buenger as the artist with his classic rock tunes.   As for us, with all of the hiking we did the past two days, we welcomed the extra hour of sleep and turned in right after dinner.  It was still light outside.
 
Bill & Mary Ann