MYSTICAL The statues at Easter island are enormous in size. They were all tipped over during the civil war in the 18th century. During the last 50 years, the inhabitants, with technical and financial support from the mainland, reerected many of them again. Thor Heyerdahl was the first to erect a moai (statue) on the island in 200 years, during his expedition in 1955. This picture is from the "Kings land" at Anakena beach, north on the island. It got its name from the King Hotu Matua, who was the first person to discover the island more than 1600 years ago, landed here and set up camp.
NEWS AND FEATURE STORIES
HANGA ROA: As Underveis dropped anchor, the bells tolled from the shoreside. It was Easter at Easter island, 286 days and a few hours after the Dutch admiral Jaques Roggeveen had arrived at the island, as the first European, giving it its present name. An hour later Runes parents landed by plane from Norway. We had reached Easter island!
HULA HULA The Hula-hula girls in Easter island know their trade. This is from the dance ensemble Kari-Kari. pTONGARIKI The statues are a majestic sight, both from land and sea.ONCE WERE WARRIORS Before, the Polynesians were fierce warriors and great seafarers. The traditions are kept alive through dance, singing and oral traditions. But they have stopped boiling Europeans, so we felt fairly safe!HANGA ROA THe one of two acceptible harbours in Easter island. It is calm in the picture, but when the swell sets in, it is mortally dangerous. The local fishermen use these little boats because they are practical, and extremely seaworthy. Underveis was at anchor just to the left. Some days the swell reached four metres!ALTERNATIVE EASTER HOLIDAY Runes mum and dad came to cvisit from Norway, and we had a great Easgter holiday together!GAZING INTO THE HORIZON All the statues were supposed to look inward, and protect their respective clans . These two moais never made it to their final destinations, and are doomed to look into the horizon for all eternity.
