Day 8/49: Saturday, February 22, 2020: Not Easter Island; Sea Day

Easter Island, a Chilean territory, is a remote volcanic island in Polynesia. Its native name is Rapa Nui. It’s famed for archaeological sites, including nearly 900 monumental statues called moai, created by inhabitants during the 13th–16th centuries. The moai are carved human figures with oversize heads, often resting on massive stone pedestals called ahus. Ahu Tongariki has the largest group of upright moai.

Currently, the island has a population of about 7,000. The name "Easter Island" was given by the island's first recorded European visitor, the Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen, who encountered it on Easter Sunday (5 April) in 1722.

Morning on Easter Island

The surf and waves are high enough that the Captain decided it was not safe to launch the tenders. So we will not be going to shore today. Hopefully, things will improve tomorrow.

While we could not get ashore, a group of about 18 local performers did come out to the ship and put on a show for us in the evening.

The band

The ladies

The group

Finally, they got the crowd up on stage.

It was a very enjoyable evening. The performance lasted an hour. So much energy!