Christmas at Easter (Island)

Day 208 – Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile

After having finally identified a shuttle that would take me from the town to the beach (by chance, I was passing at one of the pick-up point at the right time), I packed a swimsuit, a lunch, and my phone-camera for an afternoon at the beach.

Of course, I wasn’t sure the shuttle would be operating on Christmas Day, but I was in luck, as it trundled along at the appointed time and place.

I did walk up to the Moai for a few pictures (and selfie, if you haven’t received my Christmas selfie and want it, let me know).

Anakena Beach

Then in the sea! The water was warm, the waves big and crashing satisfactorily. It is difficult to take one’s hat, though (I tried, and soaked it!), so I had to limit my time in, and even then I got sunburned.

So I fled to the shade of the palm trees for my belated lunch, and some reading and napping.

Anakena Beach

Unfortunately, the sun doesn’t stay still in the sky (or is it the Earth that dares move around, or both?), so I had to move regularly to stay covered.

But all in all, a very satisfactory Christmas afternoon.

While waiting for the return shuttle, I witnessed the tentative parking manoeuvre of two obviously over-their-head Asian women (I’m guessing Japanese because they drive on the left, and we are back to driving on the right). They ended up parking a quite small car far from straight in a generous parking space itself between two empty places, and two wheels firmly in the neighbouring slot.

So I offered to assist, and to park the car not only straight, but the nose pointing outwards so that they may leave more easily. They were keen to take me on my offer.

Of course the shuttle arrived at that point, so I rushed the final manoeuvre, but the car was firmly in its own space and pointing the right way.

So. Merry Christmas to you all.