Friday 12th March we had a 5am taxi to the airport and despite the increasing crowds we had timed it right and were sitting in the departure lounge after an hour or so. Unfortunately our plane was delayed for three hours from Panama City so with the three hour time shift we ended up at our hotel in Santiago at midnight and had to leave again at 6am! It seems a very good hotel so it is rather a shame we can't stay to enjoy it!
A 6am taxi took us to the airport in record time as there was no traffic. Evidence of earthquake damage was shown in road lanes being closed and the departures lounge was in a large white marquee. We think that considering they had an 8.8 quake ten days ago Chile has done amazingly well to get flights going again. We landed in Easter Island about 1pm – a wonderful place despite plane loads of tourists (we wondered where they had all gone!). Hanga Roa has a population of 3800 and is the only town on the island. They owe their runway, which is long enough for major jets to land, to the Americans thinking the moon shuttle would land here. It is five to ten minutes drive from the centre of town. It is lovely to be able to cross roads without fear of being run down! We had an explore and a beer and are now enjoying the hotel pool before having an early dinner and hopefully, a good night’s sleep! We have a full day exploring the island's sites tomorrow but may be able to connect with people on Monday before we leave at lunchtime. Love to all Ann and Iain
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