Easter Island, Isla de Pascua, Rapa Nui

Written By Elena Zerbini
 

Weird Anecdotes and Unique Ways of Living

1. Remote Isolation: The Middle of Nowhere

Ever wanted to be truly alone? Try Easter Island, where you’re a five-hour flight from the nearest anything - Santiago de Chile. It’s so remote that even the Wi-Fi feels lonely. Isolation level: expert.

2. Living with the Same 7750 People: You Better Like Everyone

Imagine living your entire life with the same 7750 people. Forget Facebook stalking; here, everyone knows your business, your dog’s business, and probably even your high school crush’s business. It’s like a never-ending high school reunion, for better or worse.

3. Freely Wandering Beings: The Real Noah's Ark

On Easter Island, humans, horses, dogs, and chickens roam freely. Picture a live-action Noah's Ark minus the flood. You might find yourself in the middle of a parade of critters. Watch your step—literally!

4. Local Stress: Bananas ft. Horses

Even in paradise, stress finds a way. Our tour guide’s biggest worry? A wild horse ate all her bananas. Apparently, even on a remote island, there’s always something to stress about. Apparently, human beings cannot live without worrying and stressing, all over.

5. Teenage Exchanges: Study Abroad? But make it “Island Style”

Teenagers here go on exchange programs to places like Tahiti and Hawaii. Just another typical high school experience, right? While we were stressing over internships, these kids are living it up in actual paradise.

6. Barter System: Price Tags Are Overrated

At the local supermarket, prices are non-existent. Tourists get the luxury markup, while locals barter like it's a medieval marketplace. Imagine trading a cappuccino for a loaf of bread. Welcome to the island economy!

7. Meeting Incredible People: The Globe-Trotting Seniors

Easter Island attracts some fascinating characters. We met a Canadian couple in their 70s who travel with just carry-ons. They casually mentioned their NGO that provides water globally. Life goals, right? Talk about making us all feel like underachievers.

8. Moai Journey: The Traveling Statues

There are only two Moai statues outside Easter Island: one in Viña del Mar, Chile, and another at the British Museum in London. Can you imagine their travel diaries? “Day 1: Shipped to London. Day 2: Tourists won’t stop taking selfies with me.” Jokes apart, returning these two Moais “home” is a truly a current issue for Easter Island’s inhabitants.

9. Property Rights: Exclusive Island Club

Think you can buy a vacation home here? Think again. Only locals can own property. It’s like an exclusive VIP club, and the only way in is to be born into it. Sorry, outsiders! However, it’s the way to preserve the island itself from foreign contamination, I guess.

10. Subtropical Weather Realities: Not Quite Polynesia

Subtropical weather sounds dreamy until you realize it’s not exactly Polynesia. The Internet lied, and you’re left battling the elements. Bring sunscreen, an umbrella, and a good sense of humor - Mother Nature is gonna have fun here.

Easter Island is full of paradoxes and unique living conditions. It’s a destination that challenges your perceptions, offers endless anecdotes, and guarantees an unforgettable experience.

Recommendation level? It’s a 11/10

Lots of love,

Elena

Elena Zerbini