You’d think I’d know by now how to take a flight. I arrived at Santiago airport with the boarding pass LATAM had sent me. No need to check in. They do it for you! So I walked to the baggage drop, but it didn’t work. I had to get the label in another machine. Someone helped me and asked how much my bag weighed. Aparently I could take only 13kg (I’d booked 23kg) and in anticipation of high prices I had even added some groceries to my luggage. They directed me to the assisted check in desk, but the lady stressed out a bit since she didn’t speak English. I told her in Spanish I’d booked 23kg, but via an intermediary website and not directly with LATAM. In the end it was fine, but a guy showed me in google translate that I had to sign something. As I was checking in a backpack, they would not be responsible for any damage.
Great. I was on my way to passport control. There’s a special line for Easter Island, or Rapa Nui in the local language. Even though you’re not leaving Chile, you need to fill out a form, have confirmed accommodation and a return flight. I saw several people struggle at the checkpoint and got nervous. However, when it was my turn I showed my passport and confirmation letter and quickly went through. I got a receipt, which you had to hand over to the police upon boarding the plane. The 5 hour flight was super comfortable, with better service and more space than my transatlantic flight, and was otherwise uneventful. On the island my luggage came out without damage and the guy from the campground was waiting for me with a flower necklace. Let the adventure begin!
My campground looked amazing at first glance. It was right by the ocean, with only a road separating it from the water. They had put some replica moai statues near the fence. There was a big field, separated by some wooden walkways and there were a few small trees with benches around them. I could pick any spot, so put up my tent near a bench, hoping the tree would also catch some of the wind. It didn’t really! I got a hammer and even help setting up my tent. I also got a locker in a big kitchen building, which had a plate, bowl, cutlery and mug. There were power points in the kitchen and the big reception space. They also have some dorms and private rooms around the property.
Before I was even done with my setup I was asked if I wanted to come to the beach on the other end of the island. The ride they offered was much cheaper than the regular taxis and tours. I wasn’t sure, but just went for it. It was the start of an adventure where I was invited to join tours with a group of Chileans for two days. It was a great opportunity to practice my Spanish and quickly I was adopted by the Chileans on the campground. People asked about my trip and tried to include me in conversations. I got shown pictures from all over Chile. On my second to last night, the “abuelita”, grandma, was celebrating her birthday and we all shared cake and champagne.
The campground had its downside. The facilities were only cleaned once a week! But I thoroughly enjoyed having my own little palace, waking up and hearing the waves, watching the sunset from across the road and meeting the Chileans and a German girl. I could walk into town and to the Rano Kau volcano. I had a chance to get used to my equipment and how to use the space in the tent. I hope I’ll have many more opportunities to use it! Unfortunately it was raining the day I left, so I waited in the kitchen for the sun to come out and dry my tent. I much prefer packing it dry!
