Mystery at Easter Island

Easter Island has always been a baffling and controversial place.  It is a small island that is located over 2,000 miles from the coast of Chile.

What makes this remote place so interesting?  887 giant monolithic stone statues, called Moai, that line the coast have boggled the minds of researchers for hundreds of years.

Archeological evidence has led us to believe that Polynesians may have discovered the island at around 400 AD.  An intriguing culture soon began to develop, and with it came statues, petroglyphs (rock carvings), and cave paintings.

It is known that the population of Easter Island peaked at about 10,000.  So where did this thriving presence go?  A sudden collapse of the ecosystem due to deforestation (the trees are believed to have been used in the erection of the Moai) left scarce resources on an already densely over-populated space.  Animals that were relied on as a primary food source perished, no doubt leaving a panic for survival.

It is believed that a complete breakdown in social order took place, possibly leading to civil war and eventually cannibalism.  At it’s lowest point, the population decreased to less than 200.  In part by the resource crisis, and in part by the disease and slavery that was brought by the western world.

What did remain were these massive statues, whose exact importance or history may never be discovered.  It is believed that they may represent fallen chiefs.  Perhaps they do, perhaps they don’t.  But it is said that they are an incredible sight to see.  Easter Island is also known to tourists for its friendly people, volcanic craters, beaches, and gorgeous blue water.

With it’s incredible mythology and sights, Easter Island is 100% on my to-see list!

Back on Track…Finally!

If I actually had people who read my blog…perhaps they might wonder where I’ve been? Between this last semester of school and moving to a house in Los Angeles, my life has been absolute madness. But now I am FINALLY back on track for my Tanzania adventure.

I changed the length of my trip. I shortened it in hopes that I can perhaps go on another service project later in the year. So I will basically be in Kilimanjaro for January 2009. Yesterday, I bought my plane ticket! So excited, it’s finally beginning to feel real…

UPDATE: I was unable to secure funding due to the state of the economy. Thanks for your support and stay tuned for more adventures!