Chile, Argentina & Uruguay: Day 4 (Part 8)

January 16, 2011

I had no idea how to dress for a “night out on the town” in Easter Island, so I did what most women do when faced with a fashion dilemma — I donned a little black dress (and to make it a more tropical look I placed a flower behind my ear).  Alicia picked me up with the biggest smile on her face.  About twenty minutes later we arrived to an enchanting house tucked deep inside a lush tropical forest.  The next thing I knew about ten men dressed in indigenous clothing greeted me and started decorating my face in tribal paint.  I was asked to follow them to a ceremonial hut where I noticed some other bewildered tourists sitting.

Alicia pointed to a spot where I should sit and finally explained that she had taken me to her family’s home and that every night they have a dinner and performance there.  Her family refuses to allow the ancient Rapa Nui traditions to fade, therefore they keep them alive through this.

Alicia gave me a quick kiss on the cheek goodbye and said that she had to get ready for her performance and introduced me to brother, otherwise known as the Chief.  Since he was in charge of everything, I was definitely in good hands.

Once everyone arrived the ceremonies began.  The food was blessed and taken from pits inside the earth, where it had been cooking and marinating for the entire day.  Alicia notified her family that I was a vegetarian earlier without me even knowing, thus they made sure to prepare something just for me.  We were then escorted inside their home for our meal.  I was so concentrated on the delicious feast in front of me, that I almost did not notice that Alicia had taken the stage.  Before she began to perform she gave me the most touching shout-out that filled my heart with joy.  I cannot believe that we had only met earlier that day, as it truly felt like years.

I decided to film Alicia for only only a brief moment, because I wanted to really take in her performance.  She was so good that she was encored three times!  While I did spend the entire day driving around the island with her listening to her various CD’s, seeing and hearing her live was an experience I will forever treasure.

After dinner we were transported back thousands of years through a series of passionate performances that explained the history of the Rapa Nui and how the Moai came to be.  It also made me wish time machines really did exist.

In case you missed my interview on Go, See, Write last week in which I revealed that the world’s most gorgeous men live in Easter Island, click here to read it and then look below for proof (this gentleman happened to be Alicia’s cousin).  If any woman visits the island due to my revelation and falls in love with a local man, you better invite me to the wedding!

Here is a look at some of the different performances that evening (and yes, more attractive men in hardly any clothing):

Before leaving, the Chief had yet another surprise for me, homemade Rapa Nui cake; definitely the way into this girl’s heart!

To say it was the perfect day does not even come close to describing it, not even close.

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Andi Perullo de Ledesma

I am Andi Perullo de Ledesma, a Chinese Medicine Doctor and Travel Photojournalist in Charlotte, NC. I am also wife to Lucas and mother to Joaquín. Follow us as we explore life and the world one beautiful adventure at a time.

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56 thoughts on “Chile, Argentina & Uruguay: Day 4 (Part 8)

  1. Pingback: Tweets that mention My Beautiful Adventures » Blog Archive » Chile, Argentina & Uruguay: Day 4 (Part 8) -- Topsy.com

  2. kay*

    hmmmm i think perhaps i do need to head to easter island to find a boyfriend – i’m a sucker for dark skin and long hair on some guys (think johnny depp *sigh*)…..and those facial features………

    and should i get engaged you will definitely be invited.

    Reply
  3. Akila

    Great post! The Easter Island men kind of look like the Maoris in New Zealand which I think are some of the most gorgeous men, ever (other than my husband, of course).

    Reply
  4. Lee Oliveira

    I am south american and I love the culture and food of it.
    I live in australia now for so many years but something I feel homesick
    Enjoy your trip
    lee x

    Reply
  5. Ceri

    What an incredible experience, Andi. I sincerely hope my time there is as amazing as yours.

    And, wow. You’re right about the men there. Hubba hubba! hehehe.

    Reply
  6. Sarah Yasmine

    compliments on the blog, visiting Easter Island has always been on my list – you just pushed it up a couple of places!

    Reply
  7. Kyle

    Aaaaahmazing.

    A few things. First of all: LBD = excellent choice. You look lovely as always!

    Secondly: Men dancing in little clothing. Yes, let’s keep the tradition alive!

    Thirdly, how lucky are you that you managed to bump into someone who is passionate about the culture of the Rapa Nui? What a great experience!

    Reply
  8. ayngelina

    Too funny that you had a dilemma on what to wear as your daytime look is nicer than my current nighttime look. But you’re right, you can never go wrong with black.

    Reply
  9. Stephanie

    Love the face paint! You look stunning and so does that sexy man you are with! Next time I’m planning to take a vacation where ever it is you’re going… you always find the good stuff 😉

    Reply
  10. Charu

    I really love the banana trees in the first post, and your darling little face painting. What incredible men! So lovely of them to take such good care of you! You ALWAYS look gorgeous.

    Reply
  11. Ruth

    Findind a guide like Alicia is like finding a pot of gold. They (the guides) love what they do and feel passionate about their land and traditions. For what your posts reveal, she is that type of guide. I once had a guide like that in Belize. His stories were so alive that I got goosebumps.

    Reply
  12. Adventurous Kate

    Too much hottness! I can’t take it!

    Thanks for inspiring with a new destination filled with hot men. I actually didn’t know much about Easter Island before reading your posts. Thanks for the inspiration! x

    Reply
  13. Brianna

    Black is always the safest thing to wear whenever you’re not sure. That is a pretty dress by the way and the face painting is really great! That island sure is pretty exciting!

    Reply
  14. Emily

    Oh my gosh, how cool!!! Those are definitely some good-looking men 🙂 I love the face painting, and those performances are so passionate. I would love to go there!

    Reply
  15. Iran Travel Blog

    Wow! What an experience. It’s been quite courageous and adventurous! Plus, there’s plenty of fun in going through all you’ve mentioned.

    I think the performance should have been the peak of the night!

    Rahman Mehraby
    Destination Iran

    Reply
  16. Krista

    Oh Andi, what an absolutely enchanting evening!! I love it! 🙂 What a dear friend to make you feel so loved and special. She has a wonderful voice. 🙂

    Reply
  17. Sandy Hodge

    This frequently amazes me just how Bloggers such as yourself can find enough time plus the dedication to keep on creating exceptional posts. Your site is one of my personal favorites. I just wanted to say thanks and also congratulations!!! Best wishes.

    Reply

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