Leaving on a jet plane

So, what are my abiding memories of Rapa Nui? I could be predictable and talk about the Moai and the petroglyphs - both of which are so fascinating that I bought a book. Or I could try to be a little unconventional and talk about the white sandy beach, hot sunshine, crashing waves and clear pure water (best swim I've had in ages). Or I could talk about the people, they truly are friendly and uncynical, I can see why tourists want to stay there (even though their options are limited). Or I could talk about the humidity which had me lying in a puddle most nights actually wishing I had air-conditioning (the work of the devil).

But really, my abiding memories of Rapa Nui will be the animals. The horses who roam freely in herds, stallion, mares, fillies, and colts (who have tails like foxes brushes). The chickens, with the fighting roosters (who start crowing at 3am and go on all day, the hens who have perfected the art of blending in and their chicks - how often nowadays do you see hens with their chicks? And the cows who look like real cows, bony hips and horns (and that's the females).

I don't want to detract from the human history but I think the current way of life has a lot to commend it.