3.11.11 Earthquake

I'm OK. Besides some broken glasses and stuff that fell around the apartment, not too bad of damage in Kitakata [or Aizu area]... Sendai [the nearest airport to me] is totally flooded and some areas are still experiencing tsunami after effects but no damage here.

I spent the majority of the initial 5 minute earthquake outside without shoes holding hands with my upstairs neighbor, whom I had rarely spoken to before. Kind of embarrassing! After that I waited in my neighbors car for a while until the majority subsided [over an hour!]

I couldnt believe the earthquake went on for over an hour and after-effects for now, over 9 hours. There are still some pretty strong aftershocks happening but no need to worry as my building withstood the violent shaking incredibly well.

A great recent article about Japan and earthquake prepared-nes:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/12/world/asia/12codes.html?hp


Here are some pictures by my friend Darren, about 2 hours from me:





and a video from my friend Dan, in Fukushima, about 1.5 hours:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2vGp1lZhM8


I, on the other hand, had a few broken glasses, an upturned rice maker and a bunch of books scattered from my bookshelf:




but I cleaned up all the glass and all is well.

Danny, Rich and I spent the night cooking burgers and playing rock band!

Picture from tonight:


There are still a bunch of aftershocks that are pretty intense, but I'm not too worried. My net and phone are still down so dont worry if I havent been around to answer.

I hope they will be up again tomorrow morning so I can make my phone date with Marie Walsh Pius - who recently bought her ticket to Japan 5/20 -5/28!!!!

Thanks for all your concern... it meant a lot. : )