Temblores Y After-chocks

Hola todos!

I'm sure you've heard, or are in the process of hearing that Chile had two big aftershocks today which caused a tsunami alert. Let me begin with the beginning of my day and we'll work from there. I had to be at La Catolica (school) in Valparaiso at 830 this morning. I had my Spanish oral diagnostic, which was kinda silly, then I had to register my visa or something. I finished everything at 1030 so I called Martin to meet me so I didn't have to ride the Micro (bus) by myself. I'm still trying to learn the system. Martin didn't get there till about 11:15 and we didn't leave Valpo till 11:30. So, when the 7.2 aftershock hit, we were on the Micro--Allyse, Michelle, Sonja, Martin, and myself. Mama called Martin to tell us, we didn't even feel it!!! However, I didn't know at the time that since the earthquake, any aftershock at a 7 or higher automatically triggers a tsunami alert. This is just as a precaution, even though they aren't always likely. Anyway, we all got off the bus, Allyse and Sonja went their way and Martin and I started walking home. When we were on 4 Norte and Libertad (very close to home) there was another aftershock, which they tell me was 6.4 or so. That was a very strange experience. I have felt aftershocks since I've been here ( I just never said it here so you wouldn't worry ;) ) but never like this. It lasted like 30 seconds, or if it was shorter it felt like 30 seconds. You could see the ground move and also the lights on the post next to me were swaying. Some cars stopped, some didn't. Some people stopped and others kept on going too. The thing with Chileans is, they are sooo used to the ground shaking because it's totally normal here. That's why after the 8.8 they didn't originally ask for help, because earthquakes here are second nature. Lots of mama's friends can't get over the fact that I don't have them in Boston. Anyway, Martin held onto my shoulders so I didn't go anywhere, ha! Not that I would have, but I was a little nervous. It feels like surfing, only not by choice (although how would i know what surfing is like, cuz i'm such an athlete...). Like sea legs. Almost immediately, cars started driving like nobody's business and lots of people were running. Martin explained to me that there was a tsunami warning and although we live in a safe place that wouldn't be affected anyway, everyone had to go to the big hill. The hill is about 3 blocks from my house and we go there cuz its high above sea level and away from the sea. So Martin and I got home without getting hit by cars, and I didn't realize we were actually leaving cuz they were speaking Spanish faster than my brain can handle. So I grabbed Marilyn and my little wallabee, my global phone and a granola bar and followed them out the door. Martin has a backpack already for emergencies and mama had packed snacks :). they also have a little radio. We stayed on the hill for a little over an hour. I took pictures, cuz the amount of people was incredible. Like nothing youve ever seen. And everyone was totally chill. No big deal... Of course I was nervous at first but then I was just annoyed cuz I was hungry and I had an advisor meeting at CIEE. Oh well. See, mom, look how calm and brave I am! Before we left the house, Martin shut off the electricity and gas and stuff. Cool, eh?

We got home and I immediately had internet which was a relief. My global phone still doesn't work, but don't stress. If you'd like, you can skype. Martin is also letting me call people's phones with his skype. We just had the most delicious lunch, and all I want to do is take a nap!! We went out last night and since Martin is the responsible one who takes us all out, we have to walk everyone home! Good exercise, but we got home sooooo late!!!!! We walked the whole city dropping people off. I had lots of fun too, I had my first taste of pizco ("peace-co").

Also, unlike other host moms who are making traditional food so we can taste it, my host mom made me falafel cuz she heard it was a "Jewish food." The girl here before me seems kinda like a super-Jew and taught mama how to make them. Isn't that funny?!

Please don't worry!
Love,
Caroline