El Terremoto: the state of things

Just wanted to send an update about how Santiago looks.  Thanks for all your emails and messages!  Santiago actually faired pretty well.  There is lots of shattered glass from windows and streetlamps, and some building damage, but very little serious destruction.  In our area there isn't much at all.  Some people that live in older buildings can't return home because the buildings are considered dangerous, though its nclear to us why that is. 

However, because of the pictures on the news about Conception and other areas, there is a lot of fear.  People are unwilling to go into work.  I dont know ifyou recieved video on the news in the states about people breaking into grocery stores and other stores, but the grocery workers won't show up to work here.  Stores that have opened have long lines.  I'm anticipating another gas crisis, so Jordan has run to wait in line to fill up on gas for his stove.  We now have water at our apartment building, but still no gas so we are without hot water or stoves.  Fortunately my flat mate, Diana, bought a microwave on Friday so we have somewhere to cook.  If all else fails though, Jordan and I both have camping gear and camping food that should last for quite a few days.

Last night we went out and there was almost no one out.  A Saturday night and the gas station and two restaurantes were open.  Looking at our apartment complex, which probably has 400 rooms facing the garden in the middle, about 20 had lights on after 10--a drastic change to the noise and music you usually hear until well after midnight even on the week nights. We'll see what monday brings!