Satiago Earthquake Measured 8.8

Just letting you know that I am safe and well. I was lying awake in my bunk in the Santiago hostel at 3:30am, when the earthquake struck. It built in intensity over about 3 minutes. the plaster from the ceiling was crumbling on my head, i jumped down to the floor and onto the poor french girl on the bottom bunk, the lights went out. My heart was beating so fast, we thought the building may collapse. Thankfully they are built sturdy here.

we grabbed our torches and headed downstairs, the air was thick with dust and plaster.
People we everywhere with blankets around their shoulders, a disaster cliché, so i grabbed one too:) Was so shaken i thought i might be ill. we sat on the couch as people ran around us speaking in Spanish. Then a large chunk of the ceiling came crashing to the floor in the next room. We all jumped up and ran outside. Outside was crazy, one man ran down the street screaming "the devil has come to take us". mmmm i was not convinced....

It took us an hour to inch our way backing into the hostel lounge, then another half hour to be brave enough to go back upstairs. I climbed back onto my bunk. It was covered in plaster, I dusted it off and lay down. That’s when the aftershocks began, one large one had me poised ready to jump again. They earth shook for the rest of the night and into the morning that last big rumble was about 11am.

I walked the streets, no traffic lights, no shops open, bricks and glass everywhere. In my part of town all the buildings are still standing. Power resumed at 1:30pm. I was so very worried that you had all heard and would be worried. Though apparently you were unaware. Thank god.

Love you all

Jade

Santiago and Valparasio

Hola, Como estas?

I would like to say that my Spanish is improving...... though i'm not too certain of that. Thus far i have not spent a moment alone, First day with a Swedish girl and the last couple of days with an Aussie. Last night we had dinner with a guy i met on couch surfers, he's a dentist, very funny and quite lovely.

Today we arrived in Valparasio, a small port town about 2hrs from Santiago. Have spent the day wandering the streets and have had many warnings to keep our cameras well hidden though it's hard when the streets are lined with amazing photographic oppertunities.

It's sad to see how many stray dogs there are, hundreds, everywhere. you have to step over them in the street. Naturally I want to feed them and hug them, though I don't, instead i tread over them and keep walking:( poor flea bitten puppies.

Nos Vemos!!!!

Adios Melbourne, See you on the other side