Friday, May 20, 2011

Another blog resurrection attempt...

Judging by the history of my blogging, every three months it seems that I have take a mandatory three-week break.  But this yearly quarter of a hiatus is over.  So once again...I'm back.

Before I jump back into blogging, I feel I should inform my readers who may have heard about the earthquake in the Murcia region--I'm ok.  On May 11there was an earthquake in Lorca, a town about an hour away (see map below), that killed 9 people and forced thousands to leave their homes.  You can read more about it here.


I didn't even know it occurred until I arrived to a private lesson and the kids were running around yelling, "Terremoto! Terremoto!" Apparently it happened while I was on the street, and only people here who were indoors could detect the earthquake.  They experienced a slight, dizzy sensation.  It was a serious earthquake, especially for the country, but it had minor physical effects here in the city.  

The emotional impact, however, was a little stronger.  My Spanish roommate, Marta, studies in Lorca.  She was upset and anxious when she couldn't contact any of her classmates or staff from the university.  Luckily, she later learned, all of her friends and professors were safe.  One of my students, who is from Lorca, approached me this week and apologized for missing the previous class.  He and his family of nine are still unable to enter their house.  Aftershocks are still occurring beneath and above the surface.

So I appreciate everyone's concern for me.  You can stop worrying about me and send your thoughts and prayers toward Lorca. 




Less important updates about my life to follow.

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