Checking In

Checking in to say that we are OK after the big earthquake.

We both experienced the quake from the office - me on the 19th floor and Michael on the 27th. It was heavy shaking, which I'm sure was exaggerated by the fact that high rises here in Tokyo are built on rollers that allow the buildings to be more flexible in the event of an earthquake. Movement ensures that the building will be able to absorb the shock of the quake and will not break.

Michael moved to be near a pillar and I stood in the middle of my room (away from the files on the walls). Both of us had trouble staying standing (we had to hold onto something). The most amazing thing was to watch the other high rises sway back and forth out the window. It was unreal how much they are able to safely move!

Happily, the internet remained functional throughout the quake, so Michael and I were able to be in email contact throughout the quake and in the aftermath. Life goes on - both of us stayed at the office to finish up some work until normal end of business.

The aftermath in Tokyo meant that elevators and the subways were not running. Michael was working only about 5 minutes from home, so he made it home first. I had about a 45 minute walk home. Lucky for me, I wore flats that day!

We arrived home to almost no damage. I few items on our shelves fell over, but the shelves themselves were still standing. The cat is fine, if happy to see us.

Aftershocks and additional tremors continue. It is now more than 36 hours after the quake and we continue to experience small earthquakes on a regular basis. North of Japan suffered the full brunt of the earthquake and tsunami. We are incredibly lucky to have escaped unscathed.

This event has made us realize our somewhat precarious position living in a country where we don't speak or understand the language. Our news sources about the earthquake are the same as the ones our families are turning to in the US. It would be much better if we could get Japanese news straight from the source (at least it would make me feel better).

Our current concern is keeping an eye on the nuclear reactor situation in Fukushima. I am watching CNN right now, and will keep everyone posted.