This is Chile

Things are finally starting to settle (a bit) in Chile. For one, we're not having as many tremours any more. I think we're now down to three or four tremours a day in Santiago, and very mild (4 or 5 on the Richter), so I actually haven't felt one in about 3 days. Weird.

It's a different story in other parts of the country, where they're still having lots of shakes. And just this morning, Walter Mooney, here from the U.S. Geological Service, said on Chilean TV there's still a 30 percent chance of another quake happening, with a magnitude of about 7.

Thanks a lot, Walter.

(Interestingly, Mooney spoke English and Chilean TV added Spanish subtitles. A moment later, a Japanese geologist was also interviewed and, he spoke Spanish! No substitles required! I was so impressed... and imagined my two kids some day, requiring no subtitles, either).

On the positive side, other kinds of experts are predicting all this seismic activity will likely result in a ... baby boom! They're saying the country should prepare for a big spike in births in about 9 months's time. (Whatever gets you through the night.... right?) Already, about 70 percent of Chile's population is under 25 years old; guess that percentage will substantially increase.

Also on the positive side, psychologists are urging people to get out there and have some fun (guess they've haven't heard about the baby boom!). They're saying: "Go to a movie this weekend!" or "Eat out!" The point is to resume normal activities and find distraction from what's been going on which, by now, has everyone totally stressed and still scared. (Again, thanks a lot, Walter!).

This coming Monday, Nelly Furtado is giving a big concert in Santiago, with some proceeds going to earthquake relief efforts. I just might listen to those wise psychologists and go see Nelly...!

Finally, Chile is desperately trying to get tourists back, after the quake. They flew in travel journalists from all over the world and took them to parts undamaged by the quake so they can spread the word. Santiago's airport is also finally open and many hotels are offering discounts.

There is some good info (which can be translated to English), here (including a story about foreigners who experienced the quake):

http://www.thisischile.cl/

So... when can I expect you? ; )