Sakura and Aftershocks

I returned to Tokyo on April 1st.  My cousin and her husband from Colorado were on an "around the world" trip, and were slated to arrive in Tokyo that same day.  After several emails and following the news...they still decided to come!  We had a great weekend touring Tokyo and enjoying the beginnings of the cherry blossom season.   They went off to Hakone and Kyoto....where they were greeted warmly everywhere they went.  They were even interviewed on the local news in Kyoto, and were thanked for traveling to Japan.  We didn't feel any aftershocks all week-until their last night here when the 7.1 quake hit late at night.  (I slept through it).


Things in Tokyo are nearly back to normal.  There is milk back on the grocery store shelves, and there is bottled water everywhere.  Lights are still kept low to conserve energy, and some businesses have cut their hours, but those are the only noticeable changes.  This weekend there were some "sakura" viewing parties, and lots of people were enjoying being outdoors.


Monday, April 11: the one month anniversary of the earthquake.  Late in the afternoon we had another big aftershock.  (6.6)  I must say my reaction time is getting better!  I immediately got my front door open, put on my shoes, and sat down in the entryway.  It lasted several minutes. We felt another big aftershock later that evening.


Tuesday, April 12:  The day started with another shaker. (6.2)  I had my window open and I actually could hear it coming.   Again, it lasted for several minutes.  


These daily "reminders" have forced us to make some changes in our lives.  Steve and I are better about keeping in touch during the day about where we are in the city. That part is actually nice.  I always carry my passport, i.d., and extra money with me just in case I get stuck away from home.  The train schedules are interrupted with the larger aftershocks, so I am taking more cabs to various places.  There are certainly fewer "gaijin" (foreigners) in Tokyo.  In fact, we have been dubbed "flyjin", for flying away following the earthquake!