Vibes for NewJeffCT, his wife, and the people of Italy

[Haole Girl]

A pretty big earthquake just hit central Italy, 53 miles NE of Rome. Terrible timing for Jeff an his wife who are visiting there. I'm worried, with all the old structures in Italy. I'm sure those buildings are not earthquake proof.

:scared:

Sending the best vibes.

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Jeez. Of course. I love that guy.

[Haole Girl]

2. Yeah, he's one of the good ones

CNN reported briefly "no injuries, no damage." But other news sources are not as optimistic.

[Midlodemocrat]

5. I mean, he went to UCONN, like moi.

But that's not why I lurves him. He's a great, great guy. At one point he was thinking about moving down here and I connected him with my realtor friend, but the job didn't pan out.

I really, really hope he's okay. And, his family of course.

[Haole Girl]

6. I wish I could find more news

But it's 5am there and the news is coming in very slowly.

[bigwillq]

3. Oh no!

I didn't know they went to Italy. I hope they're fine. Sending out my best vibes. :hug:

[Haole Girl]

4. Yep

They just arrived, today, too. :hug:

[Flaxbee]

7. 6.3. Collapsed buildings, casualties

Vibes going out to NewJeffCt and family and Italy!!

[Haole Girl]

8. This is the most recent news link I've found:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/06/italy

[DeepBlueC]

9. A lot of areas that have been hit before have been earthquake-proofed

I have seen some shows about people looking for property in the Italian countryside and I was surprised by the stringency of the regulations for incorporating earthquake prevention measures in any reno. That ensures that when property changes hands it is structurally reinforced. Obviously that doesn't include everything but in the seismically-challenged areas people are very aware of what is what. That also means that any buildings that are damaged must be reinforced to current structural standards when repairs are done.

[Haole Girl]

10. Good to know

Thanks. :hi:

[DeepBlueC]

11. we could learn something from them

:hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. My best vibes to NewJeff, his family, and Italy...

I was privileged enough to meet him and his daughter last summer in NYC...

I hope everyone is OK...

:hug:

[Haole Girl]

13. Oh, you're so fortunate you met them

I'm sure I'm just overreacting... I hope!

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. I felt very lucky...

He is a sweetheart, and his daughter is too.

Very soft-spoken and nice...

Hey, vibes never hurt!

:hug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

15. Perhaps we should keep this kicked --

~~ Vibes for everyone ~~

[Haole Girl]

18. Hi TA

I just woke up (really overslept this morning). Trying to catch up on the news now.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

21. If anyone hears anything ... Please post.

~~ More Vibes ~~

[La Lioness Priyanka]

16. oh dear. i hope all is well

[Arugula Latte]

17. Oh no!

I'm so sorry to hear that. After growing up in California and surviving a couple of doozy earthquakes, I have nothing but pure empathy for these people.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

19. Wow, my parents were in Rome only a couple of weeks ago.

Hope everyone is safe.

[supernova]

20. I hope they are safe

And that the EMTs in the area are getting all the energy and assistance they need to help people.

[Haole Girl]

22. Yay!

They're ok! Jeff sent a quick PM! He'll probably never tell me when he's going on a trip again. :blush:

[NewJeffCT]

23. thanks for the good wishes - we're fine

I woke up at 3:30 and felt a bit of shaking and wondered if it was an earthquake... but, I was so exhausted from the flight and running around Rome that I was too tired to do anything more than that.

thankfully, for the rescue workers, the weather has been pretty good here.

[Haole Girl]

24. Hope you're enjoying your trip!

:hi:

[NewJeffCT]

26. pretty good so far

surprised at how many people speak English here.

still getting used to the coffee.

[Haole Girl]

27. Coffee a little strong for you?

:rofl:

[NewJeffCT]

29. Yes, but

they serve it in small portions, even the american style coffee...

so, I might have to drink Red Bull to make up for the caffeine loss.

Oddly, Rome & Florence are less Americanized than China. I've seen a few McDonald's, but that's about it for American retail chains. In China, McDonald's, KFC, Starbucks, Baskin Robbins and others are all over the place

[Haole Girl]

31. I read something once about how Italians think it odd Americans drink...

cappuccino all day long because they only drink it in the mornings. I thought that was funny.

Can't wait to see your pics!! :hi:

[NewJeffCT]

33. well, I only drink coffee in the morning

If I drink coffee after lunch, it puts me to sleep.

[lizziegrace]

25. Wadda relief!

:hug: to you and your family!

[NewJeffCT]

28. Thanks - I thought I caused the earthquake

by being so close to the Vatican...

[lizziegrace]

32. Hehe...

:)

[GoddessOfGuinness]

30. Thank goodness!

May the rest of your trip be pleasant! :hi: