Earthquake in Sichuan
Dear friends, thanks for thinking of my families in Chengdu. Everyone in my families are fine. I've been trying to reach them by phone since yesterday afternoon but couldn't get through. However, the text message on cell phone still works. So last night I received a text message from my brother telling me that everyone back home is fine. Of course, everyone was shocked by such strong earthquake. Luckily no building collapsed in my hometown as far as I know, at least in the city. The center is in Wenchuan, which is not far from Chengdu. I passed through that area a few weeks ago on my way to Jiuzhaigou.

My families haven't gone back to their home yet, worried about any aftershocks. Hopefully I'll be able to talk to them soon. Thanks everyone for your emails.

Update: I finally was able to talk to my brother and my mom last night. They are still staying outdoors and sleeping in the car. Luckily, water, gas, electricity are all fine, so they can cook meals. Only one building was severely damaged in our town and everyone was evacuated. My parents and my nephew were at home (5th floor) when it happened. My dad was on the balcony. The building swing so hard that he had hard time to stand even holding onto the handrail. They immediately left the apartment and haven't gone back since then. It is raining in Chengdu now and they may go back home soon.