Our First EARTHQUAKE

Yesterday, Sunday May 3, 2009, a strong Earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter Scale, struck 68km west of Guatemala City. We are staying in Antigua, which is about 45km southwest of the City -- so actually closer to epicenter of Quake. Fortunately, it was apparently deep underground, so no major damage or injuries were reported. But according to news accounts, it was reportedly strong enough to be felt as far north as Mexico City. And, here in Antigua, we definately felt it. Lasted about 20secs. Our whole house was shaking and swaying. A bit frightening for a "first-timer". Of course, Guatemala has suffered major Earthquakes several times in the past, which have indeed caused serious destruction. Generally speaking, Central America is a very geologically unstable land mass, which as previously noted is full of Volcanos and shifting tectonic plates.