My very first earthquake

 

That red dot marks the epicenter of a 6.6 magnitude earthquake that happened this morning.  It's a screenshot from the USGS webpage.  The link is to their Live Data.  While I was writing it was upgraded to a 6.8.  In any case, it is about 400 km (250 mi) away from where I am.  I felt it.  It was weird watching hanging clothes start swaying and feeling like I was a bit drunk, but not quite.  Nothing was too terribly wonky.  Everything stayed put on tables and such.  It didn't seem to be that big of a deal, so I glanced out the window.  Even while the shaking was happening, the buses were running, and people were going about their basic routines.  I saw someone go into a building.  The hotel emergency procedures say to protect myself from falling objects (there were none) and once the shaking stops, secure an escape route and follow announced orders.  No orders were announced.  I am still in my room.

I was told by people at Shikoku that Tokyo experiences about one earthquake per month that can be felt.  Even though I can't explore the city, I feel nature is doing what it can to make my stay memorable.  Two days ago the sunrise shining on Mt. Fuji.  This morning a small earthquake.  My second night there was a thunderstorm (even though it was nothing like a thunderstorm in the Midwest).

I suppose I should get back to grading.