An American in Lima » Earthquakes

Peru Spared Tsunami Damage …. Montesinos & Guzman to Star in New “Swept Away”

Barbara — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:55:48 +0000

Ha ha. Not.

Spent yesterday waiting for the tsunami to hit the coast of Lima. Reports on RPP news put it at 6:00, then 7:45 p.m. , then 8:30 p.m.

In the end, waves measured only 1 meter (3 1/2 feet) high along the coastline of Peru's capital. Dozens of people were evacuated from flood-prone Callao, including two of the most closely guarded inmates of the naval jail, RPP reported today:

"The head of the National Penitentiary Institute [INPE], retired general Wilson Hernandez, confirmed that indeed the founder of Shining Path, Abimael Guzmán, and Fujimori's "strong man," Vladimiro Montesinos, were evacuated from the Callao Naval Base in precautionary measures taken for a possible tsunami."

It hadn't occured to me that Montesinos or Guzmán might have attempted to make their getaways during the chaos of a tsunami. At least, that is how I interpret the jailers' concerns for their safety. Likewise, I suppose INPE wouldn't have heard the end of it if a tsunami had blown apart the jail, and Fujimori's top henchman and the leader of the Shining Path had simply been swept away with the rest of the convicts. No word on where they were moved to -- perhaps the Pentagonito, Montesinos' old ~~stomping~~ torture grounds. Or were they roomies at the Marriott, where George W. Bush and the Jonas Brothers hang when they're in Lima? Montesinos and his No. 1 enemy, together, in a new version of Swept Away? The imagination could get busy with this one.... Reality check: Further south, in Pisco, abnormally high waves left more than 230 people homeless, RPP reported. Fifty-one homes were damaged. Boats were swept inland throughout the region, wrecking home and businesses, as this slide show illustrates. Of course, it could have been much, much worse. Peru, with its poor infrastructure and large numbers of substandard buildings, nearly always gets creamed in a natural disaster. This time around, the country, as well as most of Latin America, was spared.

Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription

Barbara — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:03:43 +0000

Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription, The devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake that ravaged Chile on Saturday could easily have happened here in Lima or anywhere else along the Pacific coast. Sooner or later another big one will hit Peru, as one did in July 2007, and there are only a few ways to increase your odds that you won't get killed when it happens.

Living in a well-constructed, "earthquake-proof" home is the best way to protect yourself. Buy Mefenorex from mexico, I put quotation marks around that phrase because no structure is guaranteed to withstand the most violent earthquakes. Still, buy no prescription Mefenorex online, Where can i order Mefenorex without prescription, as engineer Andy Johnson notes, a well engineered building should hold up long enough for the people inside to escape before it collapses, buy cheap Mefenorex. Mefenorex from canadian pharmacy, If you can live and work in an anti-seismic structure, you've increased your survival odds significantly, purchase Mefenorex online no prescription. Mefenorex for sale, But that strategy only works if you live in a developed country that enforces building codes and if you have money to buy or rent a well engineered house.

What about the millions of people who live in developing countries, like Haiti and Peru, where is a montón of substandard housing -- structures made of unreinforced brick and concrete masonry, Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription.

Forget about waiting for the government to seismically retrofit every existing structure and to enforce antiseismic building codes for all neighborhoods, order Mefenorex online c.o.d. Buy Mefenorex without prescription, Your chance of survival depends on getting your patootie out of your home as fast as you can.

That means: Keeping a pair of shoes handy at all times, order Mefenorex. Buy Mefenorex without a prescription, This is our earthquake-preparedness strategy here in Miraflores. Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription, We have three pairs of shoes lined up at our front door, one each for me, El Fotógrafo and El Hijo. EH knows that when a quake hits, buy generic Mefenorex, Mefenorex price, he's supposed to go to the door, put on his shoes and leave the house with us, purchase Mefenorex online. Online buying Mefenorex, Forget the Wii, forget the GameCube, buy cheap Mefenorex no rx. Australia, uk, us, usa, canada, mexico, india, craiglist, ebay, Shoes.

Without shoes, Mefenorex samples, Mefenorex over the counter, you're funked. There's usually glass falling all over and metal things flying around in an earthquake. You can't run to an open area like a park if your feet are getting cut up by glass, Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription.

I know that the United States FEMA website says to stay inside during an earthquake, order Mefenorex from mexican pharmacy. Mefenorex pharmacy, But that strategy only works in countries where the buildings are built to protect people. As we saw with the Haiti earthquake last month, order Mefenorex no prescription, Rx free Mefenorex, in poor countries with substandard housing, staying inside means being buried alive, Mefenorex from canadian pharmacy. Purchase Mefenorex online, Why did a collosal 8.8 earthquake kill only several hundred people in Chile, while the Haiti quake (which measured 7.0 Mw) killed about a quarter of a million, Mefenorex samples. Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription, Chile, a richer country, has strict building codes and enforces them. Order Mefenorex, For those who want to change the world for the better, the lesson couldn't be clearer, online buy Mefenorex without a prescription. Australia, uk, us, usa, canada, mexico, india, craiglist, ebay, Invest in infrastructure to disaster-proof countries in Central and South America. And include vulnerable areas in North America, order Mefenorex online c.o.d, while you're at it.

Well, I seem to have all the answers today. I'd pat myself on the back only that won't help me or my family when the next quake hits here in Peru, Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription. It will take years for Peru to get its housing act together. I can't wait until then. Neither can the rest of Peru.

We've got our shoes lined up by the door. 'Cause, as Nancy says, these boots are made for walking.

Nancy Sinatra These boots are made for walking
Cargado por igrecman. - Ver más clips de música, videos en HD!.

Buy Modalert Without Prescription

Barbara — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:50:44 +0000

My bandmates The Three Jacks Buy Modalert Without Prescription, will be rocking downtown Miami's Gusman Center tonight to raise funds for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Remaining tickets are on sale for each, buy Modalert without a prescription, Purchase Modalert online no prescription, for students.

Sharing the stage will be champion step dancers from the Breffni Academy of Irish Dance, buy Modalert no prescription. Modalert pharmacy, Those of you who saw The Three Jacks in Lima this past May will remember Carolyn, Caroline and Kiera's remarkable footwork, Modalert price. Online buy Modalert without a prescription, (By the way, 17-year-old Kiera just won 5th place in the U.S, buy Modalert online no prescription. Purchase Modalert online, National Championships. Riverdance, Modalert over the counter, Buy Modalert without prescription, watch out.)

I highly urge all Peruvians in Miami to show their support for this remarkable group of musicians and dancers, who have raised more than , where can i buy cheapest Modalert online, Online buy Modalert without a prescription, 000 for earthquake relief in Pisco. Visit the band after the show and let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

Oh, rx free Modalert, Purchase Modalert online no prescription, and there will also be a cash bar at the Gusman, which means you will be able to listen to the band's music in the, where can i order Modalert without prescription, Modalert for sale, uh, proper state of mind that Celtic rock deserves, buy Modalert online cod. Buy Modalert from mexico, Related post: Three Jacks and Breffni Dancers Conquer Peru. Modalert pharmacy. Order Modalert from mexican pharmacy. Order Modalert online c.o.d. Modalert from canadian pharmacy. Buy cheap Modalert no rx. Purchase Modalert online. Order Modalert. Where can i buy Modalert online. Buy Modalert no prescription. Buy Modalert from canada. Modalert over the counter. Buy no prescription Modalert online.

Buy Zolpidem Without Prescription

Barbara — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:20:15 +0000

Dog at Yungay National Cemetery; Mount Huascaran in background (photo by Barbara Drake 2009)

Buy Zolpidem Without Prescription, Last Sunday, El Fotógrafo, El Híjo and I toured the cemetery above the buried town of Yungay, about 30 miles north of Huaraz. Where can i order Zolpidem without prescription, We were with a group of scientists and historians taking part in a glacier adaptation conference, and there couldn't have been a more stark reminder of nature's destructive potential than to wander about this picturesque yet oppressive site -- a place where nearly 20, where can i buy cheapest Zolpidem online, Australia, uk, us, usa, canada, mexico, india, craiglist, ebay, 000 souls perished in minutes from a massive avalanche that trapped them in mud, ice and rocks on May 31, rx free Zolpidem, Order Zolpidem no prescription, 1970.

Stuart of En Peru explains the catastrophe vividly, buy generic Zolpidem. Buy Zolpidem without prescription, We stood on the uppermost tier of the cemetery with Peruvian glaciologist Benjamin Morales Arnao, who explained how he happened to escape being buried alive that day (he had been watching the World Cup soccer match on TV with some friends earlier in the afternoon but decided to go for a drive in his new Land Cruiser), Zolpidem pharmacy, Buy Zolpidem online cod, and then we were given 30 minutes to explore the cemetery.

Our mud-caked hiking boots trod over neatly trimmed garden pathways, buy Zolpidem no prescription, Buy no prescription Zolpidem online, past red and white and pink rose bushes that for all their fragrant blooms carry a whiff of death. The roots of those bushes reach deep into earth that was sown with the remains of 20,000 bodies -- the worst natural disaster in Peru's history. The devastation was so total, the Peruvian government refused to excavate, Buy Zolpidem Without Prescription. Everyone was buried where the mud and rocks had trapped them, buy cheap Zolpidem. Rx free Zolpidem, That was nearly 40 years ago.

EF and I roamed the cemetery photographing white monuments, order Zolpidem, Buy Zolpidem from mexico, rose bushes, the rusted remains of a mangled bus, australia, uk, us, usa, canada, mexico, india, craiglist, ebay. Purchase Zolpidem online, "I want to leave," whined EH, Zolpidem from canadian pharmacy. Purchase Zolpidem online no prescription, This dog appeared as we lingered at the park exit. There were some vendors there selling snacks and Inca Cola, Zolpidem for sale, Where can i order Zolpidem without prescription, and he obviously belonged to one of them. He was small and furry and definitely the most lively thing in the Yungay National Cemetery, order Zolpidem no prescription. Buy Zolpidem from canada, The dog plunked down in front of a mountain-shaped rock and stayed still for about one minute as I shot him in front of the twin peaks of Huascaran. Where can i buy Zolpidem online. Zolpidem samples. Order Zolpidem online c.o.d. Buy Zolpidem without a prescription. Online buy Zolpidem without a prescription. Order Zolpidem from mexican pharmacy. Where can i find Zolpidem online.

Clonazepam For Sale

Barbara — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:01:57 +0000

Clonazepam For Sale, Just a bit of exaggeration in that headline. Purchase Clonazepam online, But I'm entitled to gloat about the success of my band last weekend at Auditorio Santa Ursula, in San Isidro, Clonazepam from canadian pharmacy. Clonazepam samples, We had two fabulous concerts, Friday and Saturday nights (May 15 & 16), order Clonazepam online c.o.d, Online buying Clonazepam, and got loads of people to contribute money to build a hospital in Pisco. Plus I met a lot of great people -- Peruvians and expats and even some readers of this blog -- which made the event truly special, order Clonazepam. Online buy Clonazepam without a prescription, I'm still coming down from the high.

Media buzz went into high gear two Sundays ago when TV and radio host Mabela Martinez featured The Three Jacks in a half--hour special on her show "Sonidos del Mundo." Mabela is an astute sommelier of world music and she knows how to pair Peruvian tastes with intriguing music from other cultures, Clonazepam For Sale. Her ability to get people excited about new sounds was a tremendous help in introducing our band's Celtic-rock fusion to Lima audiences and filling the theater, Clonazepam price. Buy cheap Clonazepam no rx,

Taping show in Miami for Sonidos del Mundo; photo by Robert Stolpe

Interest in The Three Jacks spiked even more when we appeared on the popular Peruvian talk show "Oh Diosas," hosted by Almendra Gomelsky and Astrid Fiedler, buy Clonazepam no prescription, Buy Clonazepam without prescription, on Thursday. We played "Star of the County Down, where can i buy Clonazepam online, Buy Clonazepam online no prescription, " and the Breffni step dancers did a fast reel -- nearly flying into the cameras as they leaped across the soundstage. Our lead singer Henk spoke a dreadful Spanglish that he tried to compensate for by flirting outrageously with Astrid, order Clonazepam from mexican pharmacy. Clonazepam For Sale, (Note to self: Next time, be Spanish-language spokesperson for band.)

L to R: Almendra of "Oh Diosas" with our step dancers Kiera Daley, Carolyn Ho, host Astrid and dancer Cristina Rodriguez; photo by Carolyn Ho's camera

Sharing the "Oh Diosas" time slot with us was Spanish singer-songwriter Jorge Drexler. Buy no prescription Clonazepam online, I am embarrased to say that I didn't know who he was when I sat down next to him in the makeup room, but my our violinist Shasha Zhang was gushing all over him, buy Clonazepam without a prescription, Clonazepam for sale, and I soon learned that he is a phenomenally talented composer, singer and guitarist, buy Clonazepam from canada. Order Clonazepam no prescription, (He wrote the score for The Motorcycle Diaries.)

I also had a moment in the spotlight when Jose Gabriel Chueca of the newspaper Peru21 interviewed me at my home and I managed to tie together the Celtic music tradition with Peruvian potatoes.

Earlier that week, rx free Clonazepam, Where can i buy Clonazepam online, the Daily Business Review profiled our lead singer Henk and guitarist Jack Shawde in "Attorneys by Day, Celtic Musicians by Night." The multimedia article includes a slideshow featuring our band's music and photos of the Two Jacks in action, where can i find Clonazepam online. Buy cheap Clonazepam no rx, All throughout the band's time in Lima, we were asked: Why are you Americans helping the people of Peru? The unspoken question was: What's in it for you, rx free Clonazepam. Peruvians were slightly in disbelief that a group of Miami-based musicians and dancers would fly to Peru and perform for free to raise money for an earthquake that happened nearly two years ago, Clonazepam For Sale. Buy Clonazepam without a prescription, We told Astrid and Almendra and everyone else: We're doing it because we want to help and because we personally know what it's like to experience a disaster. We spoke of the devastating hurricanes that blow through Miami, buy Clonazepam online no prescription. Order Clonazepam online c.o.d, We mentioned Katrina, which wrecked our bass player Debbie's home town of New Orleans, order Clonazepam from mexican pharmacy. Buy cheap Clonazepam, We talked about how our own concerts were delayed nine months because Henk's wife Pippa was suddenly diagnosed with a spinal tumor back in August '08. (She's now okay, Clonazepam for sale, after the operation, and was in the front row at our concerts.)

The Peruvians nodded as we explained that We Wanted to Do Some Good.

I think the message did get through.

If you have it in your heart to give to our band's "Angels with a Mission" fundraising effort, please visit The Three Jacks' homepage at http://www.thethreejacks.com and click on the Donate Now button. The people of Pisco thank you.

Laura Bush Does Peru: Toilets for the People!

Barbara — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:44:07 +0000

Laura Bush had an interesting itinerary this past weekend in Peru. I think it merits more public attention than does her husband's hobnobbing with APEC leaders at the final summit meeting.

Laura Bush looks on as aid worker demonstrates how to decontaminate drinking water in earthquake zone (San Clemente, Peru, Nov. 21)

Of note:

(1) She didn't come with W. (He flew with Arroz.) Instead of arriving at Lima in Airforce One with her husband, Laura Bush flew from Panama to southern Peru. Some bloggers have read into the separate travel itineraries (strained marital relations), but I'm skipping those speculations because... (2) Laura Bush should be commended for visiting Pisco, one of the towns ravaged by the August 2007 earthquake. Her visit drew attention to an area that's faded from most people's memory. One and a half years later, Pisco and Ica and nearby towns still are in ruins, without many of the sanitary and social services that make life bearable. About 520 people were killed, 1,844 injured in the August 2007 earthquake in southern Peru. Nearly 53,000 houses were destroyed, according to INDECI records. An additional 50,000 were badly damaged. I give the outgoing First Lady a thumbs-up for ditching Lima on Friday, Nov. 21, in favor of this dusty disaster area. She visited a housing reconstruction project partially funded by USAID and gave a press conference in which she praised the "warmth" of the Peruvian people (see transcript below). She also mentioned that she was pleased to see that the new houses have bathrooms and toilets. That comment might sound strange to American ears, but it makes sense if you know Peru: many homes don't have toilets and sewage connections. Whoever briefed Laura on the USAID project had the intelligence to make a talking point out of the toilets; the comment gives the impression that the First Lady is in touch with the realities of life in southern Peru. Yes, I know the information is fed to her, but consider this: How many U.S. citizens do you know who have even an inkling of what life is like for people in developing countries? (3) Laura and one of her daughters also tried ceviche in Peru -- not a surprise, but they did sample it at Pescados Capitales, one of my favorite restaurants. (See my post from last week on the restaurant's APEC menu.) Owner Nguyen Chavez tells me that Mrs. Bush and one of her daughters ate cebiche de lenguado, grilled octopus, salmón en salsa de alcaparras con risotto de legumbres (the dish known as "vanidad" on the menu) y grilled tuna with garbanzo bean salad ("impaciencia"). She also drank a pisco sour. Here's the official White House transcript of a Q&A section at the Adobe Housing Reconstruction Project, in Pisco, which Laura Bush visited last Friday. The project uses reinforced adobe, which is superior to pure-mud adobe but inferior to brick and mortar (which is expensive in Peru);

November 21, 2008 5:07 P.M. EST MRS. BUSH: I'm so happy to have had the chance to see this house that we just walked in with the new residents who are going to live here. The house is built so that it's earthquake-proof, earthquake-safe, and this is a wonderful model for houses that are being rebuilt all over this part of Peru that suffered devastation from the earthquake in 2007. This is a great example of a program that is funded in some part by USAID, in other parts by donations from other parts of the world, CARE -- the NGO, CARE, has been really in charge of this project -- and then of course by the government of Peru. And we're hoping that all of these groups coming together can rebuild faster than any one group could do by itself. And one of the things we want for these new nice houses is bathrooms, toilets, and fuel-efficient kitchens, and I got to see that in this house back in the back part of it. And that's part of the contribution from USAID. So now I want to wish the new residents the very best. It's really a thrill to get to see them walk into their beautiful new house. And I want to encourage everybody here to keep working, keep rebuilding, use this good earthquake-proof house as a model, as you continue to rebuild. So thank you all very much. Thanks a lot. I'm very happy to be here in Peru for the APEC meeting. Q (As translated) Are you only doing work related to rebuilding houses or is it also educational assistance for children -- the victims, the children victims of this earthquake? Will there be any other kind of social assistance? MRS. BUSH: Well, I'll have to ask the USAID person who's here with us about education. But when we were just at the health clinic, the center for health, some of those health workers were trained with funds from USAID. And I'm not really sure about the school help, the education help, but maybe you can answer that. AID PERSON*: (As translated) At USAID we have programs related to education, health, alternative development, and the programs in education focus mostly in the areas of San Martin and Ucayali, working with regional and local governments to improve learning systems for children. Q (As translated) What are your upcoming activities as far as APEC in Lima? MRS. BUSH: I will be with all of the spouses of the leaders who have come for APEC. We have a spouses program that will be hosted by your First Lady, Mrs. Garcia*, and we're going to tour and see some different things in Lima that I'm really looking forward to visiting -- an archaeological site and some other things. I think it'll really be a very interesting and fun conference. So I'm looking forward to it. Q (As translated) This is your last trip to our country as First Lady. What is the impression that you have of this country now that your husband is leaving office? MRS. BUSH: This is our last international trip, so Peru is the last country that we'll visit, George and me, as he's sitting President. And one of the things I'm struck with from all of my visits to Peru since George has been President is the warmth of the people of Peru. And I appreciate very much the way people welcomed me in the clinic, and on the streets, and waving to people. And I thank them very, very much for their very warm hospitality. Thank you all. Muchas gracias. God bless you all.

Links: Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance July 2008 bulletin on Peru Governor Triveño: Reconstruction of Ica, Peru to take another 10 years (Living in Peru) Remembering the Peru Earthquake, One Year Later (An American in Lima) Help Peru's Earthquake Victims Rebuild Their Lives (An American in Lima)

Of Earthquakes and Philosophers

Barbara — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:27:46 +0000

This past Monday (October 6), at around 6:50 p.m., El Híjo and I were sitting in the living room when we felt an enormous jolt. EH leaped from the couch: "Earthquake!" The rapid shaking last for ten seconds and stopped. El Fotógrafo emerged from the kitchen where he was cooking a very fragrant Bolognese sauce. His brother was right behind him, wafting on the scent of sautéed garlic. "Yes," said his brother, stroking his beard. "This is October. The month of the earthquakes." He paused thoughtfully. "Also May." Now is a good time in this blog to introduce El Filósofo, EF's older brother and a lifetime Lima resident.

Plato and Aristotle by Rafael

El Filósofo lives two blocks away from us with his wife, La Organica, and two of their three grown children. EF's brother is many things – an artist, an artisanal baker, a former Waldorf School teacher – but his identity, or his aura, if you will, is larger than all that. He is the quintessential philosophic Limeño, with a stoic, wry attitude toward all events, good or bad. If the country's economy is posting record gains and the critics are cheering the robustness of Peru's democratic process, El Filósofo will remind you of the sudden military takeover of Peru in 1968. If the power in your neighborhood goes out due to an unexplained municipal snafu, El Filósofo will light some candles from the Barrio Chino and explain why humanity is really better off without electricity. If you are a frantic, overworked American mother (as I was in 2000) and you are in Lima with your two-year-old who drinks only soy milk and you have just discovered that boxed soy milk doesn't exist in Peru, El Filósofo will helpfully explain how to take soy beans and squeeze the milk out of them BY HAND. He will smile as he says this. As it turns out, El Filósofo isn't the only Limeño who likes to repeat the May/October earthquake adage. The morning after the Lima earthquake – which registered a modest 4.0 degrees on the Richter scale – I brought up the event during my neighborhood exercise class. The exercise teacher, a cheerful, disciplined woman with the body of an 18-year-old Olympian, put on that same patient face I had seen on El Filósofo. "Ah, si. Octubre. El mes de terremotos," she said, pressing her palms together in unconscious supplication. "Y mayo también." Then she perked up and yelled at us to do twenty more sit-ups. Comments like those of the exercise goddess and El Filósofo suggest how the human psyche adapts when faced with ongoing threats beyond one's control. Peru, like other Andean countries located along the South American and Nazca tectonic plates, will always be subject to earthquakes. Their exact timing can't be predicted. But to know or to believe that earthquakes tend to happen during certain months lends them a predictability -- and hence makes the fear more bearable. Living in a city prone to earthquakes, power outages and occasional military takeovers offers a person several coping options: become a nervous wreck, drink heavily or cultivate one's inner philosopher. Or, as I'll describe in my next post, become a devotee of El Señor de los Milagros.

Remembering the Peru Earthquake, One Year Later

Barbara — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:28:26 +0000

August 15, 2007: It had been little more than a month since El Fotografo, El Hijo and I had packed up the contents of our 4-bedroom house in Florida, stuffed it all in a shipping container bound for Callao, and hopped on a plane to EF's hometown of Lima.

Everything in Peru's capital was new and strange to El Hijo and I, then -- and to EF as well, since he hadn't lived in Peru for 25 years. The food, the climate, the traffic, the language -- just stepping out of the front door each morning was an adventure, not always an easy one.

For several weeks we had been staying in a friend's second-floor apartment in Miraflores, right across from the Church of Our Lady of Carmel. Each morning we'd watch the school children in their brown Carmelitas uniforms file into the round door across the street, their mothers and nannies waving to them from the curb. We could hear the children's shouts from the school gymnasium as we ate lunch in our tiny living room/dining room.

Below our friend's apartment is a corner bodega, where all day long customers stop in to buy snacks, sodas, cigarettes, and to gossip.

The store's candies are behind glass, and you have to ask the cashier for them. It was around this time that EH became motivated to learn Spanish. "Una Kindersupresa, por favor?"

On Wednesday, August 15, at around 6:30 p.m., El Hijo and I were sitting on his bed, playing a game with a stuffed Scottie dog we'd bought at Wong. El Fotografo was in the other bedroom, typing up a presentation for a job interview with the UN in Peru. He had applied for a job in disaster planning, a career path he'd pursued in the United States during the 1980s and '90s.

Just as EF was typing the word "earthquake" (yes), the walls of the apartment began to shake.

First I heard glass rattling. 'That's weird,' I thought.

Then I became aware that the bed was shaking, too -- the floor was shaking. It was a bad rattling sound.

"Earthquake!" EF shouted. "Run downstairs."

EH grabbed all the stuffed animals he had brought from the U.S., and we ran down the narrow hall stairway to the street below, with EF behind us. An older man and his grandson, who were living in the apartment across from us, stood hesitantly on the upstairs mezzanine, confused.

"Come down!" EF shouted.

They followed, dazedly.

The little boy was clutching a red plastic dinosaur.

The walls were shaking all around us.

Outside in the street the streetlights were on; cars had stopped in mid-traffic across from the Carmelitas church. Against the black sky, a strange orange haze haloed the tops of buildings and trees.

We stood in the middle of the street, in our stockinged feet, and felt the asphalt road ripple under us in long waves. We had forgotten to put on shoes. El Hijo held my hand tightly. He wasn't crying.

"What's happening?" he asked. His teeth were chattering.

"Just stay calm," said EF, a veteran of the 1970 Peru earthquake, which killed 70,000 people. "It will be over with soon."

It kept going.

I waited for windows and buildings to fall but they didn't. Some women were on their knees on the sidewalk, praying, "Dios!" The world undulated.

Then it stopped.

For four days after the 8.0 earthquake, we kept getting tremors in Lima.

"Welcome to Peru," El Fotografo said.

We learned that Pisco and Chincha and other towns in southern Peru had been devastated by the quake. About 40,000 buildings had been destroyed. More than 600 people were dead.

We, on Peru's central coast, had been lucky.

One year after the disaster, much of south Peru still lies in ruins. Many people still live in temporary housing. Reconstruction is proceeding very slowly, with some fingers pointing at President Alan Garcia, others at corrupt local politicians.

Update 8/16/08: Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on the one-year-anniversary of the quake, to protest the government's inadequate response to the disaster.

In Chincha banners carried by protests "called for President Alan Garcia to tell the truth about where the 2m supposedly spent on the reconstruction had gone, and why so many people had still not received compensation to rebuild their homes," reports the BBC.

"At this rate, reconstruction will last 10 years and a generation of our citizens, of our children, will be raised in inequality because they live in huts and have nowhere to study," said the governor of Ica province, Romulo Triveno. [Note that the governor blames Garcia's administration, while Garcia blames Triveno's buddies for the slow rate of reconstruction. Echoes of the post-Katrina blame game, to this American expat's ears.]

For various perspectives on Peru's Earthquake, One Year Later, visit:

BBC Online, "Thousands Join Peru Quake Protest" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Economist, "Lessons from an Earthquake" (Aug. 14, 2008)

Andina, "Peru & APEC Flags Fly at Half Mast for Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Reuters, "Peruvians Protest, Mourn on Anniversary of Quake" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Want to be part of the solution? Help Peru rebuilt by donating funds or your time to an ongoing relief effort:

Idealist.org, "Volunteer Opportunities in Pisco/Peru Earthquake Relief" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Online Fundraising Blog, "Irish-Peruvian Fusion Raises Funds for Peru Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Three Jacks, "The Three Jacks Peru Tour" (Aug. 10, 2008) -- contribute to funding for medical centers in Pisco and Chincha

Help Peru’s Earthquake Victims Rebuild Their Lives

Barbara — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:46:58 +0000

[caption id="attachment_116" align="alignnone" width="442" caption="The Three Jacks (& Three Jills)"][/caption]

Tonight at 8 p.m., my astral self will be hovering over downtown Miami as my good friends and former band mates, The Three Jacks, play a benefit concert to raise funds for victims of the 2007 Peru earthquake. The concert is being held at 8 p.m. at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, and I'm thrilled to report that tickets have sold out, every last one of them.

Joining The Three Jacks will be champion step-dancers from the Breffni Academy of Irish Dance, in Florida. It promises to be a rousing evening of Celtic rock and Irish step dance, Miami-style. (Read Greg Baker's article in the July 31 Miami New Times.)

: Breffni Dancers

I say "my astral self" in all seriousness: My picture has been added to a composite group shot of The Three Jacks and is plastered on posters around Lima, advertising benefit concerts in Peru on August 8 and 9. Thanks to the wonders of email attachments and PhotoShop tweaking, I am now the Jacks' third "Jill" (female member). I was scheduled to play penny whistle with the band during its August Peru tour, and I have been giving interviews on the radio and talking everyone's ear off in Lima about the concerts.

It has all felt slightly surreal, or, rather, Madame Blavatsky-ish, seeing myself on the Web site and posters, as if I am someone from the spirit world conjured back to the earth plane. (As far as the United States is concerned, Peru might as well be the Land of the Shades.) Unfortunately, a sudden medical emergency has arisen in the family of lead singer Henk Milne, and so the Peru concerts have been postponed to a future (not yet specified) date. I am very concerned for Henk's family, whom I have known for 17 years. And I am saddened to not be playing Celtic music in my newly adopted country. It would have been fun to share the stage again with these remarkable musicians and tear into "Whiskey in the Jar" and "Follow Me up to Carlowe" one more time. Sigh. Not this month. It's not all bad news, however. In some remarkable way, fundraising for the "Angels with a Mission" effort continues to accelerate. The band is raising money for the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS) to build medical centers in Chincha and Pisco, and as of this afternoon, has amassed more than 31 percent of its 0,000 goal (not counting ticket sale proceeds). Yes, you read correctly. Six figures. The Little Irish Band that Could. You, dear reader, can help by visiting www.thethreejacks.com , following the navigation link to "Peru Tour" and clicking on the donation button. It is all legal and legit, and you donation will truly help the people of southern Peru get back on their feet. I would not be involved in this effort if I didn't trust PAMS, which has been doing good work in Peru for 35 years. Stay tuned to An American in Lima for news about The Three Jacks' revised tour schedule for Peru 2008. Sending hugs especially to Pippa -- Barb

Me and Lima: Improvising a Life

Barbara — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:55:48 +0000

Ha ha. Not.

Spent yesterday waiting for the tsunami to hit the coast of Lima. Reports on RPP news put it at 6:00, then 7:45 p.m. , then 8:30 p.m.

"The head of the National Penitentiary Institute [INPE], retired general Wilson Hernandez, confirmed that indeed the founder of Shining Path, Abimael Guzmán, and Fujimori's "strong man," Vladimiro Montesinos, were evacuated from the Callao Naval Base in precautionary measures taken for a possible tsunami."

Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription

Barbara — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:03:43 +0000

We've got our shoes lined up by the door. 'Cause, as Nancy says, these boots are made for walking.

Nancy Sinatra These boots are made for walking
Cargado por igrecman. - Ver más clips de música, videos en HD!.

Buy Modalert Without Prescription

Barbara — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:50:44 +0000

My bandmates The Three Jacks Buy Modalert Without Prescription, will be rocking downtown Miami's Gusman Center tonight to raise funds for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Remaining tickets are on sale for each, buy Modalert without a prescription, Purchase Modalert online no prescription, for students.

Buy Zolpidem Without Prescription

Barbara — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:20:15 +0000

Dog at Yungay National Cemetery; Mount Huascaran in background (photo by Barbara Drake 2009)

Clonazepam For Sale

Barbara — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:01:57 +0000

Taping show in Miami for Sonidos del Mundo; photo by Robert Stolpe

L to R: Almendra of "Oh Diosas" with our step dancers Kiera Daley, Carolyn Ho, host Astrid and dancer Cristina Rodriguez; photo by Carolyn Ho's camera

I also had a moment in the spotlight when Jose Gabriel Chueca of the newspaper Peru21 interviewed me at my home and I managed to tie together the Celtic music tradition with Peruvian potatoes.

The Peruvians nodded as we explained that We Wanted to Do Some Good.

I think the message did get through.

Laura Bush Does Peru: Toilets for the People!

Barbara — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:44:07 +0000

Laura Bush had an interesting itinerary this past weekend in Peru. I think it merits more public attention than does her husband's hobnobbing with APEC leaders at the final summit meeting.

Laura Bush looks on as aid worker demonstrates how to decontaminate drinking water in earthquake zone (San Clemente, Peru, Nov. 21)

Of note:

November 21, 2008 5:07 P.M. EST MRS. BUSH: I'm so happy to have had the chance to see this house that we just walked in with the new residents who are going to live here. The house is built so that it's earthquake-proof, earthquake-safe, and this is a wonderful model for houses that are being rebuilt all over this part of Peru that suffered devastation from the earthquake in 2007. This is a great example of a program that is funded in some part by USAID, in other parts by donations from other parts of the world, CARE -- the NGO, CARE, has been really in charge of this project -- and then of course by the government of Peru. And we're hoping that all of these groups coming together can rebuild faster than any one group could do by itself. And one of the things we want for these new nice houses is bathrooms, toilets, and fuel-efficient kitchens, and I got to see that in this house back in the back part of it. And that's part of the contribution from USAID. So now I want to wish the new residents the very best. It's really a thrill to get to see them walk into their beautiful new house. And I want to encourage everybody here to keep working, keep rebuilding, use this good earthquake-proof house as a model, as you continue to rebuild. So thank you all very much. Thanks a lot. I'm very happy to be here in Peru for the APEC meeting. Q (As translated) Are you only doing work related to rebuilding houses or is it also educational assistance for children -- the victims, the children victims of this earthquake? Will there be any other kind of social assistance? MRS. BUSH: Well, I'll have to ask the USAID person who's here with us about education. But when we were just at the health clinic, the center for health, some of those health workers were trained with funds from USAID. And I'm not really sure about the school help, the education help, but maybe you can answer that. AID PERSON*: (As translated) At USAID we have programs related to education, health, alternative development, and the programs in education focus mostly in the areas of San Martin and Ucayali, working with regional and local governments to improve learning systems for children. Q (As translated) What are your upcoming activities as far as APEC in Lima? MRS. BUSH: I will be with all of the spouses of the leaders who have come for APEC. We have a spouses program that will be hosted by your First Lady, Mrs. Garcia*, and we're going to tour and see some different things in Lima that I'm really looking forward to visiting -- an archaeological site and some other things. I think it'll really be a very interesting and fun conference. So I'm looking forward to it. Q (As translated) This is your last trip to our country as First Lady. What is the impression that you have of this country now that your husband is leaving office? MRS. BUSH: This is our last international trip, so Peru is the last country that we'll visit, George and me, as he's sitting President. And one of the things I'm struck with from all of my visits to Peru since George has been President is the warmth of the people of Peru. And I appreciate very much the way people welcomed me in the clinic, and on the streets, and waving to people. And I thank them very, very much for their very warm hospitality. Thank you all. Muchas gracias. God bless you all.

Of Earthquakes and Philosophers

Barbara — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:27:46 +0000

Plato and Aristotle by Rafael

Remembering the Peru Earthquake, One Year Later

Barbara — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:28:26 +0000

Below our friend's apartment is a corner bodega, where all day long customers stop in to buy snacks, sodas, cigarettes, and to gossip.

The store's candies are behind glass, and you have to ask the cashier for them. It was around this time that EH became motivated to learn Spanish. "Una Kindersupresa, por favor?"

Just as EF was typing the word "earthquake" (yes), the walls of the apartment began to shake.

First I heard glass rattling. 'That's weird,' I thought.

Then I became aware that the bed was shaking, too -- the floor was shaking. It was a bad rattling sound.

"Earthquake!" EF shouted. "Run downstairs."

"Come down!" EF shouted.

They followed, dazedly.

The little boy was clutching a red plastic dinosaur.

The walls were shaking all around us.

Outside in the street the streetlights were on; cars had stopped in mid-traffic across from the Carmelitas church. Against the black sky, a strange orange haze haloed the tops of buildings and trees.

"What's happening?" he asked. His teeth were chattering.

"Just stay calm," said EF, a veteran of the 1970 Peru earthquake, which killed 70,000 people. "It will be over with soon."

It kept going.

I waited for windows and buildings to fall but they didn't. Some women were on their knees on the sidewalk, praying, "Dios!" The world undulated.

Then it stopped.

For four days after the 8.0 earthquake, we kept getting tremors in Lima.

"Welcome to Peru," El Fotografo said.

We learned that Pisco and Chincha and other towns in southern Peru had been devastated by the quake. About 40,000 buildings had been destroyed. More than 600 people were dead.

We, on Peru's central coast, had been lucky.

Update 8/16/08: Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on the one-year-anniversary of the quake, to protest the government's inadequate response to the disaster.

For various perspectives on Peru's Earthquake, One Year Later, visit:

BBC Online, "Thousands Join Peru Quake Protest" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Economist, "Lessons from an Earthquake" (Aug. 14, 2008)

Andina, "Peru & APEC Flags Fly at Half Mast for Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Reuters, "Peruvians Protest, Mourn on Anniversary of Quake" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Want to be part of the solution? Help Peru rebuilt by donating funds or your time to an ongoing relief effort:

Idealist.org, "Volunteer Opportunities in Pisco/Peru Earthquake Relief" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Online Fundraising Blog, "Irish-Peruvian Fusion Raises Funds for Peru Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Three Jacks, "The Three Jacks Peru Tour" (Aug. 10, 2008) -- contribute to funding for medical centers in Pisco and Chincha

Help Peru’s Earthquake Victims Rebuild Their Lives

Barbara — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:46:58 +0000

[caption id="attachment_116" align="alignnone" width="442" caption="The Three Jacks (& Three Jills)"][/caption]

: Breffni Dancers

Me and Lima: Improvising a Life

Barbara — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:55:48 +0000

Ha ha. Not.

Spent yesterday waiting for the tsunami to hit the coast of Lima. Reports on RPP news put it at 6:00, then 7:45 p.m. , then 8:30 p.m.

"The head of the National Penitentiary Institute [INPE], retired general Wilson Hernandez, confirmed that indeed the founder of Shining Path, Abimael Guzmán, and Fujimori's "strong man," Vladimiro Montesinos, were evacuated from the Callao Naval Base in precautionary measures taken for a possible tsunami."

An American in Lima » Earthquakes

Barbara — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:55:48 +0000

Ha ha. Not.

Spent yesterday waiting for the tsunami to hit the coast of Lima. Reports on RPP news put it at 6:00, then 7:45 p.m. , then 8:30 p.m.

"The head of the National Penitentiary Institute [INPE], retired general Wilson Hernandez, confirmed that indeed the founder of Shining Path, Abimael Guzmán, and Fujimori's "strong man," Vladimiro Montesinos, were evacuated from the Callao Naval Base in precautionary measures taken for a possible tsunami."

Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription

Barbara — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:03:43 +0000

We've got our shoes lined up by the door. 'Cause, as Nancy says, these boots are made for walking.

Nancy Sinatra These boots are made for walking
Cargado por igrecman. - Ver más clips de música, videos en HD!.

Buy Modalert Without Prescription

Barbara — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:50:44 +0000

My bandmates The Three Jacks Buy Modalert Without Prescription, will be rocking downtown Miami's Gusman Center tonight to raise funds for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Remaining tickets are on sale for each, buy Modalert without a prescription, Purchase Modalert online no prescription, for students.

Buy Zolpidem Without Prescription

Barbara — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:20:15 +0000

Dog at Yungay National Cemetery; Mount Huascaran in background (photo by Barbara Drake 2009)

Clonazepam For Sale

Barbara — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:01:57 +0000

Taping show in Miami for Sonidos del Mundo; photo by Robert Stolpe

L to R: Almendra of "Oh Diosas" with our step dancers Kiera Daley, Carolyn Ho, host Astrid and dancer Cristina Rodriguez; photo by Carolyn Ho's camera

I also had a moment in the spotlight when Jose Gabriel Chueca of the newspaper Peru21 interviewed me at my home and I managed to tie together the Celtic music tradition with Peruvian potatoes.

The Peruvians nodded as we explained that We Wanted to Do Some Good.

I think the message did get through.

Laura Bush Does Peru: Toilets for the People!

Barbara — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:44:07 +0000

Laura Bush had an interesting itinerary this past weekend in Peru. I think it merits more public attention than does her husband's hobnobbing with APEC leaders at the final summit meeting.

Laura Bush looks on as aid worker demonstrates how to decontaminate drinking water in earthquake zone (San Clemente, Peru, Nov. 21)

Of note:

November 21, 2008 5:07 P.M. EST MRS. BUSH: I'm so happy to have had the chance to see this house that we just walked in with the new residents who are going to live here. The house is built so that it's earthquake-proof, earthquake-safe, and this is a wonderful model for houses that are being rebuilt all over this part of Peru that suffered devastation from the earthquake in 2007. This is a great example of a program that is funded in some part by USAID, in other parts by donations from other parts of the world, CARE -- the NGO, CARE, has been really in charge of this project -- and then of course by the government of Peru. And we're hoping that all of these groups coming together can rebuild faster than any one group could do by itself. And one of the things we want for these new nice houses is bathrooms, toilets, and fuel-efficient kitchens, and I got to see that in this house back in the back part of it. And that's part of the contribution from USAID. So now I want to wish the new residents the very best. It's really a thrill to get to see them walk into their beautiful new house. And I want to encourage everybody here to keep working, keep rebuilding, use this good earthquake-proof house as a model, as you continue to rebuild. So thank you all very much. Thanks a lot. I'm very happy to be here in Peru for the APEC meeting. Q (As translated) Are you only doing work related to rebuilding houses or is it also educational assistance for children -- the victims, the children victims of this earthquake? Will there be any other kind of social assistance? MRS. BUSH: Well, I'll have to ask the USAID person who's here with us about education. But when we were just at the health clinic, the center for health, some of those health workers were trained with funds from USAID. And I'm not really sure about the school help, the education help, but maybe you can answer that. AID PERSON*: (As translated) At USAID we have programs related to education, health, alternative development, and the programs in education focus mostly in the areas of San Martin and Ucayali, working with regional and local governments to improve learning systems for children. Q (As translated) What are your upcoming activities as far as APEC in Lima? MRS. BUSH: I will be with all of the spouses of the leaders who have come for APEC. We have a spouses program that will be hosted by your First Lady, Mrs. Garcia*, and we're going to tour and see some different things in Lima that I'm really looking forward to visiting -- an archaeological site and some other things. I think it'll really be a very interesting and fun conference. So I'm looking forward to it. Q (As translated) This is your last trip to our country as First Lady. What is the impression that you have of this country now that your husband is leaving office? MRS. BUSH: This is our last international trip, so Peru is the last country that we'll visit, George and me, as he's sitting President. And one of the things I'm struck with from all of my visits to Peru since George has been President is the warmth of the people of Peru. And I appreciate very much the way people welcomed me in the clinic, and on the streets, and waving to people. And I thank them very, very much for their very warm hospitality. Thank you all. Muchas gracias. God bless you all.

Of Earthquakes and Philosophers

Barbara — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:27:46 +0000

Plato and Aristotle by Rafael

Remembering the Peru Earthquake, One Year Later

Barbara — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:28:26 +0000

Below our friend's apartment is a corner bodega, where all day long customers stop in to buy snacks, sodas, cigarettes, and to gossip.

The store's candies are behind glass, and you have to ask the cashier for them. It was around this time that EH became motivated to learn Spanish. "Una Kindersupresa, por favor?"

Just as EF was typing the word "earthquake" (yes), the walls of the apartment began to shake.

First I heard glass rattling. 'That's weird,' I thought.

Then I became aware that the bed was shaking, too -- the floor was shaking. It was a bad rattling sound.

"Earthquake!" EF shouted. "Run downstairs."

"Come down!" EF shouted.

They followed, dazedly.

The little boy was clutching a red plastic dinosaur.

The walls were shaking all around us.

Outside in the street the streetlights were on; cars had stopped in mid-traffic across from the Carmelitas church. Against the black sky, a strange orange haze haloed the tops of buildings and trees.

"What's happening?" he asked. His teeth were chattering.

"Just stay calm," said EF, a veteran of the 1970 Peru earthquake, which killed 70,000 people. "It will be over with soon."

It kept going.

I waited for windows and buildings to fall but they didn't. Some women were on their knees on the sidewalk, praying, "Dios!" The world undulated.

Then it stopped.

For four days after the 8.0 earthquake, we kept getting tremors in Lima.

"Welcome to Peru," El Fotografo said.

We learned that Pisco and Chincha and other towns in southern Peru had been devastated by the quake. About 40,000 buildings had been destroyed. More than 600 people were dead.

We, on Peru's central coast, had been lucky.

Update 8/16/08: Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on the one-year-anniversary of the quake, to protest the government's inadequate response to the disaster.

For various perspectives on Peru's Earthquake, One Year Later, visit:

BBC Online, "Thousands Join Peru Quake Protest" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Economist, "Lessons from an Earthquake" (Aug. 14, 2008)

Andina, "Peru & APEC Flags Fly at Half Mast for Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Reuters, "Peruvians Protest, Mourn on Anniversary of Quake" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Want to be part of the solution? Help Peru rebuilt by donating funds or your time to an ongoing relief effort:

Idealist.org, "Volunteer Opportunities in Pisco/Peru Earthquake Relief" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Online Fundraising Blog, "Irish-Peruvian Fusion Raises Funds for Peru Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Three Jacks, "The Three Jacks Peru Tour" (Aug. 10, 2008) -- contribute to funding for medical centers in Pisco and Chincha

Help Peru’s Earthquake Victims Rebuild Their Lives

Barbara — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:46:58 +0000

[caption id="attachment_116" align="alignnone" width="442" caption="The Three Jacks (& Three Jills)"][/caption]

: Breffni Dancers

Me and Lima: Improvising a Life

Barbara — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:03:43 +0000

We've got our shoes lined up by the door. 'Cause, as Nancy says, these boots are made for walking.

Nancy Sinatra These boots are made for walking
Cargado por igrecman. - Ver más clips de música, videos en HD!.

An American in Lima » Earthquakes

Barbara — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:55:48 +0000

Ha ha. Not.

Spent yesterday waiting for the tsunami to hit the coast of Lima. Reports on RPP news put it at 6:00, then 7:45 p.m. , then 8:30 p.m.

"The head of the National Penitentiary Institute [INPE], retired general Wilson Hernandez, confirmed that indeed the founder of Shining Path, Abimael Guzmán, and Fujimori's "strong man," Vladimiro Montesinos, were evacuated from the Callao Naval Base in precautionary measures taken for a possible tsunami."

Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription

Barbara — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:03:43 +0000

We've got our shoes lined up by the door. 'Cause, as Nancy says, these boots are made for walking.

Nancy Sinatra These boots are made for walking
Cargado por igrecman. - Ver más clips de música, videos en HD!.

Buy Modalert Without Prescription

Barbara — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:50:44 +0000

My bandmates The Three Jacks Buy Modalert Without Prescription, will be rocking downtown Miami's Gusman Center tonight to raise funds for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Remaining tickets are on sale for each, buy Modalert without a prescription, Purchase Modalert online no prescription, for students.

Buy Zolpidem Without Prescription

Barbara — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:20:15 +0000

Dog at Yungay National Cemetery; Mount Huascaran in background (photo by Barbara Drake 2009)

Clonazepam For Sale

Barbara — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:01:57 +0000

Taping show in Miami for Sonidos del Mundo; photo by Robert Stolpe

L to R: Almendra of "Oh Diosas" with our step dancers Kiera Daley, Carolyn Ho, host Astrid and dancer Cristina Rodriguez; photo by Carolyn Ho's camera

I also had a moment in the spotlight when Jose Gabriel Chueca of the newspaper Peru21 interviewed me at my home and I managed to tie together the Celtic music tradition with Peruvian potatoes.

The Peruvians nodded as we explained that We Wanted to Do Some Good.

I think the message did get through.

Laura Bush Does Peru: Toilets for the People!

Barbara — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:44:07 +0000

Laura Bush had an interesting itinerary this past weekend in Peru. I think it merits more public attention than does her husband's hobnobbing with APEC leaders at the final summit meeting.

Laura Bush looks on as aid worker demonstrates how to decontaminate drinking water in earthquake zone (San Clemente, Peru, Nov. 21)

Of note:

November 21, 2008 5:07 P.M. EST MRS. BUSH: I'm so happy to have had the chance to see this house that we just walked in with the new residents who are going to live here. The house is built so that it's earthquake-proof, earthquake-safe, and this is a wonderful model for houses that are being rebuilt all over this part of Peru that suffered devastation from the earthquake in 2007. This is a great example of a program that is funded in some part by USAID, in other parts by donations from other parts of the world, CARE -- the NGO, CARE, has been really in charge of this project -- and then of course by the government of Peru. And we're hoping that all of these groups coming together can rebuild faster than any one group could do by itself. And one of the things we want for these new nice houses is bathrooms, toilets, and fuel-efficient kitchens, and I got to see that in this house back in the back part of it. And that's part of the contribution from USAID. So now I want to wish the new residents the very best. It's really a thrill to get to see them walk into their beautiful new house. And I want to encourage everybody here to keep working, keep rebuilding, use this good earthquake-proof house as a model, as you continue to rebuild. So thank you all very much. Thanks a lot. I'm very happy to be here in Peru for the APEC meeting. Q (As translated) Are you only doing work related to rebuilding houses or is it also educational assistance for children -- the victims, the children victims of this earthquake? Will there be any other kind of social assistance? MRS. BUSH: Well, I'll have to ask the USAID person who's here with us about education. But when we were just at the health clinic, the center for health, some of those health workers were trained with funds from USAID. And I'm not really sure about the school help, the education help, but maybe you can answer that. AID PERSON*: (As translated) At USAID we have programs related to education, health, alternative development, and the programs in education focus mostly in the areas of San Martin and Ucayali, working with regional and local governments to improve learning systems for children. Q (As translated) What are your upcoming activities as far as APEC in Lima? MRS. BUSH: I will be with all of the spouses of the leaders who have come for APEC. We have a spouses program that will be hosted by your First Lady, Mrs. Garcia*, and we're going to tour and see some different things in Lima that I'm really looking forward to visiting -- an archaeological site and some other things. I think it'll really be a very interesting and fun conference. So I'm looking forward to it. Q (As translated) This is your last trip to our country as First Lady. What is the impression that you have of this country now that your husband is leaving office? MRS. BUSH: This is our last international trip, so Peru is the last country that we'll visit, George and me, as he's sitting President. And one of the things I'm struck with from all of my visits to Peru since George has been President is the warmth of the people of Peru. And I appreciate very much the way people welcomed me in the clinic, and on the streets, and waving to people. And I thank them very, very much for their very warm hospitality. Thank you all. Muchas gracias. God bless you all.

Of Earthquakes and Philosophers

Barbara — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:27:46 +0000

Plato and Aristotle by Rafael

Remembering the Peru Earthquake, One Year Later

Barbara — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:28:26 +0000

Below our friend's apartment is a corner bodega, where all day long customers stop in to buy snacks, sodas, cigarettes, and to gossip.

The store's candies are behind glass, and you have to ask the cashier for them. It was around this time that EH became motivated to learn Spanish. "Una Kindersupresa, por favor?"

Just as EF was typing the word "earthquake" (yes), the walls of the apartment began to shake.

First I heard glass rattling. 'That's weird,' I thought.

Then I became aware that the bed was shaking, too -- the floor was shaking. It was a bad rattling sound.

"Earthquake!" EF shouted. "Run downstairs."

"Come down!" EF shouted.

They followed, dazedly.

The little boy was clutching a red plastic dinosaur.

The walls were shaking all around us.

Outside in the street the streetlights were on; cars had stopped in mid-traffic across from the Carmelitas church. Against the black sky, a strange orange haze haloed the tops of buildings and trees.

"What's happening?" he asked. His teeth were chattering.

"Just stay calm," said EF, a veteran of the 1970 Peru earthquake, which killed 70,000 people. "It will be over with soon."

It kept going.

I waited for windows and buildings to fall but they didn't. Some women were on their knees on the sidewalk, praying, "Dios!" The world undulated.

Then it stopped.

For four days after the 8.0 earthquake, we kept getting tremors in Lima.

"Welcome to Peru," El Fotografo said.

We learned that Pisco and Chincha and other towns in southern Peru had been devastated by the quake. About 40,000 buildings had been destroyed. More than 600 people were dead.

We, on Peru's central coast, had been lucky.

Update 8/16/08: Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on the one-year-anniversary of the quake, to protest the government's inadequate response to the disaster.

For various perspectives on Peru's Earthquake, One Year Later, visit:

BBC Online, "Thousands Join Peru Quake Protest" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Economist, "Lessons from an Earthquake" (Aug. 14, 2008)

Andina, "Peru & APEC Flags Fly at Half Mast for Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Reuters, "Peruvians Protest, Mourn on Anniversary of Quake" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Want to be part of the solution? Help Peru rebuilt by donating funds or your time to an ongoing relief effort:

Idealist.org, "Volunteer Opportunities in Pisco/Peru Earthquake Relief" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Online Fundraising Blog, "Irish-Peruvian Fusion Raises Funds for Peru Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Three Jacks, "The Three Jacks Peru Tour" (Aug. 10, 2008) -- contribute to funding for medical centers in Pisco and Chincha

Help Peru’s Earthquake Victims Rebuild Their Lives

Barbara — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:46:58 +0000

[caption id="attachment_116" align="alignnone" width="442" caption="The Three Jacks (& Three Jills)"][/caption]

: Breffni Dancers

Me and Lima: Improvising a Life

Barbara — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:50:44 +0000

My bandmates The Three Jacks Buy Modalert Without Prescription, will be rocking downtown Miami's Gusman Center tonight to raise funds for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Remaining tickets are on sale for $15 each, buy Modalert without a prescription, Purchase Modalert online no prescription, $10 for students.

I highly urge all Peruvians in Miami to show their support for this remarkable group of musicians and dancers, who have raised more than $50, where can i buy cheapest Modalert online, Online buy Modalert without a prescription, 000 for earthquake relief in Pisco. Visit the band after the show and let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

An American in Lima » Earthquakes

Barbara — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:55:48 +0000

Ha ha. Not.

Spent yesterday waiting for the tsunami to hit the coast of Lima. Reports on RPP news put it at 6:00, then 7:45 p.m. , then 8:30 p.m.

"The head of the National Penitentiary Institute [INPE], retired general Wilson Hernandez, confirmed that indeed the founder of Shining Path, Abimael Guzmán, and Fujimori's "strong man," Vladimiro Montesinos, were evacuated from the Callao Naval Base in precautionary measures taken for a possible tsunami."

Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription

Barbara — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:03:43 +0000

We've got our shoes lined up by the door. 'Cause, as Nancy says, these boots are made for walking.

Nancy Sinatra These boots are made for walking
Cargado por igrecman. - Ver más clips de música, videos en HD!.

Buy Modalert Without Prescription

Barbara — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:50:44 +0000

My bandmates The Three Jacks Buy Modalert Without Prescription, will be rocking downtown Miami's Gusman Center tonight to raise funds for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Remaining tickets are on sale for each, buy Modalert without a prescription, Purchase Modalert online no prescription, for students.

Buy Zolpidem Without Prescription

Barbara — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:20:15 +0000

Dog at Yungay National Cemetery; Mount Huascaran in background (photo by Barbara Drake 2009)

Clonazepam For Sale

Barbara — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:01:57 +0000

Taping show in Miami for Sonidos del Mundo; photo by Robert Stolpe

L to R: Almendra of "Oh Diosas" with our step dancers Kiera Daley, Carolyn Ho, host Astrid and dancer Cristina Rodriguez; photo by Carolyn Ho's camera

I also had a moment in the spotlight when Jose Gabriel Chueca of the newspaper Peru21 interviewed me at my home and I managed to tie together the Celtic music tradition with Peruvian potatoes.

The Peruvians nodded as we explained that We Wanted to Do Some Good.

I think the message did get through.

Laura Bush Does Peru: Toilets for the People!

Barbara — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:44:07 +0000

Laura Bush had an interesting itinerary this past weekend in Peru. I think it merits more public attention than does her husband's hobnobbing with APEC leaders at the final summit meeting.

Laura Bush looks on as aid worker demonstrates how to decontaminate drinking water in earthquake zone (San Clemente, Peru, Nov. 21)

Of note:

November 21, 2008 5:07 P.M. EST MRS. BUSH: I'm so happy to have had the chance to see this house that we just walked in with the new residents who are going to live here. The house is built so that it's earthquake-proof, earthquake-safe, and this is a wonderful model for houses that are being rebuilt all over this part of Peru that suffered devastation from the earthquake in 2007. This is a great example of a program that is funded in some part by USAID, in other parts by donations from other parts of the world, CARE -- the NGO, CARE, has been really in charge of this project -- and then of course by the government of Peru. And we're hoping that all of these groups coming together can rebuild faster than any one group could do by itself. And one of the things we want for these new nice houses is bathrooms, toilets, and fuel-efficient kitchens, and I got to see that in this house back in the back part of it. And that's part of the contribution from USAID. So now I want to wish the new residents the very best. It's really a thrill to get to see them walk into their beautiful new house. And I want to encourage everybody here to keep working, keep rebuilding, use this good earthquake-proof house as a model, as you continue to rebuild. So thank you all very much. Thanks a lot. I'm very happy to be here in Peru for the APEC meeting. Q (As translated) Are you only doing work related to rebuilding houses or is it also educational assistance for children -- the victims, the children victims of this earthquake? Will there be any other kind of social assistance? MRS. BUSH: Well, I'll have to ask the USAID person who's here with us about education. But when we were just at the health clinic, the center for health, some of those health workers were trained with funds from USAID. And I'm not really sure about the school help, the education help, but maybe you can answer that. AID PERSON*: (As translated) At USAID we have programs related to education, health, alternative development, and the programs in education focus mostly in the areas of San Martin and Ucayali, working with regional and local governments to improve learning systems for children. Q (As translated) What are your upcoming activities as far as APEC in Lima? MRS. BUSH: I will be with all of the spouses of the leaders who have come for APEC. We have a spouses program that will be hosted by your First Lady, Mrs. Garcia*, and we're going to tour and see some different things in Lima that I'm really looking forward to visiting -- an archaeological site and some other things. I think it'll really be a very interesting and fun conference. So I'm looking forward to it. Q (As translated) This is your last trip to our country as First Lady. What is the impression that you have of this country now that your husband is leaving office? MRS. BUSH: This is our last international trip, so Peru is the last country that we'll visit, George and me, as he's sitting President. And one of the things I'm struck with from all of my visits to Peru since George has been President is the warmth of the people of Peru. And I appreciate very much the way people welcomed me in the clinic, and on the streets, and waving to people. And I thank them very, very much for their very warm hospitality. Thank you all. Muchas gracias. God bless you all.

Of Earthquakes and Philosophers

Barbara — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:27:46 +0000

Plato and Aristotle by Rafael

Remembering the Peru Earthquake, One Year Later

Barbara — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:28:26 +0000

Below our friend's apartment is a corner bodega, where all day long customers stop in to buy snacks, sodas, cigarettes, and to gossip.

The store's candies are behind glass, and you have to ask the cashier for them. It was around this time that EH became motivated to learn Spanish. "Una Kindersupresa, por favor?"

Just as EF was typing the word "earthquake" (yes), the walls of the apartment began to shake.

First I heard glass rattling. 'That's weird,' I thought.

Then I became aware that the bed was shaking, too -- the floor was shaking. It was a bad rattling sound.

"Earthquake!" EF shouted. "Run downstairs."

"Come down!" EF shouted.

They followed, dazedly.

The little boy was clutching a red plastic dinosaur.

The walls were shaking all around us.

Outside in the street the streetlights were on; cars had stopped in mid-traffic across from the Carmelitas church. Against the black sky, a strange orange haze haloed the tops of buildings and trees.

"What's happening?" he asked. His teeth were chattering.

"Just stay calm," said EF, a veteran of the 1970 Peru earthquake, which killed 70,000 people. "It will be over with soon."

It kept going.

I waited for windows and buildings to fall but they didn't. Some women were on their knees on the sidewalk, praying, "Dios!" The world undulated.

Then it stopped.

For four days after the 8.0 earthquake, we kept getting tremors in Lima.

"Welcome to Peru," El Fotografo said.

We learned that Pisco and Chincha and other towns in southern Peru had been devastated by the quake. About 40,000 buildings had been destroyed. More than 600 people were dead.

We, on Peru's central coast, had been lucky.

Update 8/16/08: Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on the one-year-anniversary of the quake, to protest the government's inadequate response to the disaster.

For various perspectives on Peru's Earthquake, One Year Later, visit:

BBC Online, "Thousands Join Peru Quake Protest" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Economist, "Lessons from an Earthquake" (Aug. 14, 2008)

Andina, "Peru & APEC Flags Fly at Half Mast for Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Reuters, "Peruvians Protest, Mourn on Anniversary of Quake" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Want to be part of the solution? Help Peru rebuilt by donating funds or your time to an ongoing relief effort:

Idealist.org, "Volunteer Opportunities in Pisco/Peru Earthquake Relief" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Online Fundraising Blog, "Irish-Peruvian Fusion Raises Funds for Peru Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Three Jacks, "The Three Jacks Peru Tour" (Aug. 10, 2008) -- contribute to funding for medical centers in Pisco and Chincha

Help Peru’s Earthquake Victims Rebuild Their Lives

Barbara — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:46:58 +0000

[caption id="attachment_116" align="alignnone" width="442" caption="The Three Jacks (& Three Jills)"][/caption]

: Breffni Dancers

Me and Lima: Improvising a Life

Barbara — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:20:15 +0000

Dog at Yungay National Cemetery; Mount Huascaran in background (photo by Barbara Drake 2009)

An American in Lima » Earthquakes

Barbara — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:55:48 +0000

Ha ha. Not.

Spent yesterday waiting for the tsunami to hit the coast of Lima. Reports on RPP news put it at 6:00, then 7:45 p.m. , then 8:30 p.m.

"The head of the National Penitentiary Institute [INPE], retired general Wilson Hernandez, confirmed that indeed the founder of Shining Path, Abimael Guzmán, and Fujimori's "strong man," Vladimiro Montesinos, were evacuated from the Callao Naval Base in precautionary measures taken for a possible tsunami."

Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription

Barbara — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:03:43 +0000

We've got our shoes lined up by the door. 'Cause, as Nancy says, these boots are made for walking.

Nancy Sinatra These boots are made for walking
Cargado por igrecman. - Ver más clips de música, videos en HD!.

Buy Modalert Without Prescription

Barbara — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:50:44 +0000

My bandmates The Three Jacks Buy Modalert Without Prescription, will be rocking downtown Miami's Gusman Center tonight to raise funds for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Remaining tickets are on sale for each, buy Modalert without a prescription, Purchase Modalert online no prescription, for students.

Buy Zolpidem Without Prescription

Barbara — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:20:15 +0000

Dog at Yungay National Cemetery; Mount Huascaran in background (photo by Barbara Drake 2009)

Clonazepam For Sale

Barbara — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:01:57 +0000

Taping show in Miami for Sonidos del Mundo; photo by Robert Stolpe

L to R: Almendra of "Oh Diosas" with our step dancers Kiera Daley, Carolyn Ho, host Astrid and dancer Cristina Rodriguez; photo by Carolyn Ho's camera

I also had a moment in the spotlight when Jose Gabriel Chueca of the newspaper Peru21 interviewed me at my home and I managed to tie together the Celtic music tradition with Peruvian potatoes.

The Peruvians nodded as we explained that We Wanted to Do Some Good.

I think the message did get through.

Laura Bush Does Peru: Toilets for the People!

Barbara — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:44:07 +0000

Laura Bush had an interesting itinerary this past weekend in Peru. I think it merits more public attention than does her husband's hobnobbing with APEC leaders at the final summit meeting.

Laura Bush looks on as aid worker demonstrates how to decontaminate drinking water in earthquake zone (San Clemente, Peru, Nov. 21)

Of note:

November 21, 2008 5:07 P.M. EST MRS. BUSH: I'm so happy to have had the chance to see this house that we just walked in with the new residents who are going to live here. The house is built so that it's earthquake-proof, earthquake-safe, and this is a wonderful model for houses that are being rebuilt all over this part of Peru that suffered devastation from the earthquake in 2007. This is a great example of a program that is funded in some part by USAID, in other parts by donations from other parts of the world, CARE -- the NGO, CARE, has been really in charge of this project -- and then of course by the government of Peru. And we're hoping that all of these groups coming together can rebuild faster than any one group could do by itself. And one of the things we want for these new nice houses is bathrooms, toilets, and fuel-efficient kitchens, and I got to see that in this house back in the back part of it. And that's part of the contribution from USAID. So now I want to wish the new residents the very best. It's really a thrill to get to see them walk into their beautiful new house. And I want to encourage everybody here to keep working, keep rebuilding, use this good earthquake-proof house as a model, as you continue to rebuild. So thank you all very much. Thanks a lot. I'm very happy to be here in Peru for the APEC meeting. Q (As translated) Are you only doing work related to rebuilding houses or is it also educational assistance for children -- the victims, the children victims of this earthquake? Will there be any other kind of social assistance? MRS. BUSH: Well, I'll have to ask the USAID person who's here with us about education. But when we were just at the health clinic, the center for health, some of those health workers were trained with funds from USAID. And I'm not really sure about the school help, the education help, but maybe you can answer that. AID PERSON*: (As translated) At USAID we have programs related to education, health, alternative development, and the programs in education focus mostly in the areas of San Martin and Ucayali, working with regional and local governments to improve learning systems for children. Q (As translated) What are your upcoming activities as far as APEC in Lima? MRS. BUSH: I will be with all of the spouses of the leaders who have come for APEC. We have a spouses program that will be hosted by your First Lady, Mrs. Garcia*, and we're going to tour and see some different things in Lima that I'm really looking forward to visiting -- an archaeological site and some other things. I think it'll really be a very interesting and fun conference. So I'm looking forward to it. Q (As translated) This is your last trip to our country as First Lady. What is the impression that you have of this country now that your husband is leaving office? MRS. BUSH: This is our last international trip, so Peru is the last country that we'll visit, George and me, as he's sitting President. And one of the things I'm struck with from all of my visits to Peru since George has been President is the warmth of the people of Peru. And I appreciate very much the way people welcomed me in the clinic, and on the streets, and waving to people. And I thank them very, very much for their very warm hospitality. Thank you all. Muchas gracias. God bless you all.

Of Earthquakes and Philosophers

Barbara — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:27:46 +0000

Plato and Aristotle by Rafael

Remembering the Peru Earthquake, One Year Later

Barbara — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:28:26 +0000

Below our friend's apartment is a corner bodega, where all day long customers stop in to buy snacks, sodas, cigarettes, and to gossip.

The store's candies are behind glass, and you have to ask the cashier for them. It was around this time that EH became motivated to learn Spanish. "Una Kindersupresa, por favor?"

Just as EF was typing the word "earthquake" (yes), the walls of the apartment began to shake.

First I heard glass rattling. 'That's weird,' I thought.

Then I became aware that the bed was shaking, too -- the floor was shaking. It was a bad rattling sound.

"Earthquake!" EF shouted. "Run downstairs."

"Come down!" EF shouted.

They followed, dazedly.

The little boy was clutching a red plastic dinosaur.

The walls were shaking all around us.

Outside in the street the streetlights were on; cars had stopped in mid-traffic across from the Carmelitas church. Against the black sky, a strange orange haze haloed the tops of buildings and trees.

"What's happening?" he asked. His teeth were chattering.

"Just stay calm," said EF, a veteran of the 1970 Peru earthquake, which killed 70,000 people. "It will be over with soon."

It kept going.

I waited for windows and buildings to fall but they didn't. Some women were on their knees on the sidewalk, praying, "Dios!" The world undulated.

Then it stopped.

For four days after the 8.0 earthquake, we kept getting tremors in Lima.

"Welcome to Peru," El Fotografo said.

We learned that Pisco and Chincha and other towns in southern Peru had been devastated by the quake. About 40,000 buildings had been destroyed. More than 600 people were dead.

We, on Peru's central coast, had been lucky.

Update 8/16/08: Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on the one-year-anniversary of the quake, to protest the government's inadequate response to the disaster.

For various perspectives on Peru's Earthquake, One Year Later, visit:

BBC Online, "Thousands Join Peru Quake Protest" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Economist, "Lessons from an Earthquake" (Aug. 14, 2008)

Andina, "Peru & APEC Flags Fly at Half Mast for Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Reuters, "Peruvians Protest, Mourn on Anniversary of Quake" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Want to be part of the solution? Help Peru rebuilt by donating funds or your time to an ongoing relief effort:

Idealist.org, "Volunteer Opportunities in Pisco/Peru Earthquake Relief" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Online Fundraising Blog, "Irish-Peruvian Fusion Raises Funds for Peru Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Three Jacks, "The Three Jacks Peru Tour" (Aug. 10, 2008) -- contribute to funding for medical centers in Pisco and Chincha

Help Peru’s Earthquake Victims Rebuild Their Lives

Barbara — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:46:58 +0000

[caption id="attachment_116" align="alignnone" width="442" caption="The Three Jacks (& Three Jills)"][/caption]

: Breffni Dancers

Me and Lima: Improvising a Life

Barbara — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:01:57 +0000

Taping show in Miami for Sonidos del Mundo; photo by Robert Stolpe

L to R: Almendra of "Oh Diosas" with our step dancers Kiera Daley, Carolyn Ho, host Astrid and dancer Cristina Rodriguez; photo by Carolyn Ho's camera

I also had a moment in the spotlight when Jose Gabriel Chueca of the newspaper Peru21 interviewed me at my home and I managed to tie together the Celtic music tradition with Peruvian potatoes.

The Peruvians nodded as we explained that We Wanted to Do Some Good.

I think the message did get through.

An American in Lima » Earthquakes

Barbara — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:55:48 +0000

Ha ha. Not.

Spent yesterday waiting for the tsunami to hit the coast of Lima. Reports on RPP news put it at 6:00, then 7:45 p.m. , then 8:30 p.m.

"The head of the National Penitentiary Institute [INPE], retired general Wilson Hernandez, confirmed that indeed the founder of Shining Path, Abimael Guzmán, and Fujimori's "strong man," Vladimiro Montesinos, were evacuated from the Callao Naval Base in precautionary measures taken for a possible tsunami."

Buy Mefenorex Without Prescription

Barbara — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:03:43 +0000

We've got our shoes lined up by the door. 'Cause, as Nancy says, these boots are made for walking.

Nancy Sinatra These boots are made for walking
Cargado por igrecman. - Ver más clips de música, videos en HD!.

Buy Modalert Without Prescription

Barbara — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:50:44 +0000

My bandmates The Three Jacks Buy Modalert Without Prescription, will be rocking downtown Miami's Gusman Center tonight to raise funds for Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Remaining tickets are on sale for each, buy Modalert without a prescription, Purchase Modalert online no prescription, for students.

Buy Zolpidem Without Prescription

Barbara — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:20:15 +0000

Dog at Yungay National Cemetery; Mount Huascaran in background (photo by Barbara Drake 2009)

Clonazepam For Sale

Barbara — Sat, 23 May 2009 01:01:57 +0000

Taping show in Miami for Sonidos del Mundo; photo by Robert Stolpe

L to R: Almendra of "Oh Diosas" with our step dancers Kiera Daley, Carolyn Ho, host Astrid and dancer Cristina Rodriguez; photo by Carolyn Ho's camera

I also had a moment in the spotlight when Jose Gabriel Chueca of the newspaper Peru21 interviewed me at my home and I managed to tie together the Celtic music tradition with Peruvian potatoes.

The Peruvians nodded as we explained that We Wanted to Do Some Good.

I think the message did get through.

Laura Bush Does Peru: Toilets for the People!

Barbara — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:44:07 +0000

Laura Bush had an interesting itinerary this past weekend in Peru. I think it merits more public attention than does her husband's hobnobbing with APEC leaders at the final summit meeting.

Laura Bush looks on as aid worker demonstrates how to decontaminate drinking water in earthquake zone (San Clemente, Peru, Nov. 21)

Of note:

November 21, 2008 5:07 P.M. EST MRS. BUSH: I'm so happy to have had the chance to see this house that we just walked in with the new residents who are going to live here. The house is built so that it's earthquake-proof, earthquake-safe, and this is a wonderful model for houses that are being rebuilt all over this part of Peru that suffered devastation from the earthquake in 2007. This is a great example of a program that is funded in some part by USAID, in other parts by donations from other parts of the world, CARE -- the NGO, CARE, has been really in charge of this project -- and then of course by the government of Peru. And we're hoping that all of these groups coming together can rebuild faster than any one group could do by itself. And one of the things we want for these new nice houses is bathrooms, toilets, and fuel-efficient kitchens, and I got to see that in this house back in the back part of it. And that's part of the contribution from USAID. So now I want to wish the new residents the very best. It's really a thrill to get to see them walk into their beautiful new house. And I want to encourage everybody here to keep working, keep rebuilding, use this good earthquake-proof house as a model, as you continue to rebuild. So thank you all very much. Thanks a lot. I'm very happy to be here in Peru for the APEC meeting. Q (As translated) Are you only doing work related to rebuilding houses or is it also educational assistance for children -- the victims, the children victims of this earthquake? Will there be any other kind of social assistance? MRS. BUSH: Well, I'll have to ask the USAID person who's here with us about education. But when we were just at the health clinic, the center for health, some of those health workers were trained with funds from USAID. And I'm not really sure about the school help, the education help, but maybe you can answer that. AID PERSON*: (As translated) At USAID we have programs related to education, health, alternative development, and the programs in education focus mostly in the areas of San Martin and Ucayali, working with regional and local governments to improve learning systems for children. Q (As translated) What are your upcoming activities as far as APEC in Lima? MRS. BUSH: I will be with all of the spouses of the leaders who have come for APEC. We have a spouses program that will be hosted by your First Lady, Mrs. Garcia*, and we're going to tour and see some different things in Lima that I'm really looking forward to visiting -- an archaeological site and some other things. I think it'll really be a very interesting and fun conference. So I'm looking forward to it. Q (As translated) This is your last trip to our country as First Lady. What is the impression that you have of this country now that your husband is leaving office? MRS. BUSH: This is our last international trip, so Peru is the last country that we'll visit, George and me, as he's sitting President. And one of the things I'm struck with from all of my visits to Peru since George has been President is the warmth of the people of Peru. And I appreciate very much the way people welcomed me in the clinic, and on the streets, and waving to people. And I thank them very, very much for their very warm hospitality. Thank you all. Muchas gracias. God bless you all.

Of Earthquakes and Philosophers

Barbara — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:27:46 +0000

Plato and Aristotle by Rafael

Remembering the Peru Earthquake, One Year Later

Barbara — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:28:26 +0000

Below our friend's apartment is a corner bodega, where all day long customers stop in to buy snacks, sodas, cigarettes, and to gossip.

The store's candies are behind glass, and you have to ask the cashier for them. It was around this time that EH became motivated to learn Spanish. "Una Kindersupresa, por favor?"

Just as EF was typing the word "earthquake" (yes), the walls of the apartment began to shake.

First I heard glass rattling. 'That's weird,' I thought.

Then I became aware that the bed was shaking, too -- the floor was shaking. It was a bad rattling sound.

"Earthquake!" EF shouted. "Run downstairs."

"Come down!" EF shouted.

They followed, dazedly.

The little boy was clutching a red plastic dinosaur.

The walls were shaking all around us.

Outside in the street the streetlights were on; cars had stopped in mid-traffic across from the Carmelitas church. Against the black sky, a strange orange haze haloed the tops of buildings and trees.

"What's happening?" he asked. His teeth were chattering.

"Just stay calm," said EF, a veteran of the 1970 Peru earthquake, which killed 70,000 people. "It will be over with soon."

It kept going.

I waited for windows and buildings to fall but they didn't. Some women were on their knees on the sidewalk, praying, "Dios!" The world undulated.

Then it stopped.

For four days after the 8.0 earthquake, we kept getting tremors in Lima.

"Welcome to Peru," El Fotografo said.

We learned that Pisco and Chincha and other towns in southern Peru had been devastated by the quake. About 40,000 buildings had been destroyed. More than 600 people were dead.

We, on Peru's central coast, had been lucky.

Update 8/16/08: Thousands of Peruvians took to the streets on the one-year-anniversary of the quake, to protest the government's inadequate response to the disaster.

For various perspectives on Peru's Earthquake, One Year Later, visit:

BBC Online, "Thousands Join Peru Quake Protest" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Economist, "Lessons from an Earthquake" (Aug. 14, 2008)

Andina, "Peru & APEC Flags Fly at Half Mast for Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Reuters, "Peruvians Protest, Mourn on Anniversary of Quake" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Want to be part of the solution? Help Peru rebuilt by donating funds or your time to an ongoing relief effort:

Idealist.org, "Volunteer Opportunities in Pisco/Peru Earthquake Relief" (Aug. 15, 2008)

Online Fundraising Blog, "Irish-Peruvian Fusion Raises Funds for Peru Earthquake Victims" (Aug. 15, 2008)

The Three Jacks, "The Three Jacks Peru Tour" (Aug. 10, 2008) -- contribute to funding for medical centers in Pisco and Chincha

Help Peru’s Earthquake Victims Rebuild Their Lives

Barbara — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:46:58 +0000

[caption id="attachment_116" align="alignnone" width="442" caption="The Three Jacks (& Three Jills)"][/caption]

: Breffni Dancers

Me and Lima: Improvising a Life

Barbara — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:44:07 +0000

Laura Bush had an interesting itinerary this past weekend in Peru. I think it merits more public attention than does her husband's hobnobbing with APEC leaders at the final summit meeting.

Laura Bush looks on as aid worker demonstrates how to decontaminate drinking water in earthquake zone (San Clemente, Peru, Nov. 21)

Of note:

November 21, 2008 5:07 P.M. EST MRS. BUSH: I'm so happy to have had the chance to see this house that we just walked in with the new residents who are going to live here. The house is built so that it's earthquake-proof, earthquake-safe, and this is a wonderful model for houses that are being rebuilt all over this part of Peru that suffered devastation from the earthquake in 2007. This is a great example of a program that is funded in some part by USAID, in other parts by donations from other parts of the world, CARE -- the NGO, CARE, has been really in charge of this project -- and then of course by the government of Peru. And we're hoping that all of these groups coming together can rebuild faster than any one group could do by itself. And one of the things we want for these new nice houses is bathrooms, toilets, and fuel-efficient kitchens, and I got to see that in this house back in the back part of it. And that's part of the contribution from USAID. So now I want to wish the new residents the very best. It's really a thrill to get to see them walk into their beautiful new house. And I want to encourage everybody here to keep working, keep rebuilding, use this good earthquake-proof house as a model, as you continue to rebuild. So thank you all very much. Thanks a lot. I'm very happy to be here in Peru for the APEC meeting. Q (As translated) Are you only doing work related to rebuilding houses or is it also educational assistance for children -- the victims, the children victims of this earthquake? Will there be any other kind of social assistance? MRS. BUSH: Well, I'll have to ask the USAID person who's here with us about education. But when we were just at the health clinic, the center for health, some of those health workers were trained with funds from USAID. And I'm not really sure about the school help, the education help, but maybe you can answer that. AID PERSON*: (As translated) At USAID we have programs related to education, health, alternative development, and the programs in education focus mostly in the areas of San Martin and Ucayali, working with regional and local governments to improve learning systems for children. Q (As translated) What are your upcoming activities as far as APEC in Lima? MRS. BUSH: I will be with all of the spouses of the leaders who have come for APEC. We have a spouses program that will be hosted by your First Lady, Mrs. Garcia*, and we're going to tour and see some different things in Lima that I'm really looking forward to visiting -- an archaeological site and some other things. I think it'll really be a very interesting and fun conference. So I'm looking forward to it. Q (As translated) This is your last trip to our country as First Lady. What is the impression that you have of this country now that your husband is leaving office? MRS. BUSH: This is our last international trip, so Peru is the last country that we'll visit, George and me, as he's sitting President. And one of the things I'm struck with from all of my visits to Peru since George has been President is the warmth of the people of Peru. And I appreciate very much the way people welcomed me in the clinic, and on the streets, and waving to people. And I thank them very, very much for their very warm hospitality. Thank you all. Muchas gracias. God bless you all.