SATURDAY
As the old saying goes, what a difference a couple of days makes. Outside the hospital here in Copiapo, most of the television crews from around the world have put up their equipment and began the trip back to Santiago. By car you can expect about 11 hours, or if you are lucky you’ll find a flight and make it there in just one. We are wrapping-up our coverage on this amazing story with reports throughout the afternoon and evening and then as part of a special one-hour program with Geraldo.

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We continue to hear bits and pieces about the miners ordeal. Not much in the way of a full story and it seems as if the blood pact they supposedly made 2,000 feet under ground…holds. We have heard a couple of miners rail against the mining company and the safety standards. We have been told that an outline of a book, including 30 ideas of chapters, was written during their 69 days. A local reporter says he was told each interview may cost $20,000 and that the money will be put into and account, where an accountant will equally divvy up the cash. Either way…we still are working our contacts for an interview….of course….we wont pay.

FRIDAY

In the bustling blue-collar town of Copiapo, the hospital is surrounded. People hold vigil this time not hoping for a miracle at the mine, but instead hoping for a sightline. Any glimpse of a miner/hero brings smiles to faces and cheers to the air. Men, women and children from this town rarely seen in the news across Chile, gather on wonderment as their men have become international heroes.

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All around us are news crews. People staked out waiting for any news or comment. Right now three of the miners have been released and we are told 10 more could be out in the coming hours. Each time one emerges, the crush of media and people is astounding to me. This truly is still being watched by so many, with so many questions about the details of 69 days underground.

I have been told that the miners have already hired an accountant, with the idea that all paid interviews and money earned will go into one main account and then equally distributed between the men. That way no one gains more from their ordeal no matter where they are interviewed, or for how much they earn. Because of this, details about the ordeal are few and far between.

It has helped that I speak decent Spanish and because of that locals and the families seem relatively open to give us access for interviews. I am told that it breaks down barriers here when foreigners, especially from the north attempt to learn the customs and the language. At this point though, many of the families are now at their homes waiting for their fathers/brothers/sons/uncles, which means access to even talk with them is limited. I am also expecting some sort of celebration relatively soon in Santiago with the President, that is a 11 hour drive away.