CNN iReport

More pictures of the damage left in the wake of Hurricane Ike.

First and foremost... I am alive and well. I originally expected riding out a hurricane to be a once in a lifetime experience. Well, my wish came true, and it was nothing short of spectacular...and devastating. Throughout the storm i was in constant contact with cnn via ireport. What i was hearing from staff within cnn was scaring the shit out of me. Nothing prepares you for a 22 foot wall of water.

I know there are so many people who want to know about the condition of the island, and futhermore, when they can come back. The easiest answer: its a nightmare and it will be weeks if not a month before they allow anyone back on the island. Power is not expected for 6 weeks.

Water flooded downtown at its peak from Harborside (58st to east beach) all the way to Ave O. Fish village got 3-5 feet. Downtown 8-12 feet. It's needless to say that my place became a swimming pool. I've lost all my personal belongings. Cars downtown floated aimlessly around and were placed wherever the water left them. Nothing worse than wandering around downtown looking for what's left of your car and there were plenty of people walking the streets doing so.

Post Office was underwater. Sky bar is sadly destroyed with $100k+ damage. 21, Paco's, Stork Club, Oysters, Madrid, Yagas, Tsunami, Lounge, JuJu's, Bachas, Palms M&M, Press Box, Molly's, Murphy's, O'malley's, OCB, Buskers, Poor Michael's, Gravity, ect. are all destroyed. On the seawall damage abounds as well. Joe's, Dutch Kettle, Gaido's, Casey's, San Luis, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Galvez all received damage from either wind or flying debris.