but of course it's a very sobering experience as well.当然这也是一段发人深省的经历

as well:也；又

He shared in my sorrows as well as in my joys.

他分担我的快乐也分享我的悲伤。

Little did they know that the ground beneath their feet was about to be ripped apart他们完全不知道自己脚下的大地即将会被撕开

be about to:即将

Something unusual was about to happen.

某种不寻常的事正要发生。

As she was about to speak, I frowned her down.

她刚要开口，我就皱皱眉示意她别出声。

rip apart:把 ... 扯破

The country was ripped apart by fierce tribal hostilities.

那个国家被部落间的激烈冲突弄得四分五裂。