small note on indian psychiatry and more

yes, I am still alive, but vey busy. the new place is father away from our old place and we stil keep hanging around here, which makes me have little time to keep u all up to date.
well, the new flat has indeed a swimmingpool and forunately the indians are not so great sporters (I haven't seen ANYONE in the pool yet). At the end of our housewarming-party me and Micha (guy from poland) tested the pool, great. I thought to go swimming every morning, but didnt make it there yet (Joerg, wie schafst du das bloss immer??).
Well, for the rest we have been busy with the festival of Ganapati. It was crazy. Yesterday the Ganesha (the elephantgod) was put into the river. Every family as one, the put it on a truck, than they make music, dance like crazy (only guys dance, girls aren't really alowed to do so..... except when they are foreigners ;-)) and SLOWLY (come on, we are in india! nothing goes fast except for the traffic) move to the river. It is a huge ceremony and we were covered in glitter-stuff and red powder. Again another long night. But great!(pixx are at home, I'll post them soon)

Today one of my colleauges went with me to another hospital, which is funded by the government. There I had the chance to talk to two psychiatric social workers in the day-care center. They told me about their system, which sounded surprisingly similar to the one in Germany or Holland. They also have daily activities (I bought two self-made candles from them) and are seen reguarly by the psychiatrists. There are also follow-up visits where the social workers check on the condition of the patients. Grouptherapie is there and family counselling. Mainly men are there, only few female patients, due to cutural reasons. Most of the patients get the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Second most is mania-depression. I will go back there some time in the morning hours to take part in the activities for the patients.

This weekend I hope to travel with one of my flat mates to GOA! Yes, indeed. Chill at the beaches and have a good time.

Tonight is the farewell of Vince (the dutch guy from Rotterdam), which sucks, coz he is a great guy. Well, we'll just have a great party,.... and I haven't been to Rotterdam yet......

New adress? Well, I can't remember. But I'll tell you soon.

That's it for today.
Next time more pictures, I promise!

Luv. ANke