Returing from Matheran to Pune

The toy train is typically picked up at a station called the Neral Junction (pictures Blake at the end of our trip). There are numerous tunnels and tight curves that the train goes through on the way to and from Matheran. Pictured below is a tunnel that is so short, its called "one kiss tunnel." Also, because of the hairy curves, we pass a "Ganesha" painted on a rock to help with a safe travel/journey

In Matheran

A visit to Matheran is a nice break from a vacation. Its a quiet place to do some hiking and horse riding. No vehicles are allowed there. We stayed at a nice old precolonial bungalow owned by a Parsi family called Lords' Hotel (definitely recommend it). It was Subbu's birthday and we had a nice ride on horses around town. The morning after we were woken up by loud monkeys that were jumping about on the roofs of the cottages.

Matheran, a hill station near Pune

A hill station outside of Mumbai has a toy train (one of only four toy trains in India) leading up to it. Went to Matheran with Arpana's Uncle, Subbu

En route to Matheran, a hill station near Pune

Recently we visited Pune for a conference that Arpana was invited to. On the way, we stopped at a couple places - the first photograph shows a spot right by Fergusson College (where Arpana did her bachelors' degree). Here we found a place that made some excellent chocolate pan - the most delicious that we have ever had --- similar to chocolate covered strawberries - just better!

We also made a quick stop in Mumbai but on the way stopped at a place called Khandala - picture of the tree in the Deccan Valley

Is the window closing on Tibetan culture

Additional Photographs at the Beautiful Monastry

Educational Temple for Monks at Monastry

Tibetan monks are attempting to keep their culture alive by continuing the education of their young

Inside the Namdrooling Monastry, Coorg

Murals and Dieties in the interior of one of the Buddhist Temples

Nyingmapa Tibetan Monastry and Golden Temple, Coorg

49 years ago Prime Minister Nehru granted these lands to the Dalia Lama and the Tibetan refugees in a place called Coorg in the South of India. The land grant is for 99 years and by then the Tibetans have to vacate or assimilate. Second largest Tibetan settlement in India behind Dharamshala.

NIMHANS - Family Psychiatric Therapy Center

The Family Psychiatric Unit is an inpatient setting where families can stay anywhere from 2 days to 2 months. Situated around a nice courtyard with a fragrant magnolia tree at the center, are rooms where patients can stay with their families, cook meals, and commute to work if needed. In fact, when it rains, the fragrance from the blooming magnolias is amazing!

Families come from all over India to NIMHANS and as such, trainees also come from all over India and therapy occurs in different languages based on the need of the family. The Unit is one of the oldest and one of the first family therapy centers developed in India. So there is quite a legacy to the place. Training and treatment has been going on for a while and is now in its fourth decade. The rooms that you see in the picture here (by the courtyard) is where the trainees sit and where classes are held.

NIMHANS - the Fulbright experience

December, 2009
Its been a little over a month since Arpana has been at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), in Bengaluru. NIMHANS is a teaching university with an attached hospital. Located in a section called Kormangala, NIMHANS is a government funded institution. Arpana is based in the Department of Mental Health and Social Psychology and has been spending the last month in the family therapy unit, teaching post graduate (MPhil) students about family therapy. Its about a 20 minute autorickshaw ride from home. Although initially the rickshaw drivers gave her a run around she has finally figured out the route.