Hospital and waltzing in the metro station

Catharina - a friend of mine I met first time in Bulgaria in 1999 had appendicitis on Friday. She is in Kiev since 2004. I went to see her in the hospital. The taxi stopped in front of the building which hardly resembled a hospital. I called Catharina’s husband Kees to check if I am in the right place. I described him a building and he confirmed I am in the right place.
There is no reception. Security guards read news papers and do not bother checking visitors. I took elevator. Catharina's room is on the 4 th floor. But Kees explained I have to go to the 5th floor and then walk one floor down as elevator does not work for the 4th floor. There were hardly people around. I saw few nurses just to be assured I am in some kind of medical institution. I wondered around a bit until I found Catharina’s room. Nobody stopped me and asked me what I am doing. Surprisingly open place. Catharina looked well – considering everything. Rooms are clean but basic. See photos.

Beds are made in a very strange manner. Overall it’s better than Bulgaria in 2000 where elevators did not work and one had to bring own bandages, syringes, toilet paper and food.


Every Sunday at 18.00 in the metro station Teatralnaya Kiev’s pensioners meet to dance and sing. There are two accordion players and a drummer and they play Ukrainian folk songs. There is also a choir. As there are more women than men, women pair up and dance. It’s a great sight.