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Hi, I am Sig (junge1),
I was born in Dominikus- Krankenhaus in Berlin-Hermsdorf, Bezirk Reinickendorf in December 1939. Bezirk Reinickendorf was one of 20 Bezirke that made up Gross-Berlin before World War II and one of 12 Bezirke that made up former West-Berlin, the other 8 Bezirke were Russian occupied and became East-Berlin after the war. Moved from Berlin to Neurohlau (Nova Role) Sudetenland (now Czech Republic), in August 1943 (our entire block of apartment buildings was bombed out in November 1943) and returned back to Berlin in November 1945. Saw my dad the first time in my life in August/September 1946 after he returned from POW camp. Attended elementary school in Berlin-Waidmannslust, high school in Berlin-Hermsdorf, and trade school in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Was an apprentice for the trade of Klischeeaetzer (photo engraver) at Burrath & Schmidt on Friedrichstrasse between U-Bahnhof Kochstrasse (near to what later became Checkpoint Charlie) and Hallisches Tor.
While watching Allied planes supplying West-Berlin by air during the Berliner Luftbruecke in 1948-49 I developed my love for aircraft. I guess I could be considered a 'Berliner Grosschnauze", or at least I used to be.
'Wanderlust' led me to leave Berlin in summer 1960 to emigrate to Toronto, Canada and in February 1962 to move from Canada to New York City, NY, USA. In January 1963 I joined the United States Air Force, one step ahead of Uncle Sam drafting me. Became a United States citizen within 7 weeks after it became a security issue because of my military career. One day after I was sworn in as a citizen in Seattle, my entire unit left for Southeast Asia in June 1966. After nearly 5 years of active duty (extended 11 months to make it an 18 months overseas deployment) I got discharged and moved to New York City. In 1973 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and two years later joined the Arizona Air National Guard.
Received my higher education at Arizona State University and the University of Georgia and worked for 22 years for the Arizona Department of Water Resources in various capacities. Upon military retirement in 1999 and State retirement in 2005 I looked at a number of things to keep me occupied. Traveling and joining 'renderosity' in September 2007 were a couple of them,
Sig..
Comments (34)
bmac62
Fascinating. Would love to visit Panama one day...just not sure it will ever be cool enough for tk:) Was this a stop on a cruise through the canal?
jocko500
wonderful looking
auntietk
I love this! The brick and stone together are wonderful, and although the mortar looks like it's seen better days, it's still there and still working! Those square holes are intriguing. There should be a fourth one just ... there ... but it's missing! A missing hole? Is that like the dog that didn't bark in the night? The uneven edges of the window are a wonderful foil for those undeniably modern stairs with their straight lines and hard edges and safety regulations. A superb photograph!
blinkings
Terrific point of view.
renecyberdoc
is it safe??.
junge1
Yes!!!
Dreamingbee
fascinating to see
jayfar
A super 'hole in the wall' shot and a happy birthday to you.
bazza
Nice shot Sig!
blondeblurr
A little birdy just told me, that today is your BIRTHDAY ... MANY HAPPY RETURNS - SIG! This is such an interesting shot; but windows have always that effect - one gets the desire, to see what's on the other side? I guess, that is human nature! Marvellous, BB
mbz2662
Nicely done! Happy Birthday :)
Feliciti
great details shot looks a bit dangerous too !but like this ! Happy Birthday to you too and all the best wishes !!
debbielove
Your Birthday Sig!.. well a Happy Birthday to you mate! Interesting shot this, shows some care and attention in trying to preserve this old building.. Hope it works.. Fine shot.. Rob
West_coaster07
Super image Sig!!
junge1
Thanks you, both for the comments and the b-day wishes!!!
erlandpil
great capture erland
bobrgallegos
Outstanding POV!!!!
Faemike55
Fantastic image and great description a very Happy Birthday to you Sig!!!
emmecielle
fantastic capture! Happy Birthday, Sig! :)
psyoshida
What a cool shot. It's not everyday you see the stairs and the skyline from a hole in the wall. Very interesting and well done. Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day and many more.
kgb224
Stunning capture my friend. God Bless.
jeroni
Excellent work and perfect realisation
drifterlee
Cool shot!
twelvemark21
Fabulous shot! Very much enjoy the comments which accompany your photos. Look forward to seeing (and reading) more.
danapommet
Fantastic POV with the old against the new. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sig.
sharky_
I can imagine its history. Interesting shot. Aloha
bebert
a old window :)
farmerC
Exellent shot.
flavia49
wonderful shot
mariogiannecchini
Fantastic capture! Happy Birthday, Sig! ( a day late, but I've seen it now! ).