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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 (22)
Faemike55
Very cool shot Sig! it looks like the one driver is trying to stay out of the picture
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God bless.
UVDan
Great shot! I love the composition. That guy on the lead motorbike looks like he is racing.
Richardphotos
outstanding photo an information
starship64
Wonderful shot! If you have any more pictures of Vietnamese trains please post them too!
jayfar
A great shot Sig and thank you for the history.
renecyberdoc
did not help much all the bombing huh??lol.
whaleman
Nice shot of the old bridge! The obvious pollution in the air in the background is a bit disturbing.
UteBigSmile
~ Love it ~
Maxidyne
I love the size difference of the two forms of transport here. This must be a fascinating place to visit.
flaviok
Fascinante e interessante captura meu amigo, aplausos (5)
dakotabluemoon
A very cool capture here dude.
ontar1
Nice pov, outstanding capture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
farmerC
Shining photo.
flavia49
fantastic shot
sandra46
WONDERFUL IMAGE
tigertim
an interesting shot, and thanks for the background info.
Cyve
Fantastic capture... very very well done !
auntietk
So interesting to see this, and to read some of the history. Terrific post!
debbielove
Not a place I'd be living next to if I had an option! Great shot though, very interesting.. Rob
danapommet
Bikes vs Mass Transit! A cool shot and interesting info !
bebert
nice capture