For Trusty Elf and others --- BAMBERG Germany

[Mira]

[trusty elf]

1. Gosh, herzlichen Dank, Mira!

I'd like to go back there again some day.

How long has it been since you've been to Germany? I hadn't realized until I read one of your recent posts that you were born during the war. Your first few months must have been quite harrowing.

We're all glad you made it okay! ! You're a real Mensch!

Whenever I'm there and see some traces of the war, I really am almost awestruck.

In Berlin, one can still find battle scarred walls, like this one in the Museumsquartier.



On a lighter note, here's o goofy photo of me as a teenager with a mystery companion! ;)

:hi:

[Mira]

2. How very cool about the teenage picture (should I recognize the other man?)

but your photo is exactly what the buildings were like my whole first ten years, as I would walk to school etc. I also found spent shells and grenades. You have not idea how this takes me back.
I was born in June of 44. I was a traumatized baby, I can remember and draw on paper what some of our hiding places looked like. My Dad was in the Wiederstand: those who opposed Hitler, and we were on the run.

One of the main reasons I left Germany, and don't look back with longing, is that I could not live with what happened there.
For reasons of my father's profession (minister) and his association with other churches and faiths, I was called on to take visitors to Dachau etc. at a very early age.
I did not want to live there any more, so I got on a coal freighter in Rotterdam and immigrated in Norfolk, not quite 20.

But yes, I visit. As often as a sibling dies, last time 11 months ago, or my Mom needs me. I then travel as much as I can muster, but family comes first.
Though, for one human being, I have been exceedingly fortunate and have been lots of places on many continents.

So - asked and answered - a bit too much, but when I saw that building I had to tell you why it stirred up a lot of memories.

I feel like I should recognize the man in the picture with you but I don't know who he is, but YOU have not changed a bit.

[trusty elf]

3. Wow Mira, thanks for sharing that.

I'm sure you must be very proud of your Dad. The courage it must have taken to be in the Widerstand ist mir fast unvorstellbar. Harrowing is the word that comes to mind when I try to imagine how it must have been for you, being on the run ! ! ! !

You know, we have a very good friend whose Dad's brother was also in the Widerstand-but he didn't make it..... he got caught.

I can understand how you had to get away after the war. What an intrepid soul you are! :hug:

Hey, you landed in Norfolk! That's where I was born. My Dad was an officer in the Marines and he was stationed there at the time....

Regarding the mystery man, I just wanted to see if maybe you might recognize him. Have a look at this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFN9lebEvF0&feature=related

[Mira]

4. Lightnin' Hopkins now has a new fan. Thanks for that.

If my Dad were alive, he would look in on the Photo Forum,
he was a b/w photographer, often published in religious publications. His Leica was always at arm's length, he had a darkroom, and taught me a lot.

He would also be at DU for the politics. He marched, and hunger-striked, wrote letters, fought all the way to the end.
He was an inspiration.

[trusty elf]

5. You're welcome!

Lightnin' was a poet and a real character! I have lots of wild memories of the time I spent with him.....

Your Dad must have been a wonderful man! So, he was a photographer! Now I understand, you have it in your genes!

I've been thinking of getting a Leica to replace my broken Nikon... I can't stand being without a camera, I've become hooked!

There are some interesting projects coming up and I want to be able to take pictures!

Gros bisous!

:hi:

[Elfin Yeti]

7. thank you Mira and Trusty Elf!

These are the reasons I so love this forum. I too have become a fan of Lighnin' (thanks to you two). And Mira, your story was so heartfelt and chilling. I've always been a fan of yours but now I feel I glimpsed a part of your soul. Trusty Elf, just get that camera... Now! :bounce:

[hippywife]

6. Thank you for sharing part of your story with us, Mira.

I think there aren't many of us who can relate to having to deal with war in our daily lives. I'm really glad you're here. :hi:

[JeffR]

8. Beautiful. Reminds me of the views from the cathedral in Bern.

Very very nice.

[alfredo]

9. Beautiful. Minor editing will make it even more beautiful. Is this the

new iPhone with the higher MP camera?

[Mira]

10. I have no idea how and what. It may even be a blackberry ,

we have enjoyed the flat look, the lack of dimensionality, the impressionistic quality of these shots for a few days now.
It was the lack of editing that gave these photos a feeling of being paintings......
It's just fun to see these unusual sights, don't you think.

[alfredo]

11. They are fine the way they are, but do respond well to minor tweaks.