The European Identity – The Impact of Migration on European Culture

Questions on the subject:

Name: G T

Age:     born in 1931 

Where are you from ?

It’s a bit complicated. I was born in Canada . My father was a Canadian and    my mother is from the town of

 Triebes in Germany. Both got to know in Hamburg, moved to Canada, then to Triebes and at last to Pomerania. I

 and family had to flee Pomerania, we were driven away – but that’s quite a different story I have a painfull

 recollection of. We walked from Pomerania via Berlin to Leipzig. We went by train in a goods truck the last 100

 km to Triebes, where my grandparent were living. We lived with my grandparents untill I left.  

Why did  you leave your country / your home of residence ?

 I had to repeat the final (8th) form again in Triebes.I learnt the trade of a baker at Feustel’s Bakery near  Church  Square. In 1949 at the end of my apprenticeship I was forced to decide between joining the  Wismut (Soviet Uranium Mining Company) and the People’s Police (living in baracks). But I didn’t like  both, I wanted to work in my trade.    I went to the west of Berlin because relations of mine were living  there and a got a job in a cake shop.   I decided to stay in West Berlin. In 1951 I decided to move to  Canada with a friend. But I didn’nt stay there for long, I moved to California. I got married there and  started a family. I had a very good job in an armaments factory. I did this job till a went into retirement.  After my wife’s death I met a sweetheart of my  youth while visiting Canada. We got married and we are still living together in    Canada. We’d like to stay  in California for ever but the conditions for my Canadian wife aren’t good in the USA, too many  restrictions  and obstacles.

How did your family react ?

My family accepted and respected my decision.  

How were you received ?

There were no problems. I like the open countryside, the nature, the original people and  the relative freedom.  

What do you like in your new home ?

  As I told you before there’s a lot I like. It’s my native country, may be it’s in my blood.    

What do you miss ?

I don’t miss anything. I’m in good contact with my brother Ullrich who’s living in

Triebes. We see each other as often as it’s possilbe because of the great distance.  

I think it isn’t so bad making one’s way in life away from the family. Young people especially in Germany should try to do so. It increases their awarness of things.