I wasn't going to post this Sunday but then while reading a fellow expat blog (Bremen Frau) I realized I had a photo to share of a uniquely German phenomenon.The chimney sweep. There is a reason there's a song. They guy comes right out of a Maerchen (fable). His costume and tools are so cute, I cannot help but love his visits.
He showed up at my house and I said, stupidly in English, "You AGAIN!!" but I was grinning so big. By German law you must have your chimneys inspected three times per year, and they just show up at random. He knows our home well; I didn't have to show him anything. He has three different chimneys he inspects, which include the heat system and the woodstove.
He let me take his pic! (Note his brass tunic buttons, and ball and chain!)
Though I'm covered with soot
From me 'ead to me toes
A sweep knows 'e's welcome
Wherever 'e goes
Chim chiminey
Chim chiminey
Chim chim cher-ee!
When you're with a sweep
You're in glad company
I don't know if they have a song about him in German.
That does it. Next time I'm singing him the song.
For Sundays in Others' Cities:
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10 comments:
Be sure to let us know how he likes your singing.
Great picture...I love his big smile! It's amazing they know your house better then you do..I didn't have to show mine around he show me! Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Funny we most likely have had a lot of the same experiences. Except you are lucky that your man is German and knows the language! Have a wonderful week!
Now I'll be singing that song all day! Chim chim, chereeee!
And hey, my word verification today is "ching", which is the plural form of "chim chim"
So, explain about the ball and chain...in case there's monsters in the chimney????
So, why three time a year? Is it to protect the environment? I, personally, wouldn't want a chimney if a sweep kept randomly showing up throughout the year. Although... he IS kind of cute.
you know you have to touch the Schornsteinfeger to get your finger black? that brings you good luck :-)
yes, he comes because of the enviroment and because of your own safety. maybe birds build their nest in the roof. and he also makes measurements of the emissions, they must not exceed certain values.
if you suspect those values may be exceeded - call your favorite craftsman for heating, ventilation and air conditioning ^^
I'm really enjoying your Sundays in My City. To see the old buildings and streets and to learn about the different customs is fantastic. Thanks for teaching us also as you learn about your new land.
Oooh! I want my own Chimney Sweep, too. He looks like like such a kind fellow.
I just had our propane gas company guys out today to have a look at our gas fireplace. They inspect it for free at the beginning of the winter season. With it's efficient blower system, we do use it to heat our home, so we can keep our main heat thermostat turned down low.
But I miss the real wood fireplace sometimes, too. And what fun to have a chimney sweep over to visit. Do you serve him cookies, too?
~Lisa
Probably it's better to have the sweep come than to fire a shotgun up the chimney - or light a roaring fire then climb up the roof and drop a cup of gasoline down the chimney like one redneck who comes to mind! You do sound like a very sensible person to me.
Do keep a bit of the soot though. If you mix it with goose fat then you have a paste that will encourage horsehair to grow back in the event of a graze or bald spot. (Unfortunately this does not work on people!)
LOVED IT...I see Mary Poppins and the sweeps flying now!
Too cool old world stuff!
KK
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