Without socks, but in the cylinder. Weekday Hamburg chimney.

Grimy man in a black cylinder with a wire bristle brush and rope on his shoulder goes on as if nothing had happened on the same black bike around the city of Hamburg.





And it is not a historical film shooting, but the harsh reality of Hamburg. Holger Bruns always travels to his district on a bicycle - so he always has time, and do not look for parking.



Chimney services are in high demand in Hamburg, as well as 150 years ago.



Holger and his partner Andreas respectable service district of Hamburg. It has a so-called "general's quarter." In homes with a loft and cozy terraces, where previously lodged generals, now living senior managers, doctors and lawyers.



This area is better than others survived the bombings of World War II. In the houses, like a hundred years ago, fueled fireplaces and smoke clay pipes. Their purity depends fire safety at home.



In addition to chimney cleaning chimney sweeps monitor the state of gas pipes and ventilation systems, advise the population on environmental issues and fire safety.



In the basement Holger cozy surroundings adjusts to the lyrical mood. Herr Bruns used to journalists and photographers, so happy to answer questions.





"Form - is not only a tribute to tradition, it is simply a handy" - Holger twirled gold buttons double-breasted jacket. And in the cylinder kept the money, documents, and sometimes breakfast. Holger raises the pant leg, showing a lack of socks. He always wears work boots without socks, so not slippery to walk on a sloping roof.





That's partner returned. Black hands, in the basement immediately smelled soot. Rattling the heavy rope on the floor with the cargo. Over tea, they poison their Holger trubochistskie stories.



With tea over, climb onto the roof. The picturesque staircase leads to the attic. On the door of the attic also painted staircase - a sign that today come chimney sweeps.





And here they come. Meticulously inspect pipes, knocking on them. Complain about the carelessness of workers - yes, this happens in Germany! "Workers covered the bottom of the tube with roofing material, and it may melt and cause a fire" - Holger shakes his head.



Trainee Sebastian today for the first time on the roof as an apprentice chimney sweep. As long as he wears a hat apprentice, but after three years, successfully passed examinations, cylinder wear and become a true master.
Sebastian camera shy and blushing like a young girl, in spite of his 27 years.



Andreas meanwhile, is busy cleaning the pipes. Only the antenna on the roof interfere believe that the twenty-first century, not the nineteenth.







From seven in the morning clearing several dozen pipes - it's time to drink coffee and discuss local news and quirks customers.



Andreas and Sebastian go on to inspect the pipe and Holger's time in office. He mounts his bike and on the way to the office greeted with almost every passer-by. Very positive spectacle. By the way, in Hamburg believe: to meet a chimney sweep in the street - good. In fact, why not?



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