I was born in Düsseldorf, Germany. My unique skills place me in worldwide demand. I experience sights, of which my forebears could only have dreamed. That suits me, since I wanted to see more of the world than my rather limited, German origins. As soon as the first opportunity arose, I ventured into the world. Eventually, I arrived in the United States and settled in San Diego, California. Beautiful San Diego possesses an annual mean temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It rains only in the winter months. Palm trees line a world-class harbor, minutes from downtown’s heart. I had no difficulty remaining here. San Diego beats Düsseldorf easily.

I obtained work immediately. My skills were solicited. However, there were two competing groups within my employer’s organization. The opposition railed against me. They alleged that my antiquated skills weren’t in tune with this vibrant metropolis’ modern needs. My supporters perceived, contrarily, that my career track was headed in the proper direction. Supporters’ beliefs would prove true with time.

My ties to the past were well established. A distant relative had played a significant role in San Diego a century earlier. Some of the well-worn paths that my pioneering predecessor had ventured down were useable by me in the “new” city. The right of way, so to speak, was established.

I learned networking. Its mastery was essential to making my services available to the greatest number of people. Initially, my welfare concerned me. Although their technology had made it to the moon, German perception holds Americans not among the best in long-term, health care maintenance. Would care providing professionals know how to handle my special needs? Would necessary prescriptive supplies be obtainable? My fears were groundless. As physical ailments occurred, I discovered that the American health maintenance system, as it affected me, is exceptionally good. Sometimes, it surpasses the German system. The Americans are ingeniously clever. If a remedy isn’t readily obtainable, caregivers will fabricate one using available ingredients, rather than wring their hands in despair.

I felt increasingly comfortable and secure.The response to me was gratifying. Soon, I was working more than planned and making more money than I had dreamed. I learned networking so well that my customer base grows constantly. My networking skills include repeatedly returning to the same neighborhoods, slowly convincing people that my skills are better, cheaper, and faster than any of my competitors. I return so often with such diligence, that I have been told I have a one-track mind.

Recently, I branched out to assist education. My potential customer list now includes all the students at San Diego State University. I’ll convert them to my beliefs, one person at a time. My work is challenging and gratifying. It takes me into all types of San Diego neighborhoods. I hear Russian, Farsi, Tagalog, Hmong, Vietnamese, and, of course, Spanish being spoken. Occasionally, I come into contact with Germans. Initially, they are surprised to discover I’m German, but then immediately recognize my German name. My forays into these culturally diverse neighborhoods are interesting. In Germany, my clientele generally tends to be homogenous, although, modernly, that too is slowly changing.

My life is extremely rewarding. Downtown San Diego, of which I am an avid, integral part, is reawakening. The ongoing, downtown residential influence and historical buildings’ preservation is increasing. That renaissance includes my downtown home. It is conveniently adjacent to the restored Santa Fe Railroad Terminal. I have good connections. My building has attained for me a certain station in life, which is immediately obvious to the artistically inclined. I enjoy my life here, a thriving metropolis that beckons to all as America’s Finest City.

Who am I? I am Düwag von Siemens, the San Diego trolley.