It’s difficult to believe that less than 30 years ago a wall separating East and West Germany would have been standing on this very spot. On this morning, just outside the Hotel Avendi where I was staying, the peacefulness of Griebnitzsee was a reminder of the changes that have occurred in the world since 1989.

I am told that sunrises like this are very rare in Potsdam winters. I’ll consider myself lucky. For so many, many reasons.