When Berlin mayor Klaus Wowereit described his city as “poor but sexy” in a 2004 TV interview, one might have been forgiven for thinking he was uttering nothing but glib marketing slogans. But there’s something about the run down streets, bursting with history and now renewed political and creative energy, that makes his words ring immediately true.

I’m here just for a couple of days, and in that time I’ll have the good fortune to meet innovators in the city’s burgeoning tech startup scene, attend debates on energy and sustainability with global thought leaders, witness the spectacular Berlin Light Festival and – of course – enjoy the music. All in all it definitely feels like a city whose best days are still to come. If they can get their airport working, that is…