“My favorite place in Germany is Övelgönne, near Hamburg, located on the bluffs leading down to the Elbe River. My wife, Barbara Sukowa, lived there when we first met, and we still have many close, extraordinary friends living there. There are no cars allowed; Övelgönne is an incredibly peaceful place, a real people place. It is across the Elbe River from Hamburg’s major port. From Ovelgönne looking across the water, it feels as if you’re looking at a stage set. Huge freighters moving through the river block the sun as they pass. I’ve seen these behemoths turn 360 degrees in the water in front of me, a Ballet of Giant Monsters.”Photo by Thomas Ulrich
