During my junior year of high school, I met a foreign exchange student named Saskia. Saskia grew up in Hamburg, Germany, and never once did I imagine that we would become best friends. It was hard parting ways with her; however, I knew it was not goodbye (just “see you later”).
Rather than having a graduation party the summer after, I decided to go on a three week trip to visit her and her parents. It was the first foreign city I have experienced…and it sure hasn’t been the last! Hamburg holds a special place in my heart, which has inspired me to travel even more.
These photos are not the best and are not edited whatsoever. The few inserted in this post are some of the only photos I have on my desktop as we speak. I wanted this post to feel immediate and as true to my feelings as much as possible; I miss Germany and I miss Saskia way too much.
I hope this post inspires you to look back on distant memories and own them; it is better to “feel all the feels” instead of masking your true, raw emotions.
My friend’s home in Germany.
Petting zoo outside of the city!
When the monkey tried to steal my chap-stick…
My German family
Uptown Hamburg, Germany
In the shopping district!
Hamburg nightlife!
Alsterhaus
Last night in Hamburg
Hopefully one day I can visit Hamburg, Germany again! I also hope that you can revisit your favorite spot, or relive your most cherished memory…
Adventure in Spades 
Hi Cate, looks like you had a wonderful experience. Your first foreign trip is definitely an experience to remember! My Dad tells me that when first travelled out of the country for the very first time (to Italy), he actually stamped the ground underneath him to make sure that it was made of the same stuff as back home! I unfortunately, don’t have any such memories as the first time I travelled abroad was when I was three years old. But then, we did go back when I was seventeen, and you’d be surprised at how many deep rooted memories that brought out!
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Anvita, I am so thrilled about your comment! It means a lot that you would share your story with me! I hope that you had a great time revisiting where you were, and that you can continue to have those memories! 🙂
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