Friends are the family we choose

January 21, 2021 / Cate Spader / Leave a comment

Today is one of my best friend’s birthdays. Saskia and I met ten years ago, and our friendship has proven the test of time and distance. I haven’t seen Sassi in person since 2016 (which is quite depressing to think about!), but we use WhatsApp to communicate on a weekly basis. She and I are closer than some of my family and friends who live close in proximity; she truly is my family right now. Although I love hearing her voice, I can’t wait to see Saskia again and give her the big hug that she deserves! Happy birthday, Saskia 🙂💛

It’s Always Happy in Hamburg (March, 2016)

January 19, 2019 / Cate Spader / 5 Comments

I have visited a dear friend in Hamburg, Germany twice now: once in 2012 and once in 2016. I love this city very much and have nothing but good things to say about it. In fact, Hamburg was my first city visited outside of North America and has been a gateway for my many adventures abroad! The late night dancing, scenery, food, streets, harbor and good company keep me easily entertained and happy whenever I spend time with Saskia and her parents!

Hamburg, Germany in Photographs

August 12, 2015August 12, 2015 / Cate Spader / 2 Comments

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.