Like how I don’t have a favorite book, I don’t have a favorite song either. I only associate music with memories or places where I leave a piece of my heart. That’s probably why I base my Spotify playlists off cities I have visited, places that have played a pivotal part in my personal growth. Today, I share some of these fleeting moments with you in the form of melody, drum, and bass. Here a few of my favorite memories from my travels with a song as accompaniment -- because when words fail, music speaks.

1. Mykonos, Greece | 6.20.13 -- Blondfire, “Waves”

“Waves” is as bright and sunny as Mykonos on a June afternoon -- though not without its cool, signature winds, of course. It’s a bouncy, electronic dance party for your ears, wide-eyed and optimistic like I was when I was when I was 15. It still takes me back to the cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings that will forever call my name.

2. Kona, HI | 12.19.14 -- Childish Gambino, “Retro [ROUGH]”

I was in the middle of my junior year, trying to juggle SAT prep, five weighted classes, and my numerous extracurricular activities. My getaway to the Big Island made me realize how much I needed to slow down. Maybe it’s because of the chillout, island vibe Gambino gives off. Or, maybe it’s because it’s part of his seven-song EP “Kauai,” named after a Hawaiian island. But, “Retro” somehow always transports me back to the top of Mauna Loa or one of Hawaii’s sandy beaches.

3. Boston, MA | 6.27.15 -- Yuna, “Lights and Camera (ft. G-Eazy)”

Boston is wickedly unique -- it doesn’t take a local to realize that. At my six-week research internship, I learned that Boston is compelling, but in a cool, calm, and collected way. That’s a combination one can only find in Yuna’s dreamy, alt-pop sound -- it’s not something that can easily be achieved. “Lights and Camera” drives through your soul, but not in a flashy, in-your-face kind of way. Instead, it leads with class and sophistication, just like Boston.

4. Montreal, Canada | 7.3.15 -- LIGHTS, “Toes”

Like LIGHTS, Montreal is a breath of fresh air. It’s gritty and dynamic; it strikes a unique balance between eclectic and sophisticated. When I think of Montreal, I see beating drums, underground streets, and cliffhanger endings -- I just want to pack it all up in a box and take it home with me. “Toes” musically epitomizes Montreal in a way no other song can. It keeps you anticipating; it’s full of surprises that never disappoint. Its unpredictability is a spectacle in itself.

5. Singapore, Singapore | 12.27.15 -- Carly Rae Jepsen, “Run Away With Me”

Was it the high-rise buildings? Or, was it the flashing lights? Either way, Singapore made me realize that I’m a city girl at heart. “Run Away With Me” perfectly captures the awe and excitement of the hustle and bustle of Singapore. It helps us understand Singapore’s animated effervescence and carefree energy. It’s like the city skyline is beckoning your name, and you can’t help but answer back.

I hope your summer is filled with new sights, smells, and sounds. Don’t be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone, and go out there and change the world!