A bird perched upon a signboard, cloudy skies, John Denver singing ‘Leaving on a jet plane’ into my ears, as the bus winds downhill. The beautiful valley comes into view, with its different hues of green; like right out of a postcard. I wonder if I will ever grow tired​ of this! There's something new to spot everyday. Narcissus ringing in spring over sidewalks, magnolias in delightful pinkish reds, and cherry blossoms looking like dollops of stardust. That pretty house with its idyllic windows, a telephone booth snugly sitting in a corner, wall murals that speed past. I am lost in these sights and the guitar notes of ‘Hotel California’ when I realise I have to change buses at the next stop. I pause the music and get off.

It has rained here; I see puddles and maneuver my way around it. I find a spot to wait, narrowly escaping the raindrops that are rolling off the bus shelter. My eyes dart to the display; four minutes left for my bus. Billy Joel is humming whilst my bus arrives. I search for a window seat only to get an extra warm one at the rear end of the bus. My stomach growls with hunger. I smell residual beer and cigarette; the kind that forever stays on jackets and sleeves. I look outside the window as the bus passes through my favourite spot; a storybookish park with wooden bridges and a tiny pond. I am about to press the stop button to get off and see the cute guy sitting on the other side pressing it already. 'Moon River' plays. ‘Waiting round the bend’, I turn right to get to my street. I can now see my apartment, its peach colour standing out against the downcast skies. A sense of comfort and belonging. The Beatles start to croon ‘Hey Jude’ and I unconsciously have a smile on my face. I guess there's nothing that compares to a good playlist, pleasant weather and a new city, all put together!