We’ve been in Zurich for almost two weeks now and I think I’m finally coming out of the culture shock fog. I hadn’t expected to have a hard time transitioning, maybe because I’d been assured everyone spoke English and I simply didn’t have time to think about anything other than how to get a toddler across the Atlantic Ocean. But last week, I couldn’t get my bearings, so much so that I didn’t want to leave our little apartment. I don’t speak German, I get so nervous on public transportation no matter where I am (thanks Law & Order reruns), and suddenly in a sea of blondes, I stick out like a black girl.

This brings me to my new playlist.

I was sick of walking around and feeling weighed down by my otherness and American-ness and listening to music has helped me feel more confident and made the constant walking (like I said, I’m afraid of trains and trams) more bearable. And with my mind occupied by tunes, my eyes have been able to see Zurich a little clearer. Here’s the curated beat I’ve been stepping to:

Ain’t It Fun by Paramore

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon

Million Years Ago by Adele

On My Mind by Ellie Goulding

Skinny Love by Birdy

Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift

Love Yourself by Justin Bieber

In the Night by The Weeknd

Cough Syrup by Matthew Schuler

 

Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran

Death of a Bachelor by Panic at the Disco

Alive by Sia

Water Under the Bridge by Adele

Private Eyes by Hall & Oates

Hundred by The Fray

Some Nights by Fun.

Reflections by MisterWives

Elastic Heart by Sia

Young Forever by Jay Z