I think that we've become so de-sentisized to "real scent" that many people don't remember what many scents smell like. Thank you for this evocative piece of writing. I love to try to challenge my students in aromatherapy to describe each essential oil as they are starting out and build their vocabulary. I'm also trying to do that through my perfumery work. Hopefully we can get people back on track with real scent vs synthetic, sterile scent one by one!
This is interesting. It seems to also affect ability to recognize a scent when we finally do come across it. Ask a person who’s not a fragrance enthusiast what a gourmand passing by might smell like and they’ll probably only be able to label a vanilla, the use of descriptive words or nuance in the language is not as present (though that could weave into many other topics). Even myself - when I smell a fruity element, it does take a whole lot of effort to land on which exact fruit I might be identifying.
I disagree. My nose can detect synthetic fabrics (they offgas when new….that’s the reek of a Spotlight store) and I enjoy the aroma of my preferred cafe (not Star-whatsie). I think the world is becoming smellier in a synthetic way…I avoid private bnb’s unless they can assure me they won’t soak the bedding in “conditioner” and practically gag when encountering a gaggle of vapers. You’re right about the roses though, except for David Austin. All of their roses are a joy to noses!!
I agree that the detergents are bad and stinky. And yes small coffee shops might still offer that wonderful coffee aroma. I do believe the big coffee brand shops do t offer this wonderful smell and here in the US they make up a large % of retail space in major cities.
I’m sad that I won’t be stepping into my favourite coffee place (in the world !) anytime soon. Caffe Trieste in North Beach. I haven’t been since before the plague, so it may have changed. But they used to remember me and give me a cheery “you’re back!!” when I’d walk in every six months or so. I won’t risk a border crossing under the present regime though, I’m brown and I have tattoos, and both of those have gotten me in trouble (and secondary questioning ) in the past.
That’s lovely that you had such a nice relationship with them. I really enjoy that cafe. And it’s dreadfully awful that traveling to the US is so unwelcoming now. May this nightmare end soon! Thanks for reading India. I hope one day we can have a coffee there together.
Wonderful! We’ll have something to celebrate then. As for the MM, you watch and see there will be a lot of restlessness soon. I’m trying to remain hopeful.
I think that we've become so de-sentisized to "real scent" that many people don't remember what many scents smell like. Thank you for this evocative piece of writing. I love to try to challenge my students in aromatherapy to describe each essential oil as they are starting out and build their vocabulary. I'm also trying to do that through my perfumery work. Hopefully we can get people back on track with real scent vs synthetic, sterile scent one by one!
Exactly! I’m so grateful you’re encouraging your students this way. Thank you 🙏
This is interesting. It seems to also affect ability to recognize a scent when we finally do come across it. Ask a person who’s not a fragrance enthusiast what a gourmand passing by might smell like and they’ll probably only be able to label a vanilla, the use of descriptive words or nuance in the language is not as present (though that could weave into many other topics). Even myself - when I smell a fruity element, it does take a whole lot of effort to land on which exact fruit I might be identifying.
I disagree. My nose can detect synthetic fabrics (they offgas when new….that’s the reek of a Spotlight store) and I enjoy the aroma of my preferred cafe (not Star-whatsie). I think the world is becoming smellier in a synthetic way…I avoid private bnb’s unless they can assure me they won’t soak the bedding in “conditioner” and practically gag when encountering a gaggle of vapers. You’re right about the roses though, except for David Austin. All of their roses are a joy to noses!!
I agree that the detergents are bad and stinky. And yes small coffee shops might still offer that wonderful coffee aroma. I do believe the big coffee brand shops do t offer this wonderful smell and here in the US they make up a large % of retail space in major cities.
I’m sad that I won’t be stepping into my favourite coffee place (in the world !) anytime soon. Caffe Trieste in North Beach. I haven’t been since before the plague, so it may have changed. But they used to remember me and give me a cheery “you’re back!!” when I’d walk in every six months or so. I won’t risk a border crossing under the present regime though, I’m brown and I have tattoos, and both of those have gotten me in trouble (and secondary questioning ) in the past.
That’s lovely that you had such a nice relationship with them. I really enjoy that cafe. And it’s dreadfully awful that traveling to the US is so unwelcoming now. May this nightmare end soon! Thanks for reading India. I hope one day we can have a coffee there together.
That’s a grand idea, Frauke. See you when I’m 70, unless the Mango Mussolini cements himself in for life…
Wonderful! We’ll have something to celebrate then. As for the MM, you watch and see there will be a lot of restlessness soon. I’m trying to remain hopeful.