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Smells that evoke travel memories
"Every time I hear a certain song, or smell a certain smell it reminds me of the cruise," said one of the 10th graders who I give a ride home from high school three times a week. She was settled into the back seat of my car with another girl as they shared a set of earphones listening to music while carrying on a conversation.
My radar went off. Post potential. "Oh, really?" I was inquisitive. I looked in the rear view mirror to show my interest. "What song? Anything specific? What smell?"
They weren't too sure about what kind of smell. I offered suggestions determined to find out what a cruise smells like to adolescents.
"A fresh smell. Like the ocean?"
That wasn't it. The smell was more like a cafeteria smell, but they assured me this was a good thing. Frankly, I thought of green beans cooked until they're soggy, but if they insist. They couldn't remember a specific song either, but from the way they dreamily talked, their cruise experience to the Bahamas and Mexico last spring break was simply divine. They took it with one of the girl's mother. For both of these girls it's the only cruise they have been on, but I bet, no matter how many they go on in the future, this one will be the best one ever.
That first experience of any kind of adventure is certainly one worth having. Listening them reminisce about their grand time, reminded me about how much travel to new places is so important and powerful. The memories from those trips are enough to carry us through those days when the sky is endlessly grey and the next spring break seems so very far away. It also reminded me about how powerful the sense of smell is to connect us to the memories of the places we've been. Hopefully, the good smells out weigh the bad.
Filed under: Stories, Bahamas, Mexico, Transportation
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
take Jun 1st 2008 9:01AM
Look when it is good, and when it is possible to link, I hope travel happy.(http://memoriestravel.blogspot.com/)
Marilyn Terrell Jan 15th 2008 10:39PM
Jamie, what a great post! It reminds me of the little essay by Jerry V. Haines on WorldHum about the enticing aroma of jet fuel:
http://www.worldhum.com/speakers_corner/item/fueling_desire_20060819/
Jamie Rhein Jan 15th 2008 10:46PM
Thanks, Marilyn!
I read Jerry's essay and loved the part where he wrote about how he didn't realize after 20 years of marriage that he and his wife's tastes were different in reference to his love of the jet fuel smell and her distaste.
Amily Jan 16th 2008 7:00PM
Jamie - I am definitely one of those people that connects smells to places and events. My memory is like swiss cheese most of the time, but the right smell can instantly transport me to another place. When I was on my honeymoon, I used a body spray that I was given at my shower. Now, whenever I wear it, I am back on my honeymoon in Belgium and Italy. I try to wear the scent sparingly, so that it will not become an 'everyday smell' and override the magic. Glad to know that there are others out there who think the same way!