As I'm writing this, there's thunder outside but it's not raining at the moment.
The whole time we were riding home on his motorcycle, I couldn't help thinking how wonderful the city smells.
The trees all are in full bloom as officially, it's still late spring. It's very warm each day and the air is saturated with humidity.
And then it rains.
You can smell the wet dirt on the asphalt mixed with humid smell of all the trees and flowers blooming in the city at the moment. Especially when on a motorcycle after a late spring shower.
It's all there - the humid air, the ozone feeling of the approaching thunderstorm, the greenery of all the trees in the city, and the sweet smell of their flowers, the smell of dirt on the asphalt and eventually it hits you - the smell of budding optimism and well-being.
I wish someone would make a perfume out of this smell. Not the exact thing, but something evoking it. Because to me, it's one of the best fragrances in the world.
I haven't tried it myself, so it's just an idea: you could try to create the smell you want with perfumes and/or accords from CB I Hate Perfume. Or Demeter's colognes.
ReplyDeleteUndina
Lucky Lucky redhead! A motorbike with your man and the muggy sweet scent of rain and green - Wowza! GORGEOUS writing as always, Ines - you transport me! And Yeah, if they Ever bottle that scent, I'll be bathing in it too - ha!
ReplyDeleteCheerz!
Zanne :)
I love that smell too. O3
ReplyDeleteOh yes, an evocation of warm asphalt and earth after rain! I second that. Lovely post, Ines - your description of the city at dusk is so vivid I'm seeing it in my mind... :)
ReplyDeleteUndina, I didn't know there was the option of creating your own perfumes with CB. I like that. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Zanne,
ReplyDeleteI hope everything is ok with you - I've been waiting to hear if there are some good news regarding the package (and the weather).
And thank you!
Jolanta, that is one of the best smells in my opinion a city can offer. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you axum. :)
ReplyDeleteI think I'll be enjoying that smell a few days more - we're into some strange sunny/showery weather.
I'm not sure any perfume could capture the true and full beauty of what you described in this post, Ines. It was a pleasure to read, and I felt like I was watching a movie of you and your boyfriend riding your motorcyle through the sexy night air.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, I'm thinking too that it is not possible to catch this scent but anything reminiscent of it would be good enough for me. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know, I find it incredible that breathing that scented air can actually make a romantic setting out of an ordinary (every day when it's warm) ride.
I keep getting surprised by the invisible force that scents are.
So beautifully described, I felt I was there right with you (the one behind you laughing hysterically with exhilaration and joy).
ReplyDeleteB, I treasure each exhilarating experience I can. :) Especially a fragrant one.
ReplyDeleteLovely post. It's sad how much people miss when they're closed up in cars and air-conditioned buildings, as most people in the US are most of the time. I love the smell of rain hitting dry pavement. It's one of the most evocative scents there is. I also have vivid memories of riding my bike past blooming linden trees every day, so can imagine how beautiful the combination of rain and blooming trees must be.
ReplyDeleteMy husband just bought a new motorbike, so I'm looking forward to riding with him this summer!
Doc Elly, I think people here also don't appreciate the smells around them.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find great in these naturally occurring scents is that they smell relaxing to me - I sigh in relief after inhaling them.
I'm happy to hear you're going to enjoy summer motorbike rides! How wonderful for you! :)