Anosmia and Me…TRAVELLING WITH ANOSMIA
Many years ago I travelled to a country where oranges were grown. I arrived just as the oranges were ripening on the trees and would soon be ready to harvest. The plane arrived in the early evening and I have never forgotten experiencing the smell of the ripening oranges and the warmth of the sun as I got off the plane. I had to ask what the smell was as it was a completely new fragrance to me.
Now when I go on holiday, being anosmic, I can’t appreciate what the new destinations unique smell might be. Before Covid I enjoyed travelling not only in the Summer months, but in the Winter months too. I remember travelling to Budapest in early December and experiencing that rush of very cold air as we got off the plane. I also remember how pleased I was that I had packed a very warm coat plus a hat, scarf and gloves! It so much colder and took your breath away.
We were there to visit their Christmas Markets as well as all the usual tourist attractions. I might struggle to smell the mulled wine on offer but the warmth and spices added made it very enjoyable. I had more than one glass whilst touring the various markets.
We always ask for recommendations for local restaurants. My senses of taste, smell and flavour maybe compromised, but the whole experience of visiting and eating in a local restaurant still make it special. When visiting Poland our Hotel suddenly had doughnuts everywhere. Tiny ones, huge ones and even a tray of them to help yourself when you were checking out. We found out it was a tradition held just before Lent. Who isn’t going to enjoy a massive warm, soft, sugary doughnut!
One year we travelled to Iceland in January. New lunch choice for me cinnamon scones, mmm. The most amazing memory is seeing a man with his ungloved hands hugging a very tall pole in a square which was completely clear of snow, (this was in January). He explained that the thermal springs kept the square clear of snow and that because of them the pole was warm too. He said ‘listen’. As the steam reached the top it turned back to ice and you could hear it as the ice particles fell back down inside the pole. I didn’t need a sense of smell to enjoy the Northern Lights, the thermal pools and the very friendly people. BUT, I wasn’t brave enough to try a local delicacy, rotted fish. Apparently once the jar is opened you must not breathe until you have swallowed the piece of fish. Even I can imagine the smell. One local practice didn’t surprise me but did other visitors. I used to live in the Scottish Highlands and after heavy snow it would be collected and then dumped in the river. In Iceland they dump their excess snow in the sea and we had to explain why they were collecting mounds of snow in a carpark at the docks to another visiting couple.
What I am trying to emphasise is that we can focus on our other senses to get the most from life. I’ve just been on my first holiday since the pandemic. I saw an amazing flower festival, ok no scents but amazing colours and varieties of plants. I was lucky to see to massive firework displays late evenings over the harbour and the most unique, a cherry festival! Ice cold vanilla ice cream topped with real fresh cherries and what I’m sure was a slightly alcoholic cherry sauce. Torture from the ice cold ice cream, sort of taste/texture from the fresh cherries and then warmth from the sauce, delicious, all whilst listening to local bands and watching a parade through the village.
When we travel on holiday as anosmics we may miss out on the destinations unique smells but there is so much more to enjoy. My next trip is waiting, I’ve no idea when or where but I know it will be special.
