Knowing that I'm going to travel to a new destination excites me; it fills me with eagerness to discover, experience, and live something new. Traveling gives me butterflies in my stomach that make me wake up every morning eager to pack, even if there's still a month to go before flying. And it's because every time I travel, I renew myself; I feel that I connect with incredible places in the world, perhaps I didn't even know existed, but somehow they make me feel at home. Places that easily make me their own; whether it's because of their wonderful people, their mountains and plains that seem to give you a smile, or because of the flavors of the food that awaken the nostalgia of how beautiful and vulnerable the world we live in is. But undoubtedly, one of the things that touches me the most on every trip are the smells of each place. The aromas that these emit and remain eternally imprinted in our subconscious, and that when we encounter them again, move us and make us profoundly happy because it's as if we were traveling back to the same place and reliving the same dream. In this blog, I would like to share with you how I remember each of my favorite destinations according to their characteristic smells and essences. In the first part (Part I), I will share with you my favorite places in East Asia and their endearing essences.
Bali
The dazzling island of Bali is known for its rich culture and beautiful landscapes. On my trip to Bali in December 2019, I discovered its distinctive smells:
Incense: Bali is famous for its religious rituals and ceremonies, where incense is burned in temples and homes. The aroma of incense is often perceived in the streets and in the sacred places of the island.
Frangipani: The frangipani flower, also known as Plumeria, is very common in Bali. Its flowers exhale a sweet and intoxicating aroma, especially at night. So if you have the opportunity to enjoy an evening on a terrace or balcony, I recommend it to delight in this aroma.
Jasmine: Bali is home to a variety of exotic flowers, and jasmine is one of them. Its soft and floral fragrance is found in many gardens and natural areas of the island.
Tropical fruits: Bali is surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant tropical fruits. The aroma of fruits like pineapple, papaya, mango, and dragon fruit (pink pitaya, my favorite) are easily found in the markets and restaurants of the island.
The sea and coastal breeze: Bali is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, so the smell of the sea and the salty coastal breeze are characteristic, especially in areas near the beaches. For those who love the Spanish Mediterranean, you'll notice that the maritime aroma of the Balinese coast contains very different touches, influenced by the tropical climate of Southeast Asia.
Japan
Also an island, but a gigantic one. In Japan, I found a perfect fusion between the traditional and the modern; it captivated me with its culture, impressive technology, and an elegance that is reflected both in its ancient temples and in the bustling streets of its iconic cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. On my trip to Japan in May 2023, I discovered the richest fragrances:
Sakura (cherry blossom): During the sakura season in spring, the air is filled with a delicate sweet and floral aroma due to the thousands of cherry blossoms blooming throughout the country. People from all over the world come precisely to witness this spring phenomenon and delight in both the sight and smell.
Tatami: The traditional tatami floors in houses and tea rooms have a distinctive and pleasant aroma. They are made of woven rice straw mats and have a natural and warm smell.
Incense in temples: Japan has numerous temples and shrines where incense is burned as part of religious practices. The smell of incense is often associated with tranquility and spirituality.
Matcha green tea: Japan is famous for its matcha green tea. The characteristic earthy smell of green tea is found in teahouses, tea ceremonies, and matcha-related products. You can't leave Japan without trying this tea delight.
Onsen (hot springs): Japan's hot springs, known as onsen, emit a distinctive smell due to the minerals present in the water. The smell of sulfur is particularly common and is associated with relaxation and healing.
Thailand
Thailand is a land of smiles and lush beauty, captivating with its vibrant culture, majestic temples, paradisiacal beaches, and delicious spicy cuisine that delights all the senses. On my trip to Thailand in September 2022, I discovered the beauty of this land, its people, and its traditional recipes.
Lime-lemon: Thai cuisine is known for its generous use of fresh citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes. The citrusy and refreshing aroma is found in dishes like Pad Thai, tom yum soups, and Thai curries. A delight!
Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a highly used aromatic herb in Thai cuisine. Its citrusy and herbal aroma is distinctive and is found in dishes, teas, and personal care products.
Coconut: Thailand is famous for its tropical beaches and coconut trees. The sweet and creamy aroma of coconut is found in dishes like coconut curry, coconut desserts, and refreshing drinks like coconut water.
Jasmine flowers: Jasmine is an emblematic flower of Thailand and is used in ceremonies, decorations, and traditional perfumes. Its sweet and soft floral aroma is appreciated in gardens, markets, and spas.
Incense in Buddhist temples: Like Bali and Japan, Thailand has numerous temples where incense is burned. The aroma of incense is common in temples and adds a spiritual and peaceful atmosphere.
And there is an infinity of rich aromas that can even teleport us to these spectacular corners of the world; so I want to invite you to continue exploring the world with all your senses, to immerse yourselves in the aromas that surround us and to allow each fragrance to awaken the curiosity and joy of discovering new horizons. With Monsscent's more than 300 fragrances, we can continue traveling every day, even if we don't physically move. Because in the end, as Marcel Proust said, "the real journey of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." May each aroma remind us of the beauty of the world and inspire us to continue exploring, dreaming, and living intensely. Until the next trip!
An editor's note.
