Rashmi Navalpakkam, Week 16 - Scent of Serenity


        Scrolling through Google Photos to find pictures for my latest APENG assignment collage, I stopped as I looked at the next 50-75 photos. Slowly scrolling, as I looked over the photos, I felt a soft smile form on my face. 

        December 26, 2023, to January 5, 2024 - the best winter break ever - spent in the most serene place ever - Italy. 

        Almost instantly, I was transported back to that time. The scent of my 10 mL bottle (which was gifted to me - well actually my mom - since I’m too broke to buy it myself) of Versace Bright Crystal perfume, which I used every day of my vacation in Italy, filled the air. I couldn’t help but feel as if I had stepped off that Lufthansa flight from San Francisco International Airport onto the refreshing soil of Milan once again.   

        Suddenly, all of those memories came rushing back to me - the beige Trench Coat which completed my outfit almost every single day; the Italo high-speed train, which looked as though it was straight out of an anime movie; the countless tours of the many tourist actions which never failed to bore me, and of course, the most authentic beverage in Italy, their hot chocolate. 

        As I reflected on these memories, I looked back to my wardrobe, which had the thing that started this nostalgic journey - the 10 mL bottle of Versace Bright Crystal perfume. The more I think about it, the more in awe I become - just one sniff of that bottle, not even spraying it on my wrist, was enough to send me back to such beautiful and nostalgic moments. 

        At first, I thought only souvenirs like magnets, snow globes, cups, or keychains could serve a nostalgic purpose. I’m really glad scents can, too. 

Comments

  1. Allison May 13, 2024 at 9:05 AM

    Hi Rashmi! I loved the wistful remembrance you included in the narration of your memories! The descriptions of your trip are excellently vivid; the imagery helps me feel like I went on that trip as well! Although the blog’s word limit prevents you from detailing every aspect of your trip, the items and adventures you chose to mention helped me feel immersed in your trip as well! Your retelling of your trip reminds me of my own winter break, spent at Disneyland. I rode Space Mountain and the Incredicoaster so many times on that trip and greatly enjoyed the speed of the ride and the musical and narrative effects added on the coaster. I also remember tasting the blue milk that they sold exclusively at Disneyland and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it tasted more like a fruit slushie rather than a milkshake. It was sweet and tart, with the ice giving the drink the perfect crunchy texture. I still crave it sometimes and I remember telling my mom that I hoped we could go back to Disneyland just to buy their entire stock of blue milk. It was a joke, but I really would not mind drinking some right now. Thank you for writing your blog on your trip! Without reading this, I would not have thought to think of my trip to Disney and remember the amazing memories I made there. This is the perfect way to elevate my mood in these stressful AP testing weeks. I hope you can remember your trip to Italy as you work on your own exams and thank you for writing this excellent blog!

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  2. Peter ShrMay 15, 2024 at 6:32 PM

    Hi Rashmi! I similarly enjoyed completing the collage assignment, as it required me to reminisce on the brightest and most meaningful moments in the past. I like how you describe the nostalgic power of the perfume, vividly showing the immediacy in which you were transported back in time. I think that this is interesting because there is an actual biological explanation behind the connection between scent and memories. Neurons focused on transmitting information on smell can also activate memories, allowing us to recognize precisely the setting when and where we first detected new scents. It is also intriguing how such a recent event, like your trip during winter break, can already be categorized as nostalgic. I feel that this correlates with how much we associate certain emotions with such events. For example, my time in Taiwan gave me a freeing sense of exploration, connection with my extended family, and joy. I most actively recall my time there when I smell rice balls with salmon, the smell of the air after rain, and cigarette smoke. You also demonstrate how potent the effect of scent is, with not even a spray required to unlock your time in Italy. I relate, as these callbacks often catch me off guard; there is such a strong sense of longing to be back there.

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  3. Sampan MehtaMay 15, 2024 at 9:36 PM

    Hi Rashmi,
    I really enjoyed reading your blog about your travel experiences as it was something I could better connect with! Your memories from Italy over Winter Break and the souvenirs you brought back with you reminded me of my own experiences in Italy. I have been to Italy twice, once during Spring Break (2022) and once during Winter Break (2022), and even when I went the second time, the breathtaking sites and fascinating history never disappointed me. From both trips, I brought back several tangible souvenirs similar to the perfume you described in your blog; I brought back several keychains, magnets, photographs, and a variety of tasty Italian chocolates. Not only did I bring back these things, but I brought back several memories and wonderful experiences from Italy, all which hold sentimental value. The memories I carry from both my trips always remind me of how much I enjoyed Italy and that I would never get bored as there was so much to do. During my trips, I visited Rome, Naples, Venice, Milan, Florence, and Pisa, and my family had mainly traveled around with the high speed rail and train system. I definitely agree with you that the trains were spectacular and just the comfort of public transport there was definitely better than any I experienced here in the US. Additionally, your comment on the hot chocolate you tried in Italy brought back several memories of my brother and I going to so many different places in Rome to try the hot chocolate, and even the gelato! Both were delicious and the gelato was a clear winner for me. I remember there was one specific gelato shop near Vatican City that I liked the most. Lastly, your description of deboarding the plane in Milan reminds me of how exciting it is to visit another country during vacation! Thank you for sharing your experiences as it helped remind me of my memories from my own trips. I look forward to making more memories on my next trip later this year and I hope you enjoy continuing to make wonderful memories through travel!

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