THE SCENTLESS SEA

I write this post from the beautiful beaches of Montego Bay, Jamaica! I’m here for Christmas and to celebrate my mother’s 65th birthday. I love Jamaica at Christmas…heck, I love any tropical locale in December! And it doesn’t hurt that we left behind cool rainy weather in the States.

The temperature is a balmy 83 degrees with a brisk tradewind. The surf is breaking just off the beach producing lovely white caps as the water reaches the white sand. Oh how I love the Caribbean! But…there are a number of things that I am missing on this trip.

This is my first trip to the area since developing anosmia and I am once again reminded of how smell defines your experiences. I can’t enjoy the saltiness in the air from the water. I can’t smell the distinct odor of sunscreen/sun tan lotions. I can’t smell the familiar aromas of jerk chicken being cooked on the beachside grills. I can’t take in the lovely scent of the gorgeous Orchids and other flowers on the property. Heck! I can’t even enjoy the tropical flavors of a good rum punch.

Will my anosmia make the experience any less enjoyable? No way! I plan to enjoy the beach, the sand on my feet, the warmth of the water, the jerk chicken, the rum punch and everything else. I plan to savor the sights and sounds of Jamaica in a way I’ve never done before. Yes folks, this is going to be a trip for the senses…and a new appreciation for this beautiful country that I love.

So I wish you all The Happiest of holidays…