USVI-On-Line

I was walking in a parking lot the other day when I was overwhelmed by a smell.

It smelled like Bay Rum and when I closed my eyes I could swear I was on St. John. But when I opened my eyes I was still in a parking lot.

Since moving to Florida I have smelled many smells, heard sounds and seen sights that instantly transport me mentally to St. John. It could be the trees, or the ocean, maybe flowers, or a bird that makes a noise similar to the coqui frog. Could be the sea grapes and palm trees fringing the white sand beaches here. Could also be the barracuda that lives by the rock close to shore. But, still they aren't on St. John. And neither am I.

It's these small moments that make me turn my head to catch a better glimpse, inhale harder and longer, or close my eyes and listen that make me certain that the salt and sand of St. John have seeped into my cells and keep calling me back.

Just this weekend I was transported back to St. John by a more manufactured scent -- my sister in law was spraying my niece with OFF fresh scent bug spray -- we never use it up here, so it immediately reminded me of STJ.

Definitely not a 'ethereal scent of nature' experience, but if I closed my eyes, I'd swear I was at Cinnamon Bay just before sunset

I use the same brand of sun screen all the time and every time I use it at home even if it is when I'm mowing the lawn it takes me back. Maybe I'll go put some on now.

ccinhbg wrote:I use the same brand of sun screen all the time and every time I use it at home even if it is when I'm mowing the lawn it takes me back. Maybe I'll go put some on now.

Yes to the sunscreen smell! This morning I walked into the summer clothing closet (finally getting warm in PA) and I was hit with what we refer to as "vacation smell" in our family.

Hate to be wishing away my summer but I can't wait to be back there with the real smells.

Anybody tried that new Virgin Islands scented candle by Glade? Wonder if that smells anything like paradise.