In case you were wondering what to do after you stop to smell the roses - rose expert Michael Marriott has all the answers in this Wall Street Journal article titled "Sniff Out the Finest Roses"

Humans have been lead by their noses to travel across the world to seek out exotic spices, herbs and perfumes. This article by Chandler Burr on GQ Magazine reminded me of the part of traveling which is least mentioned - the smell of mundane life in distant cities - or in familiar ones.

I haven't been to all of the ones listed, but my own list will certainly include Jerusalem (Ancient stones and dust, baked bread and cotton clothes on the lines), Montreal (all I can say is that it smells wide open and free - which is a sign I should pay it a visit soon!), and London (which I think Chandler has described very accurately! It's very sentimental, old fashioned smelling, with old furniture, flower gardens and everything British). Paris is certainly not the best smelling, which might explain why it had evolved into such an important perfume-using capital... And neither are New York and Tel Aviv, although that wouldn't stop me for visiting either again and having a wonderful time there.

What are your most favourite - and least favourite - smelling cities? Can you describe their smell?

Visit the LA Times to read an excellent essay about vetiver by Denise Hamilton in her "Uncommon Scents" column - titled Green Goddess.
And as if a good read is not satisfying already - I was particularly surprised and happy to find mentions of both Vetiver Racinettes and Orcas!