The smell of early summer rain

Tonight, I was going home with my boyfriend after a light dinner with friends (on his motorcycle) and that was after a short shower.

I’m aware it’s not officially summer yet but you wouldn’t be able to guess that here these days.

As I’m writing this, there’s thunder outside but it’s not raining at the moment.

The whole time we were riding home on his motorcycle, I couldn’t help thinking how wonderful the city smells.
The trees all are in full bloom as officially, it’s still late spring. It’s very warm each day and the air is saturated with humidity.
And then it rains.

You can smell the wet dirt on the asphalt mixed with humid smell of all the trees and flowers blooming in the city at the moment. Especially when on a motorcycle after a late spring shower.
It’s all there – the humid air, the ozone feeling of the approaching thunderstorm, the greenery of all the trees in the city, and the sweet smell of their flowers, the smell of dirt on the asphalt and eventually it hits you – the smell of budding optimism and well-being.

I wish someone would make a perfume out of this smell. Not the exact thing, but something evoking it. Because to me, it’s one of the best fragrances in the world.

Tagged: , ,

14 thoughts on “The smell of early summer rain

  1. undinaba June 1, 2011 at 23:37 Reply

    I haven't tried it myself, so it's just an idea: you could try to create the smell you want with perfumes and/or accords from CB I Hate Perfume. Or Demeter's colognes.Undina

    Like

  2. Zanne June 2, 2011 at 01:27 Reply

    Lucky Lucky redhead! A motorbike with your man and the muggy sweet scent of rain and green – Wowza! GORGEOUS writing as always, Ines – you transport me! And Yeah, if they Ever bottle that scent, I'll be bathing in it too – ha!Cheerz!Zanne 🙂

    Like

  3. jolav.blog June 2, 2011 at 02:58 Reply

    I love that smell too. O3

    Like

  4. axum June 2, 2011 at 05:50 Reply

    Oh yes, an evocation of warm asphalt and earth after rain! I second that. Lovely post, Ines – your description of the city at dusk is so vivid I'm seeing it in my mind… 🙂

    Like

  5. Ines June 2, 2011 at 10:35 Reply

    Undina, I didn't know there was the option of creating your own perfumes with CB. I like that. 🙂

    Like

  6. Ines June 2, 2011 at 10:37 Reply

    Hey Zanne,I hope everything is ok with you – I've been waiting to hear if there are some good news regarding the package (and the weather).And thank you!

    Like

  7. Ines June 2, 2011 at 10:38 Reply

    Jolanta, that is one of the best smells in my opinion a city can offer. 🙂

    Like

  8. Ines June 2, 2011 at 10:40 Reply

    Thank you axum. :)I think I'll be enjoying that smell a few days more – we're into some strange sunny/showery weather.

    Like

  9. Suzanne June 2, 2011 at 17:57 Reply

    I'm not sure any perfume could capture the true and full beauty of what you described in this post, Ines. It was a pleasure to read, and I felt like I was watching a movie of you and your boyfriend riding your motorcyle through the sexy night air.

    Like

  10. Ines June 2, 2011 at 22:09 Reply

    Suzanne, I'm thinking too that it is not possible to catch this scent but anything reminiscent of it would be good enough for me. :)You know, I find it incredible that breathing that scented air can actually make a romantic setting out of an ordinary (every day when it's warm) ride.I keep getting surprised by the invisible force that scents are.

    Like

  11. olfactoriastravels.com June 3, 2011 at 07:54 Reply

    So beautifully described, I felt I was there right with you (the one behind you laughing hysterically with exhilaration and joy).

    Like

  12. Ines June 3, 2011 at 19:22 Reply

    B, I treasure each exhilarating experience I can. 🙂 Especially a fragrant one.

    Like

  13. Doc Elly June 8, 2011 at 18:05 Reply

    Lovely post. It's sad how much people miss when they're closed up in cars and air-conditioned buildings, as most people in the US are most of the time. I love the smell of rain hitting dry pavement. It's one of the most evocative scents there is. I also have vivid memories of riding my bike past blooming linden trees every day, so can imagine how beautiful the combination of rain and blooming trees must be. My husband just bought a new motorbike, so I'm looking forward to riding with him this summer!

    Like

  14. Ines June 11, 2011 at 14:16 Reply

    Doc Elly, I think people here also don't appreciate the smells around them. What I find great in these naturally occurring scents is that they smell relaxing to me – I sigh in relief after inhaling them.I'm happy to hear you're going to enjoy summer motorbike rides! How wonderful for you! 🙂

    Like

I love hearing your thoughts!