Scents of Saigon

This weekend, Ava and I had a mommy daughter weekend while Gary was away SCUBA diving with our school’s SCUBA club.  After cuddle time on the couch, our day found us venturing to the city for some shopping and cupcakes.  Lately, Ava has been fascinated with pixie dust, fairies and butterflies with the ultimate goal of flying. So yesterday, Ava wanted to wear her butterfly wings into town. 

Walking around town was like walking with a celebrity as Ava and her wings caused quite a stir.  Everywhere we went, people wanted to take her picture and Ava didn’t mind the attention, flashing a cheeky smile when the cameras popped out.

Recently, Ava has become more aware of smells and scents and yesterday’s walk through town was a feast for her cute little nose.  On our way to the market, a scent would waft through the air and as it reached Ava’s nose she would stop and sniff at the air and ask “What’s that smell mommy?”  and I would explain the smell to her in turn asking if she liked it or not.  On our walk to the market, Ava stopped every few feet (luckily we didn’t have to be anywhere fast!) and she would put her nose up into the air and breathe in all of the scents.  Along the way, she enjoyed the sweet smells emanating from the hot griddle of the lady that sells crisp waffles on the side of the road.  The spiced, sweet aroma of pho also seemed to please her senses.  Walking through the market itself, her little nose curled up with the salty scent of the live fish that filled the tubs around us.  She also questioned the malodorous scent of the Durian fruit, first asking my opinion of the stinking fragrance that filled her nose, before claiming that she liked it. 

This went on ‘til we reached our final destination. I was amused by the exercise but upon reflecting on our experience today I imagine Ava, years from now, walking down a street when suddenly she perceives a smell that brings back a flood of memories.  Memories of the day we strolled near the Saigon River popping into the shops along the way.  Memories of toothless smiles from the street vendors, waving to her as we passed. Memories of sweet, strawberry velvet cupcakes that left bits of pink icing on her nose. Memories of pixie dust and butterfly wings that carried her through her Saigon.