I've been traveling a bit the last few weeks.  Jerusalem, San Francisco, Ojai, LA.  I don't know if it's practice or now a habit, but rather than street signs or buildings (although I am an architecture nut) I notice flowers.  And scents.

A few weekends ago,  I wandered a beautiful walking path through Ojai , CA on the way to Libby Park, the site of the @Ojai Music Festival. I was there to visit a friend and because Rhiannon Giddens was the Music Director this year. As a LONG time fan (back to the days of the Carolina Chocolate Drops,) I knew to expect a wonderful program. Giddens researches so thoroughly, is so well read (during one of her performances she said  "reading makes everything better",) so catholic in her taste and so committed to unrecognized voices. And is connected with SO many fabulous musicians. The festival could only be great.  And it was beyond amazing.

One of the highlights of the weekend was Giddens singing accompanied by her partner, the extraordinary pianist Francesco Turissi.  You can feel their bond - musical and otherwise. They bring out such great musicianship in each other. She performed NUMEROUS sad songs - in different languages (Japanese, Italian, Spanish, and French. Her articulation is incredible - her La vie en Rose was the best interpretation I've ever heard.) And, of course, I observed that many of these songs have references to flowers.

Back to flowers. Finding them and identifying them (I recommend the app Nature ID) is such a wonderful way to get to know a place.  And especially in the Spring, the floral aromas - in Ojai it was a combination of eucalyptus and jasmine, in Jerusalem it was honeysuckle and roses - make for such a lovely trip.

Try it, wherever you are going.