Creed Aventus as Shakespeare’s Henry V conducted by Beethoven: it opens with Henry’s trumpet call — “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more” — as bright pineapple and bergamot lift like the first bars of “Ode to Joy,” clear, confident, rallying. Soon “The game’s afoot”: the fruit tightens into smoky birch and patchouli, a firmer, martial stride. Then comes the coronation calm —“ We few, we happy few” — as musk, oakmoss, ambergris, and a tempered vanilla hold a steady, noble chord. The arc is simple: rousing entrance, resolute heart, dignified finish. Projection is assertive early, then a composed aura for few hours — suited for the office, the Board Room or the Church service. As Beethoven’s melody unites a chorus, Aventus gathers compliments; as Henry V set the heroic tone, it set the modern fruit-smoke template — often imitated, never equaled. Oh, how I have eschewed this fragrance -- I have had clones, even good ones -- but the words of my erstwhile friend Mike Paine, the bibliophile whose affirmation I sought -- "where have you gone Joe DiMaggio" -- always pushed me away...Alas, the loss was to none but me -- this is majesty, triumphant...this is Shakespeare's Henry V; this is Beethoven's 9th "Ode to Joy." Although performance is mild, the artistry is ebullient; the bled is exquisite. A revelation, even as it evades.

Today took us to the Croatian city of Dobrovnik. It's famous as being the setting for King's Landing on Game of Thrones. We got to see the infamous spot of the Walk of Shame, climb the Red Keep, and see the port where many scenes were filmed throughout the city. I wore my little rollerball of Dracula from Fabled Fragrances. It's a lovely, dark, musky floral scent that comes in a perfume oil concentration and applied via rollerball. It's perfect for my outing to the Red Keep and wandering around the old city, and put me in a good frame of mind. I'll be honest, I'm exhausted. I've forgotten half of what I've seen, and the best things I've done seem like months ago. I still have two more days before I return home, and I'm ready to be done.