Diana Selic, a Serbian-born baker in Lyon, France, has spent over two decades perfecting the art of pastries. But since contracting COVID-19 in 2021, her world has lost its flavor 🌍✨. The virus robbed her of her sense of smell and distorted her taste—a nightmare for someone whose life revolves around the sensory magic of baking.
‘It’s unbearable,’ Selic told CGTN, describing her struggle to relearn scents and flavors. 🧠🍴 ‘I cook by memory now,’ she said, likening her daily challenges to a chef working blindfolded. Her Lyon bakery remains open, but the joy of creating—and tasting—her signature breads and desserts has faded.
Selic’s story isn’t just about loss. It’s a raw look at long COVID’s hidden toll on livelihoods tied to sensory skills. 🔍💔 While she trains her brain to ‘rewire’ itself, her journey resonates with millions still grappling with the pandemic’s lingering shadows.
