Synesthesia Mysteries: When Senses Cross in Impossible Ways
A woman hears the word “Derek” and immediately tastes earwax. Another person sees the number 5 as inherently, unavoidably red. Not because of any association or memory—it’s just red, the way the sky is blue. A musician feels violin notes as textures on his skin—high notes feel smooth and cool, low notes feel rough and warm. A painter sees every letter and number in specific colors. A is red, B is blue, C is yellow. She’s never seen them any other way. ...