Interesting story. Regarding him being able to stand his own odor, I would guess that he got used to it, although we can see he inevitably had to conform to community standards to remain a part of the community. I remember some of my college classmates seemed to be ok with bathing only once a week or at least it seemed that way. Perhaps that was the norm in their country. Then again around finals time, many students would start looking a bit rough around the edges.
I wonder how people smelled before soap/bodywash, deoderant and toothpaste were invented having only the use of water. Now these products are essential. I think that's a good thing, too. I would not feel right without them.