Fort Ross experiences

Recently I had an experience that affected my mind on the subconscious level when I visited historic landmark, Fort Ross. This fort was established on the Pacific Coast in 1812 as the southernmost Russian settlement in North America. Prior to the visit of the fort, I didn't even know about the history of first Russian community in California. I experienced amazement at the sight of traditional Russian architecture and clothing in the midst of Sonoma County. The interior of the fort was preserved in its original state as if it was still the beginning of 19th century. When I walked into the kitchen of Kuskov House I sensed a strong smell of fresh bread as if someone was baking just few hours ago. I was surprised to find out that no one has been cooking or baking there for many years. It was interesting that this particular smell was completely unaffected by the passage of time and the fact that Fort Ross was no longer a living community.

In several years that I have lived in US I didn't experience this traditional smell of bread in stores or bakeries. I don't know if it has to do with new technology or way of baking, but bread's flavor and aroma seem to be completely different. For instance, when I walk through the bread isle in Safeway or Costco I smell everything such as additives and spices, but the bread itself. This smell doesn't register in my head as a cue or trigger to the past memories. I just grab a loaf and continue to look for other items on my shopping list without any conscious or subconscious response. 

I didn't know at first why this particular smell in Fort Ross suddenly made me feel so comfortable and cozy, but I think that my mind was unconsciously associating the smell of the fresh bread with my childhood memories. During the summer break from school I often stayed with my grandparents. I could spend all day playing with my friends outside considering that I didn't have to do my homework. Sometimes, our war games and soccer matches got so busy that we didn't even go home for the lunch. As a result, at the end of the day I was usually going home very tired and hungry. As soon as entered my grandma's house the smell of fresh baking would completely take my mind away. I felt happy to know that after eating the dinner I would be able to taste my grandma's amazing pastry. This was clearly the most joyful part of my day during my childhood years. Prior to going to the fort and experiencing the smell of the fresh bread, this past memory was deeply hidden in my mind. I could never imagine that the smell of the baking would make my mind go back in time. Without experiencing this unconscious event I wouldn't be able to form the chain of association that traces back to the period of my early childhood.