Memory in Smell

In my opinion, a smell is the most effective way of recalling a piece of memory, and also the emotions connected to it.

When one is overseas, half an Earth away from the birthplace, the image of hometown starts to blur. Old photos do not look familiar anymore, and voices of family members over the phone fade rapidly as I hang up.

Only smells remain vibrant in memory. The package of clothes sent from home that smell like the old wooden wardrobe, the spices that mother used daily, the cologne that grandfather used excessively, all of these are so integral part of my past that I will always recognize, even in the slightest amount.