"I believe that the sense of smell is in much more direct connection with the brain than the sense of sight. Even with us human beings, who have lost this sense to a great extent, there is nothing like a scent to suddenly and vividly recall forgotten memories. A sound and sight will appear familiar but the mind will generally have to grope after what it recalls, whilst with a scent the memory is an instantaneous flash. Perhaps this, then, is the reason why the duller-witted beast responds so much more quickly, and is so much more affected by the sudden, noxious smell of the human being than he is by his sight."

Capt. C.H. Stigand, Hunting the Elephant in Africa, 1913

Interesting, isn't it? I think Capt. Stigand was onto something. For me, a familiar smell can evoke an entire storehouse of memories, all quite clear and vivid. A more direct connection with the brain . . . ?

Smell can unlock memories in a way that I do not think sight usually does. Luckily for us we can have those moments when we catch a scent that takes us back to a special place and time.

You might be on to something. Sometimes in the morning, (my wife and I are early risers), she fixes strong coffee for us in a press. As the smell reaches me, it reminds me EXACTLY of our morning coffee delivered to our hut while on safari.
Also, there is a portion of I-10 here in Florida that goes right through a large cattle outfit and the smell smells just like buffalo dung. No photograph ever brings out memories like smells do. But above all, I love the smell of "JP" and steam catapults in the morning! jorge