It was May 1986 when I traveled for the 4th time to the Soviet Union in order to explore more it'treasures.

Having been twice on the night train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg (Leningrad in those days) I felt that I should explore more of her glorious and often, sad past.

Our Intourist guide suggest Zagorsk (today Sergiev Posad)

a day trip from Moscow.

Traveling by bus in a Northern direction for 70 km, I found myself engrossed deeply in Russian history, as fields and birch tree groups, were sliding by. Colorful houses with picket fences and flower boxes lining the road. I found myself humming Russian tunes, those I remember my mother singing when I was a child.

We were informed that this fortress-like monastery held a special position as it was - I guess in these times - the only place pilgrims from all over Russia would come to worhsip in the beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption.

There were many elderly women with head scarfs gathered in front ot a fountain that spouted water. They gathered the silvery flow in bottles to take with them.

The Russian Tsars would seek refuge there escaping invading enemies. There was an infermary, as explained, full operational during WWII.

Walking slowly inside the cathedral, candles flickered, reflecting their light on the religious ornaments, not as elabortate as in some other places of worhsip, but very moving.

Awareness of foreigners made a few women turn around and look at us. One caught my eye. She held me there and a small smile lit up her face, as she walked towards me.

Her arms reaching out to me I met hers and we both stood for a moment and smiled at one another. In Russian she said 'My friend' and the tears did wel up in me.

After visiting the tomb of of Saint Sergius and areas of other interest, we were gathered up and climbing back on to the bus, I knew that I would always remember this special place of humanity.