We open our tale in the city of Ajmer where the camels roam free and the flowers are in plenty. As we pull up to the Pushkar Rose Factory, the group is welcomed by the sounds of beating drums and beautiful rose petals flying through the air. Here they focus on quality rather than quantity. In order to preserve the aromatic properties of the roses, all the roses processed at Pushkar are from local farmers within four to five kilometers from the factory. Here is where they dry the petals, make a sugary rose paste, and process all the byproducts into essential oil or rose water. Women from the local area make up the majority of their labor force. The factory itself employs forty to fifty workers, around thirty of which are local women. These women are in charge of picking the petals, pulling out any impurities, and making the rose paste. We conclude our visit with the owner showering us in more of his product and with making a few purchases. How can women resist the temptation of rose scented perfume and rose water? The group then moves onward to their next stop, Govindgarh Farms. On the way, we see camels galore and desperately wish to ride them but sadly our bus does not stop. While traveling to Govindgarh Farms, the scenery catches my eye. The beautiful arid landscape with patches of green and colors of flowers is something so hard to describe. Our bus maneuvers through the winding narrow road and nearly falls off a cliff, but there is nothing our drivers can’t handle. We are welcomed to the farm with the sight of rows and rows of beautiful tents filled with cucumbers and advancing irrigation technology. Their greenhouse system is based on humidity control sensors and a drip irrigation system that makes most American farmers look primitive. The goal of Govindgarh Farms is to promote statiability in Indian agriculture as well as provide nontraditional growing methods to increase yield. They have about six annual employees that keep the property and monitor the sensors and then about forty to sixty seasonal employees that harvest once the crop is ready. It truly was a sight to see a fully functioning farm in the midst of a dry arid countryside. As the sun began to set and our bus navigated the narrow roads, the drivers pulled off to surprise the group. Our day ended while riding into the sunset on camelback… dreams really do come true.