Stop to Smell (and Pick) the Roses
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May is a special time in the Valley of Roses. That is when the roses (Rosa Damaskina) are in full bloom. These fragrant blossoms comprise the most lucrative crop of the area, as the buds are distilled into valuable rose oil that is sold to perfumeries around the world.
It is also an opportunity for the local women to contribute to the household income. Today, you will start early before the bees start collecting the nectar and go with the women of the village into the field to help pick the roses. Like the locals, you'll stop for fitr (a second breakfast) in the fields and then take your collection to the local weigh station to see how much money you earned. After this, you'll head to the local rose cooperative to see the distillation process and will be rewarded for your work with a bottle of rose water.
When you enter the Valley of Roses during this time of year, young men sell heart-shaped wreaths of these pretty pink flowers to those passing through. So, after seeing the rose distillation process, you'll learn how to make these fragrant souvenirs.
In between these unique activities, you'll enjoy another lunch with a local family and after a fun filled day, you'll head back to your local accommodations for some well-deserving relaxation.