My best friend came over to help me arrange my things and pack for my upcoming trip to India. I was going as part of a tour group, so essentially I would be alone, surrounded by strangers in a foreign country. Although I was nervous about being on my own, I was also eager for the opportunity to be far away from home and explore another culture. My friend must have sensed my anxiety because she turned to me and said, “I got you a little present for your trip.”

“What? You didn’t have to do that!” I said, caught off guard.

“It’s the best exotic perfume, Mysore Sandalwood by Harvey Prince. It’s 100% cruelty free, vegan and gluten free, not to mention made in the USA with the finest natural ingredients and best essential oils,” she said.

“Mysore Sandalwood? Like the city of Mysore in India?” I asked, reaching out for the bottle to take a closer look.

“That’s right! That’s why I knew it was the perfect gift for your trip,” she said. “The best exotic perfume captures the best of Mysore in one intoxicating fragrance.”

I uncapped Mysore Sandalwood and rolled it gently onto my pulse points. Sweet cardamom, spicy cumin, soft clary sage, rose and chamomile lingered on my wrist. I closed my eyes and could imagine the mystical country of India as I took a deep inhale of the best exotic perfume. “I feel as if I’m strolling through the famous Devaraja Market in India,” I said.

“I know, it’s a pretty powerful scent,” she said, leaning forward to get another whiff of the deep cypress, warm musk, amber and Mysore sandalwood notes. “When I smell Mysore Sandalwood, I feel like I can actually hear the clinking of the wooden bangles being sold at the market, and feel the soft silks of the saris.” She closed her eyes to dive deeper into her fantasy. “I’m so jealous that you’re going without me!” she exclaimed.

“You’ll be with me in spirit the whole time thanks to the best exotic perfume! How thoughtful of you to get me something that will remind me of home when I’m gone and of my travels when I return,” I said. “The best exotic perfume was a perfect gift!”

“Now that I’ve fallen in love with it, I just might have to get myself one, too!” she exclaimed.