I would like to invite you to join me on an imaginary journey to the ancient country of Persia, now known as Iran, the home of the poet Rumi. We will suspend any assumptions we may have developed while viewing the country as an Islamic Republic or dictatorship and focus on its ancient and rich culture. The vignettes that comprise Patterns on a Prayer Rug recall some of my experiences while living in the country for fifteen years but have no particular theme. They do, however, focus on happenings which shaped my intellectual landscape regarding Iran and the Iranian people.