Do not let anyone tell you Muslims are not friendly people. I was so surprised at how hospitable Islamic people were with me. Often though they were too helpfull. I have infinate stories of being helped and offered meals, things paid for me. It was unbelieveable. The media does not paint a pretty picture. I don't know where they get there ideas. Being white and of christian background was all the more reason to befriend me.

Here is a dialogue I wrote down immediately after it occured. I had just arrived in Peshewar Pakistan on a bus from Rawal Pindi. I wasn't sure exactly where I was on the map. I decided to ask the locals. After trying to explain my situation this is what entailed.

“I just want to know where I am.”
“but where do you want to go?”
“Right here ”
“But you are already here? Where do you want to go?”
“ Yes but tommorrow I will need to get back to here and won't know where it is?”
“Well I will help you get to where you are going then I will come get you to bring you back here.”
“I know you are trying to be helpfull but please just tell me where I am, that would be the most helpfull thing.”
“ But where do you want to go, I will help you you are my guest, you are my brother, welcome to Pakistan.”
“ Do you know where we are?”
“ Yes in Peshawar.”
“ Where in Peshewar?”
“ At the bus stop.”
“ Which one.”
“ The one where buses com from Pindi.”
“They all have buses that come from Pindi.”
“Yes they do ”
"“Which one is this?”
“ This one is near to the old town.”
“They are all near to old town.”
“ Yes they are. Just tell me where you want to go and I will help you get there.”
“ Can you show me on this map?” I pull out a map.
The map draws a crowd several rows thick of spectators wishing to be the person to be selected to help me. Big smiles, enthusiastic eyes and continuous offers of assistance. “ Where do you want to go?”
“ Here.”
Confused, uncertain looks.
“ But you are already here, I will help you, you are my brother, welcome to Pakistan....”