My host

The next day Ishad and I stopped at the nearby Pegasus resort for lunch. Afterwards we talked about things in general. Everyone likes Obama and are glad George bush is gone. Some like him when you first talk about his presedency but later as the converstations go on you see GB is blammed for alienating the US from the rest of the world. He asked me “What do you think of George Bush?” I told him. He said he did not like GB because the trouble in Iraq.

I defended the USA by reviewing history telling him he would probably be speaking Japanese if it wasn't for the USA sacrifices, as Japan was not far away in WW2. I agreed Iraq was a bad idea.

After we talked I found Ishad to be understanding and not at all prejudice against the USA. He does not seam to hold an opinion against the USA; he says he loves going there. I see Ishad as smart young man who does not let politics or propaganda rule his thinking. He was more intent on convincing me that not all Muslims are bad like Bin Laden, and that he apologizes for the actions, he disagrees strongly with the Suni as he is Shiite Muslim. Also Ishad is living a wealthy life of privilege that is not to be confused with the jobless trouble makers in Europe who think the world owes them everything.

Ishad showed nothing but respect for all. He wishes he could go to college in the USA but there is too much hatred for the Muslims. Ishad asked my why all Americans hate Muslims. I answered it is because when talking politics Muslims say they do not like George Bush, so they are automatically identified with Bin Laden. This idea seamed to click with Ishad. I advised him that when he is in USA and someone brings up George Bush, tell them you like George Bush, and avoid politics. He agreed.

Later that day after Ishad dropped me off, he went to meet his father, I assume to discuss what he thought of me and what my thoughts of doing business with them were. The next morning Ishad and his father came to take me to Sam’s house for lunch then a road trip to Negambo, only 25 miles away but seamed like a hundred with the bad roads. One of the first things Habib said to me was that he liked George Bush, but then went on about the president's mistakes.

The roads here have not been maintained in 20 years. There is one north south road called Negambo Road. Other than that every road is very rough.