Helen McCallie, friend

When I think of Pegi, it is the very first time I met her in 1978 that comes to mind immediately, even though we subsequently traveled five months together. The overland trip to Kathmandu began in London, but since I was living in Vienna, it made sense for me to meet the group in Salzburg. I was terrified.  What in the world had I signed up for? I arrived at the campground in Salzburg, and this lovely Canadian woman introduced herself. It was Pegi.  She was the very first person to greet me, and she took me under her wing that first evening. I then knew the trip was going to be OK since this friendly, smart, and professional Canadian was on the trip.  She had worked for an MP after all!

As a traveling companion, Pegi was perfect: quick to laugh at absurd situations; flexible to change plans in mid-stream and always curious to taste anything and learn everything.  We even thought it was fun—or funny—to have to share a berth on a long train ride (we slept foot to head for a long night!); run after our belongings that monkeys were stealing from our room in a hostel; and for our last escapade in India, play a word game as we waited for a drug dealer in a tea house in New Delhi.  We were part of a set up arranged by the American Embassy and local police.  But that is another story in itself . . .

When I think of Pegi, I am hit by the overwhelming feeling of happiness as I think about our travels together. It really was heavenly. Pegi has played a very important part of my life and I think of our travels often.  AND, LIKE HER, I ALWAYS SMILE!