Earlier this year, I visited a dear friend and my very first traveling companion, Helen, in Washington, D.C. During that trip, she introduced me to another fellow traveler and, she then introduced me to her friend, Meg Peterson. That’s how it goes in the world of travel: kindred spirit begets kindred spirit begets kindred spirit.
I interviewed Meg for my book, Wanderlust and Lipstick and she also contributed a short vignette for the book about an experience with Masai warriors in a Kenyan village. Already an accomplished author of music-related books, Meg recently wrote her first book about her many travels: Madam, Have You Ever Really Been Happy?
Meg lives in N.J., not far from where my brothers live and last month on a trip to the Garden State I met Meg for the first time after months of correspondence via email and phone. Though we had become friends by phone, it was clear when we met that we were more than just kindred traveling spirits. I immediately felt at home, we talked and talked and I didn’t want to leave as the stories just came pouring out of both of us. If it wasn’t for the fact that a proof of my own book had been Fed Ex’d to me that day and was waiting at my brother’s home for me to approve, I probably would have spent the weekend as we had enough to talk about for days 🙂
As travelers, we are fortunate to meet so many different kinds of people on the road of life. While I don’t want to diminish their importance, they are often surface friendships – quick meetings and yes, deep philosophical conversations can occur. But lasting relationships are unfortunately rare as “real life” gets in the way once we return home and we set about our daily lives. Email has made it easier to stay connected, but are we REALLY connected?
In Meg, I have found a travel mentor. She is vivacious, spirited, respectful of other cultures and observant. She’s an inspirational speaker (and I don’t just mean a “motivational” speaker – she’s a true inspiration) and inspirational human being.
If you are a bookseller or retailer looking to draw a crowd or you work in a corporate office wanting to inspire your employees, bring Meg in for a kick-ass time. She’ll regale you with stories and make you want to climb Kilimanjaro (which she is scheduled to do in 2008, by the way).
If you are an armchair or seasoned traveler, read her book for a wonderfully positive perspective on the world of women’s solo travel.
Most importantly, next time you’re on the road, look out for more Megs in the world. While she is one of a kind, she’s not the only solo woman traveler with a heart of gold. You’ll find them in many shapes, sizes, ages and from many different countries. And if you’re lucky, you’ll find your own Meg.
Happy Travels!
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