I am so glad she is safe, but I am so saddened by the deaths of the people in her group, and by all of the other needless, pointless deaths. Thanks for sharing this email with us.

Thank goodness she is safe. It is sad to hear of the losses. They are in my prayers. Thank you for sharing.

She was also kind enough to send me a note in reply to my earlier email to her. My heart goes out to her for all that she endured. This is not a memory she should have to bear.

What a nightmare to experience and it's a terrible aftermath to hear of the injuries and deaths of your friend's group. Thank you for your posts and first person account that came by way of your friend. Glad to hear she is safe now.

I can't even imagine what it must be like to have loved ones in a situation like this. Not knowing how it will unfold must be excruciating. I've been listening to the coverage in the background for two days. As much as I may try to understand the motives, I'll never understand the methods of radical terrorists. There has to be a better way.

Much to be thankful for, much to be saddened by. Good luck.

Glad to hear the good news. Thanks for letting me be a part of this human story as it unfolded.

Thanks for this first hand account. What an absolutely horrifying event. I'm very glad Charlie that your friend is safe.

It sounds like she may have been with the Virginia father and daughter who were killed at the Oberoi, the only known American deaths. If you get any more information on the nature of their group, why they were in Mumbai, send it on. Glad to know she's safe!

I am glad your friend is safe.

Thank you, everyone, for your very kind thoughts, prayers, comments and support. This is an extraordinary situation that seems to have worked out for the best, at least for Peggi.

I will update as I learn more from her. I imagine she has her hands full with debriefings, travel arrangements and just plain decompensating from the non-stress of the past 72 hours.

Please do keep us in the loop when you hear more.

BTW, What was the group she was traveling with?

Just received a report from a SoCal TV station in which Peggi was interviewed and I have posted it here.

Irrational beliefs have in fact throughout history driven countless people to do evil things that they would otherwise not have even dreamed of doing. Good husbands and fathers have been too often been turned into merciless killers in the defence of the Only True Faith. That is the reason why giving up such irrational beliefs can make the world a bit safer place for us all.

Peggi was traveling with the Synchronicity group, which also included the VA father & daughter who were killed by the terrorists. She talks about them a bit in the interview posted above today. This was a long-planned & anticipated trip for Peggi & her friends, members of a group which studies & practices transcendental meditation.

so relieved to learn of the disposition of your "things." the souvenirs shipped back home , luggage, purse, computer, and other THINGS seem to get more type time than the deaths of 2 in the group. hey, we have to keep our priorities straight in times of crisis, i guess.

I'm thankful for Peggi's sake and for all the survivors.

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around this, and around the implications for our future.

I have no Earthly use for George W. Bush, and feel his methods of fighting terrorism made us less safe rather than more so. But how best to fight people ruthless enough to do what the terrorists in Mumbai did? Terrorism is a fact of our world, much as I wish it were not. I don't think macho posturing is the way, but neither is failing to fight those who seek to harm us.

I fear it is only a matter of time before there is another serious terrorist attack on United States soil.

Yikes. A very sad and horrific story. I always try to avoid the known tourist hotels when I travel and I never advertise that I am American - exactly because the Bush administration has built up so much international animosity towards us.

it is a relief to hear from one of those who escaped.

Not my post, but Rose, I think your snarky comments are grossly inappropriate, insensitive and judgmental.

Rose, I think you are reading way too much into a couple emails. Please keep in mind what you see here is what Peggi wrote to her family and friends to update them on her status while trapped inside her hotel as terrorists held them hostage. It was not intended to reflect Peggi's overall view and feelings on the event itself. Plus, I know Peggi and I know she just doesn't hold the set of priorities you describe.