[CitizenM]

IIRC I had read somewhere that Natalee was pretty well-traveled, having been in foreign countries before I believe. That does not make her any less vunerable, or any smarter, of course. But she was not sheltered to the point that she had not been exposed to some precautions.

However, in a group, with peer pressure to be a bit cavalier, anyone becomes very vunerable. She was an easy target because she willingly left her group of friends. I don't think she is to "blame" for what happened, but it just proves that unwise behavior can lead to tragedy, and one should never take chances in a strange place, with people who are not well known.

[cajungirl]

Yes, it is sad too. For so many years, I warned my daughters. They traveled all over the world in groups and I knew, just knew, that my warnings wouldn't protect them entirely. They all trust others and while they can spot an obvious dangerous situation, they are pretty accepting of new people especially if they are "packaged" right with good manners, clean, nicely spoken.

Anyway they are all married to reasonably protective husbands so I can rest easy. Free at last, free at last, Thank God Almighty, I am free at last. Thanks to MLK.