Amanda Knox

[HairOfTheDog]

Would anyone given the chance study abroad? Has anyone here study abroad? Is so care to share your stories? I'd definitely be interested to hear.

I studied in Japan while there on a work visa for a couple of years in the early 90s - was in my early 20s and a bit of a partier back then and for some years after that while traveling in Europe by Eurail and for business.

Never got into any legal trouble, but would definitely be more aware of laws, customs and local perspectives on morality in advance if I were to do the earlier years again or if one of my nieces/nephews were going abroad.

Things look a little different with age and wisdom, along with more exposure to stories of foreign citizens detained/killed/raped while abroad and how such cases are handled by local authorities (Natalie Holloway, Meredith Kercher and Amanda Knox, the Australian female worker jailed for being raped in Dubai, Merrill Newman's detention in North Korea...).

I think working/studying/traveling in different countries is a great opportunity for anybody of any age - if they're truly interested in learning about the culture and gaining new perspectives, Heartbreaker. But, understanding the laws of the land and avoiding activities that could land you in hot water is important here at home, even more so when a guest of another country. Though, of course, some things cannot be predicted or avoided no matter the geography.

I don't know if Amanda Knox was wrongly accused, or if she is guilty and trying to avoid punishment. A lot of things bother me about her actions and statements (the kiss outside of the crime scene and the buying of underwear don't bother me, however - idiotic sensationalism, IMO). Yet, a lot of things bother me about the Italian's LE's investigation and the prosecution's handling of the case, as well.