Freed hostage says she wasn't afraid

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SHARM EL-SHEIK, Egypt, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- An American tourist held hostage in Egypt by Bedouin tribesmen was released, saying "they treated us like family."

The tourist, who asked NBC News to identify her only by her initials, E.P., said she was not afraid during her time with the Bedouins who took her hostage along with two others from her tour bus.

"They were very nice. I was not afraid at all," she said. "They kept on reassuring us that we will be fine. … They treated us like family."

The three were taken hostage and ransomed for the release of 33 Bedouin prisoners. After negotiating with government officials, they were released to military officers.

After the release, the governor of South Sinai invited the Americans over for dinner, drove with them to the resort area of Sharm el-Sheik and lodged them in a luxury hotel at the government's expense.

"I am not afraid to continue the tour," E.P. said. "I am very much ready to continue, and I will continue to bring tourists to Egypt and Jordan."