Well this is a first, ok a second time that my banks fraud department has decided to freeze my debit card. I don't understand why when I called and advised them of the 1 year around the world travel that I would be enjoying that this would happen but all for the safety and security of my account..I guess. The last time I was in Egypt which was a bit nerve wracking in itself but in Venice....really? Problem is that I have 6 euros, hardly enough to buy a slice of pizza and I leave for Barcelona on Sunday. I am having to top it off IPhone drama as the free international outside the US number that my financial institution has provided does not seem to work?? I have to go thru the fraud division that isn't open until 5am Pacific which of course puts me 10 hours ahead of that schedule. So I sit in my hostel in Venice Italy awaiting their office hours rather than enjoying the beautiful day in the city. Oh and I have not eaten since yesterday as I have been playing email tag with said financial institutions customer service team. Oh the day I get back to those things that are comfortable, known or can ask a reliable source for assistance. I fear making my forward flight and lodging reservations due to the possible delay of being able to get the cash to move forward. I am just venting as I know all will resolve itself; it is just a travelers frustration of being so far from home, alone and dealing with the drama of daily traveler life.
The good news has arrived...I have met yet another good Samaritan who is traveling on business all around the world advised me first that my iPhone setting was not set up for international calls so he told me that a cost saving is to set it up on the free international call setting if I am not going to need to use the phone for anything but emergencies that it is most cost effective. As I have not used my phone since July when I was in India I am blessed that my entire trip the phone aspect of my iPhone has not really been used and now I know that it will be available in case of emergency. Anyway the drama of phone utilization and debit card blocking has been resolved for another day. Note to self: hold down the 0 to get the + and then dial the international toll free number. Yipee it works and the resolution to yet another traveling road bump is resolved for another day.
I have seen that not only are there great floods in Thailand, be safe my friends, but there was a huge flood that hit the Italian coast (Cinque Terre) which of course has diverted my plan to visit as I saw some of the damage pictures on yahoo news and it doesn't look like a fun place to see the majestic beauty at a time of personal loss and suffering. Also the trail through the 5 scenic cities seems to be destroyed at least for the time being. So I now have my flight to Barcelona and my hostel in the city booked and look forward to a cool week of touring and nightlife.
The good news has arrived...I have met yet another good Samaritan who is traveling on business all around the world advised me first that my iPhone setting was not set up for international calls so he told me that a cost saving is to set it up on the free international call setting if I am not going to need to use the phone for anything but emergencies that it is most cost effective. As I have not used my phone since July when I was in India I am blessed that my entire trip the phone aspect of my iPhone has not really been used and now I know that it will be available in case of emergency. Anyway the drama of phone utilization and debit card blocking has been resolved for another day. Note to self: hold down the 0 to get the + and then dial the international toll free number. Yipee it works and the resolution to yet another traveling road bump is resolved for another day.
I have seen that not only are there great floods in Thailand, be safe my friends, but there was a huge flood that hit the Italian coast (Cinque Terre) which of course has diverted my plan to visit as I saw some of the damage pictures on yahoo news and it doesn't look like a fun place to see the majestic beauty at a time of personal loss and suffering. Also the trail through the 5 scenic cities seems to be destroyed at least for the time being. So I now have my flight to Barcelona and my hostel in the city booked and look forward to a cool week of touring and nightlife.
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