I learned some more lessons on that first trip Justin and I took in 2004 besides getting the money changed prior to sailing. Another lesson was that a person should let their bank know they are traveling out of country or even in country. Justin and I were shopping in Santorini, walking on the stepped streets and visiting the shops, etc. He liked to tease me about being a magpie, attracted to shiny things as we window shopped along these ancient streets. Every third store sold jewelry and at one place I noticed they had displayed necklaces like one I'd had my sister fashion for me from a belt I had gotten at Chico. No one else had such a lovely piece, at least not until I saw some displayed in this shop window. The store clerk came out and complimented me on my beautiful smile and invited us into the shop. We went in!
This is the necklace fashioned by Lori from a belt I'd found. I was simply ahead of my time!
I got Justin a nice ring with the Greek key featured on it and, for myself---a lovely necklace and bracelet which I wear everyday. However, when it was time to pay for it, my card wouldn't go through. What in the world??? The credit card security had intervened and determined it was not me making these purchases even though the trip had been paid for using this same card. Hmmm...No problem! The merchant, who had locked the door to the shop when we came in, interestingly enough, accepted a personal check from me. How about that? I could have stopped payment on that check and they'd have been out the value of the jewelry if I was a bad guy. Now who is the trusting one, Justin?
Fortunately, the ship offered Internet service and had computers sent up in one area, which was a blessing. When we got back to the ship, I was able to contact my friend, Joanne, to whom I had given power of attorney in case a real estate offer came in for my house in The Preserve. She was able to contact the bank for me and get things straightened out, freeing me up to continue my trip without concern. Note to self (and others)---always let the credit card people know when you are traveling!
