Little glitches

The trip this time had a bit of a rough start. Prior to leaving we had setup Annie's PC so it would allow video call between us. We test out the program several times before they left. It appeared we had all the bugs worked out. However, once they tired to call from the Czech Republic it worked for maybe two seconds then the call dropped. We tired a second time with nasty results. It turns out there is a software bug between Windows Vista and the Skype program which caused her PC to crash to a point where she has not been able to get it recovered.

The next glitch came when Kathy tried to withdraw some money on Saturday using the new debit card I got her for the trip. I made sure I used the card prior to the trip to ensure it was active. However once she tired it in Prague she got the dreaded Transaction Declined! I was able to get customer service on Sunday who promptly removed the non-US block from the card. I told Kathy she was all set and to use the card on Monday. Well don't you know, same results, Transaction Declined. So this time I go down to the local bank to explain the dilemma. They were very helpful and looked into the situation. Their records showed that the card had the block removed and in fact had been used to make a withdrawal earlier in the day. When I asked if it was for $60 they said yes. I the explained that it was the card in my pocket that they had activated for foreign transactions, not the new card in Kathy's possession. Problem solved.