Hello Ladies,

Today, I had a brush with the criminal underworld.  Most disturbing.

I was in Tescos, browsing around (as ones does) and I receive a phone call from my bank ('the bank that likes to say...you must be JOKING!!!').

It transpires that my business bank card, or at least one that is its twin, has been used in Turkey to withdraw large amounts of the local currency.   To say I was somewhat surprised is an understatement.

The bank decided to ring me because they know of my migratory patterns and they do not involve going outside the UK, Benelux or France - so, they wondered what was Portia doing drawing out a gazillion Turkish mils in downtown Istanbul?

Well spotted that bank!

The offending card has now been impounded and my business is having to run on old fashioned cash, cheques and petty cash vouchers.  Perhaps I will just give up international electronic banking and go back to keeping my hard earned pennies in a sock under the bed and using an abacus for my sums.  Much the safest way.

Be warned!

Portia