I’m sitting at the Cork Airport wondering why I got here two hours early. The security checkpoint isn’t even open yet.
I had a huge debit card debacle yesterday in Belfast. When I tried to pay for my hotel room, it was declined, and it was outside of customer service hours back in the States, so I couldn’t get it straightened out. I ended up paying cash for my room – all that I had left and nearly missed my train back to Dublin. Luckily, my train ticket to Dublin and then to Cork were pre-booked, so I didn’t have to worry about those expenses.
When I arrived in Cork I was able to call Bank of America who told me that the charge from the hotel in Belfast came out of the UK. The charge for the hotel I’d booked in Cork the night before came from Paris, and then the bank withdrawal I tried to make once I got to Cork looked like it was coming from Afghanistan! No one could explain that one, but it was all straightened out. No wonder my account was suspended. All of that would look suspicious.
I didn’t really do anything yesterday except get from point A to point B. Kieran and I actually met up for a couple of drinks, but then he was called into work, so that was cut short. It was an emotional meeting for me, because he was the reason I’d booked this trip to begin with. I know I’ll probably never see him again.
Well, looks like security is finally open at Cork airport, so I need to head to my gate.
I think my adventures in Ireland are over, although the cabbie yesterday in Dublin told me I’d be back. My next plan is to visit South Africa, so I think I can safely say Ireland is out of my system, and I’m looking forward to a new adventure.
Jolene's Life in Focus 
Glad to hear you’re safe and sound at home, Jolene. Hope you (Viking girl) feel better having “conquered” Ireland?
Visiting South Africa next?! Now THAT you’d enjoy! Do plan on staying here for longer than a week, though 😉
I nominated you for The Versitile Bloggers award. Check out my post when you get the chance.
I am so flattered, Morgan! Your post was lovely by the way. 🙂
Thank you! And you deserve it btw!
Glad to hear all worked out and you didn’t get stuck in Ireland without money to get back. Have a safe trip back and yes, we are waiting for you to go on our next photo walk adventure. 🙂
Thanks, Emily. Although, I can imagine worse things happening to me than getting stuck in Ireland. 🙂
Yes! We need another photo walk date!
Credit card companies frustrate me. I once had my card suspended because I’d purchased something from the South of England in the morning and then was in the north 5 hours later.
Although I can be thankful for fraud protection. Someone somehow got my credit card number and tried to book a vacation with it, but they declined the purchase right away and notified me. Good thing for back ups though and everything worked out!
Yes, Carole. It’s one of those things where you need to take the good with the bad. At least all of my money was still there.
That is frustrating, Nigel! And you were in your own country!