I decided to come back early to surprise Chelsea and the girls. What ensued was one of the worst travel experiences I've ever had as far as logistics go.
I brought four cards to Japan: Amex, BofA debit card, license and sportsclub card (okay, okay, not intentional).
To recap my trip:
Day 1 - debit card dies. I am unsure if it is just Japanese ATMs, which are fairly picky about banks, or my card.
Day 1 - I lose my Amex.
Day 4 - I receive new Amex via DHL
Day 6 - I destroy my laptop. (pictures available shortly)
Day 7 - I use my new Amex to check out of the hotel
Day 7 - I buy a new laptop
Day 7 - I go to the airport to leave early, and am told my miles upgrade has been charged, but will not result in any upgrade. Result: 45 minutes of extremely polite Japanese stonewall.
Day 7 - I pay for my upgrade with the Amex, except oops! It's dinged. I am pretty sure that I have plenty of space on my card, so this is a surprise.
Day 7 - amex fraud prevention office CLOSED.
I will cut out a long, extremely trying experience which involves me getting down to my last 500 yen in coins, and results in me, in LA, with
Blocked Amex ("I'm extremely sorry, sir, I'm not sure why it is blocked, but I can't do anything about it.") dead debit card, and a mighty hunger, plus a six hour wait.
I am feeling pretty good, considering. Good thing I didn't stay in Japan. I'd be selling myself in Roppongi.
No comments:
Post a Comment