Six days after this saga began, I again have no cash

When Mastercard sent the emergency card ydy they said cash could not be drawn at an ATM, but at any bank.

Last night Mastercard supervisor Michael Monk phoned to apologise for the lack of service I had received and said I would have no problems with the card.

Today before my Italian class at 8.30 I went to a bank. They said they could not help because the card had no pin. They suggested I go to Italy’s largest bank, BNL: I went to class and in the 15 minute tea break went to BNL – AN HOUR later I left there despite the very kind asisstance of a manager who called Mastercard where I spoke with Brandon Tuggler who said it is impossible to draw cash. I told him what MOnk and Standard had assured me I could do and read 3 in the document sent with the replacement card that said “We can help you to find the location of a nearby Mastercard ATM cash machine” … he said he did not know where one was. I told him to find one.

I went to Barclays who could not help, nor could Deutche bank, I went to a total of 9 banks including Banco di Napoli, a Mastercard bank, they too could not help but still I had them speak to an Italian at Mastercard and I again spoke with Brandon.

By now it was 1pm and banks close at 1.30pm.

I told him to arrange a W Union transfer with Elise de la Rey.

I was then called from Std card division by Gcini Gasa who said she would ensure I would get a pin. This did not work because it would not accept option 5 to generate a pin.

I asked Elise to liaise with her.

She told me Jody from card division would call to assist. He never did.

In the meantime I am now feeling ill – I have a stress induced heart condition.

I completely missed my lesson today and my plans to go to Pompeii – the reason for me coming to s Italy have again been shattered because I have no cash. It is necessary for a bus ride and to enter Pompeii.

At2.35 I called Elise told her Jody had not called and wanted to know what was happening about authorising W Union to transfer money to me. She finally authorised and Brandon did this for me.

It is again too late to go to Pompeii.

I have again wasted an entire day on calls, sms and emails with Standard and Mastercard. I have missed out on my lessons.

Standard and Mastercard will pay for me to come back to Salerno and do a week of Italian lessons.

If my heart condition plays up then I have given my children info to sue the pants off Standard and Mastercard.

And of course Chartis Travel Insurance has still done sweet blow all.

I told Prenella Reddy on Monday I wanted a pin so I could use the emergency card and access internet banking. Yesterday she said I would have it this morning. I still do not have it and I want it.

Update: Alan Hales called + agreed treatment had been Diabolical’. He had reviewed all tapes + will reimburse me for trip + wasted italian lessons.