Ok, it could have been worse... I still have my passport and Giannis at Hotel Alsos is brilliant, lending me cash for food and completely relaxed about his bill. He also arranged for the local radio station to put out an appeal for the return of my wallet, though I have little hope...
It took 2 hours and three visits to report my lost wallet to the police. The only help from my insurer was to tell me to make a claim when I got home. They seemed amazed when I asked about an emergency cash advance.
American Express also proved useless, despite their ads. My platinum card claims to provide emergency assistance. Pah. I called 6 times or more. Was transferred all round Europe, to different insurers, cut off unexpectedly, endless rigmarole, after several hours on Skype had achieved nothing. Ooo
Finally, HSBC saved the day. They were efficient, charming and easy to talk to. They sent money via western union, to be picked up at the post office.
I wish I had tried HSBC first. The five hours I spent trying to get help from my insurer and from AmEx meant the prompt HSBC transfer reached the post office at 3.20pm, after they shut for the weekend. So I settled down to spend an extra three nights in Kalambaka.
I feel really let down by AmEx and by my insurer. This is all just inconvenient, but without an understanding hotelier it could be far worse...
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