I had to call my credit card company to clarify something. Avoid doing that at all costs. It is almost as bad as going to a doctor.

I had to go through the torture of acually getting a person to speak to.

The first thing the computer aks me to do is to type in my identity number and four digits of my credit card into the phone.

You then go through machines with selections that offer none of the things you need as choices. I need to check up a certain charge. All they offer is "For travellers insurance, press one, for information on the start system, press 2, for information for business, press 3, etc." And every time you press a number it takes you to another sub-menu with selections that are meaningless.

I keep selecting "For other, press 5".

After then being put on hold and waiting to some annoying tunes of muzak, a clerk finally comes on the line.

The first thing she does is ask me for my identity card number and the last four digits of my credit card. I say, "I put those into the phone, why do you need to ask me again?"

She says, "Just give the numbers sir so I can help you."

Fine, I give her the numbers. She then asks me, "What is your name?"

I tell her my name.

She hesitates and says, "Are you sure it is yours? I think the card belongs to a man."

ARGHHHHH!

I say , "I am a man."

She hesitates and says, "ummm OK, so how can I help you?.." Not even an apology!!!

So, did she just think I was young (the bus drivers would offer me a youth pass until I was 27) or did she think I sounded like a girl? If the latter, then I know I should not start a singing career.. (not that I have the voice for it anyway..)..