I have travelled to Australia a few times @pansyface, and could practically guarantee that l would catch a cold on at least one journey (usually on the way out). Unless they are travelling first or business class, l can't conceive why they would want to come all this way just to sort out a bank account. As others have said, this is the 21st century. Surely no need for someone to travel from one side of the planet to the other when there must be other ways to sort it. Definitely something else, maybe a wish to see people for probably the last time. Personally, if my OH wanted to go then l'd give him my blessing, stock up with treats and wait for his return. (I have done that in the past with family gatherings). Obviously under the circumstances he'd then need to self isolate but if he's happy to do so, then fine.
@pansyface - I understand better now thanks and no, you are not over-reacting and should do what suits you. They sound like a nightmare to me. As for having to come in person to deal with the bank account, hogwash.
We have to go to the local mairie every year to get a certificate signed to say we're who we are and still alive so we receive our pensions. When our passports come up for renewal we get a signature form a local "professional" who knows us. Banks, with their sophisticated security systems, can do similar and surely don't want to be sued for making someone undertake a potentially lethal journey - age, diabetes and the rest - just to sign a piece of paper.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Re the Tetrapak family @pansyface … it seems the ‘six degrees of separation’ thingy strikes again … I have a connection who is connected to them … not related but important and long term connections … it’s a small world.
As for bank accounts … some are incredibly archaic about some particular procedures … a friend who’s lived in Cyprus for aeons has had to visit the UK occasionally to carry out certain procedures that had to be done in person …particularly when acting as her mother’s executor … apparently. She has tried every way to get around this but hasn’t managed to do that yet. 😵💫
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I was rather vulgar when I swore the other day punkdoc, in private you understand, when I was getting abusive messages from the prat in Edinburgh regarding me giving him his money back for the damaged waterfall. Ahem.
Posts
As others have said, this is the 21st century. Surely no need for someone to travel from one side of the planet to the other when there must be other ways to sort it. Definitely something else, maybe a wish to see people for probably the last time.
Personally, if my OH wanted to go then l'd give him my blessing, stock up with treats and wait for his return. (I have done that in the past with family gatherings).
Obviously under the circumstances he'd then need to self isolate but if he's happy to do so, then fine.
We have to go to the local mairie every year to get a certificate signed to say we're who we are and still alive so we receive our pensions. When our passports come up for renewal we get a signature form a local "professional" who knows us. Banks, with their sophisticated security systems, can do similar and surely don't want to be sued for making someone undertake a potentially lethal journey - age, diabetes and the rest - just to sign a piece of paper.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
As the Yoof would say: " I'll take that "