... has already proved to be a rocky one!

This is the first time that I have ever had to fill a VISA application in before leaving the Country. I downloaded the application forms from the Bangladesh High Commission website then retuned it to them, making sure that I followed their rules:

• Two Application Forms
• 3 Passport Photos
• A Postal Order for £40
• A Self-Addressed Envelope (Recorded Delivery/Signed For...)
• My Passport

After checking the application forms time and time again, we are cooking with gas. Off to the Post Office. All sent Recorded Delivery/Signed For... All is well and good.

A couple of days later the fun begins. In the middle of carrying out some Internal Audits at work I am interrupted by a colleague "Stig, sorry to bother you but there is a phone call at your desk from the Bangladesh High Commission".

So off I trot to receive the phone call from Hell... "Mr. Taylor, this is Ahmed from the Bangladesh High Commission. We have received your VISA application..."

Thank God for that!" thinks I,

"... but we have realised after signing for it that the letter had been opened. Everything is here except your passport. Did you definitely send it?". Here we go... some smart arsed, thieving Gypo at the Royal Mail must have stolen it.

Why do they always put programmes on television about something you have just done rather than before it?

So it's off to Liverpool Passport Office on Saturday morning to get an urgent passport application put through - cost £112.50. Best of all Royal Mail advise that if you send something Recorded Delivery/Signed For... it is only insured for up to £39.

My advice to you... ignore the Bangladesh High Commission advice and send Special Delivery not Recorded/Signed For...