For anyone travelling abroad, gone are the days of running around trying to collect foreign currency. Most of these places only want to sell you currency when it is to their advantage, then you have the added problem of security, carrying a lot of money on you or leaving it in your hotel room. An ideal opportunity for thieves! Nowadays, Colombian banks have caught-up with the rest of the world, and you can use your Debit Card in any ATM/Cash Machine or as the Irish say “hole in the wall” as long as your card has the logo Cirrus or Maestro. Some money in your account would help too! It has worked for me abroad, without problems. Only withdraw money from the bank ATMs or supermarkets, as the machines in the local shops and airports will charge you a high fee. I was only charged five thousand Colombian pesos for each withdrawal; you also get a better rate of exchange on the day in other countries. In Colombia, they normally charge you the rates from the previous day. Just activate your bank settings on your mobile phone before travelling or let your bank know in advance. The first few times, I came here I used to be harassed by customs in Bogotá, asking me for dollars. Do I look American? On one occasion, one of the officers was sneaky (thief) and tried to steal a bottle of Angel perfume while searching my bags, I didn’t see him as I wasn’t used to this…Luckily my friend did, as he was standing in the queue opposite, he quickly put it back, and told me to carry on, with the greetings, “Welcome to Colombia”.

Thankfully, things have now changed my last few experiences in Armenia and Bogotá, with airport staff and customs, have been so friendly, polite and helpful, they were even trying to speak to me in English. They were probably thinking to themselves, “Good- God is this Irish gringo still here”. It goes without saying: never carry or handle anything for someone who you don’t know at the airport. It doesn’t make a difference how old, sweet or nice they seem to be; you run the risk of 10-15 years in prison… When abroad, never carry money or your phone in your back pocket, like in Colombia, and for women carry your bag under your arm or in front of you at all times. Keep your eyes peeled as there are many pickpockets’ about.

Abroad: Beyond the boundaries of one's country: in or to a foreign country. Queue: British English: A line of waiting people or vehicles. Run the risk: To be or do something that may result in (something bad or unpleasant happening). It goes without saying: To be so obvious as to need no explanation. ATM: automated teller machine. Keep your eyes peeled: To be alert, observant. This phrase dates back to the 1820s in Britain when Sir Robert Peel established the first organised police force. The officers were known as 'peelers, or 'bobbies'. Pickpocket: A person who steals money, wallets, etc., from the pockets of people, as in crowded public places.

Thanks, everyone for your messages last week, and for those who wanted more Idioms, I will be doing these in categories, then you will have them all in order.

Idioms: Body Parts (2)

Easy on the eye: Something or someone is easy on the eye; pleasant to look at. Elbow grease: Something needs a lot of hard physical work. Eyes like a hawk: They have very good eyesight and they notice everything. Face to face: If people meet face to face, they meet in person in the real world. Feel the pinch: You're finding it harder to survive on your income, not having money to spare. Find your feet: You're still adjusting to a new place or a new situation. Get it off your chest: You tell somebody about something that's been bothering you. Get off on the wrong foot: You start something poorly or begin with a mistake. Go over your head: If someone goes over your head, they go to someone with more authority than you in order to get something. Grease someone's palm: You pay someone a bribe. Hard to swallow: Something that is difficult to believe. Have a heart-to-heart: To have an honest talk and share your feelings with each other. Have your hands full: You're busy. Have your head in the clouds: Someone who is out of touch with everyday life and can be unrealistic or naive as a result.

Heads will roll: You can say "heads will roll" if people are going to lose their jobs after making a mistake. Hold your head high: Feel proud of something. It's written all over your face: You're saying that the expression on someone's face is showing their true feelings or thoughts. Joined at the hip: When two people are so closely linked or inseparable. Jump down your throat: Used when the other person gets something wrong, and they snap at you. Jump out of your skin: When something suddenly shocks/frightens you and your whole body jumps. Keep an eye on someone or something: you make sure you know what they're doing, or what’s happening. Keep your nose clean: Stay out of trouble by making sure you don't do anything wrong. Lend someone a hand: Help someone. Let your hair down: Enjoy yourself by doing whatever you feel like doing and not worrying about what other people might think. Lose face: Your status falls and you aren't respected as much as you were. Lose your head: You become very angry about something.

Until next Tuesday-Be good

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