Coffee with Luke: Holiday Getaway – Day 3 📱🌮🏦

Thursday: Tech Troubles, Taco Triumphs & Top-Notch Service

Day three of the holiday was all about getting things sorted – but even with a bit of stress, there were plenty of good people, great food, and lovely moments that made it a really positive day in the end.

The day started with a mission: get my BOQ card unlocked after it had been locked down due to a scammer trying to steal from my account the night before. So we headed to the Bank of Queensland to see what could be done. The staff told me they couldn’t unlock it just yet – they needed proof that my phone had been fully cleaned out before taking any more steps. Fair enough… time to get that sorted.

So we headed to Telstra at The Pines, hoping they could help. Unfortunately, the experience there wasn’t great. The staff member I spoke to wasn’t very helpful – she said if she reset my phone, I’d lose all my data unless I manually put everything back from a backup. She didn’t really explain things clearly and just left me feeling more confused and unsure. It didn’t sit right with me, so I decided to trust my gut and try a different path…

And I’m so glad I did.

We drove over to the Apple Store at Robina, and the experience was completely different. They got me in for an appointment super quickly – I was honestly really grateful for that. The technician at Apple was so helpful and really knew his stuff. He explained everything in detail and made me feel calm about the whole process. He told me that once the phone is reset back to factory settings, there’s nothing left in the device that could cause harm because Apple has strong protection systems. He said I could safely restore my backup afterwards and be good to go. That gave me peace of mind, and I was finally able to move forward.

After that, we drove back to BOQ Palm Beach to show them the proof that the device was cleaned and the reset was done. And this is where I have to give a huge shoutout to the incredible staff at the bank.

🙏 Massive thanks to Ben Rodwell, the branch manager, and especially to Josh, who really went above and beyond. Their patience, support, and professionalism made such a difference. I’ve been dealing with a few banks over the years, and honestly, the service I received today was the best I’ve had in a long time. They worked through it all step-by-step and helped me get my card and account back on track. Thank you, BOQ Palm Beach team – I truly hope other branches can match your level of service.

After a big morning of running around, it was time to treat ourselves again – and where better than Goster Tacos in Palm Beach (yes, round two!). 🌮
Oh. My. God. Still just as mouthwatering as the day before. Those tacos could fix anyone’s bad mood. The perfect pick-me-up!

Then we headed back to the holiday unit for a little rest and recharge. Sometimes a quick break is all you need to feel good again. Later on, we went for a peaceful walk around Coolangatta, taking in the fresh air, watching the waves, and just enjoying the simplicity of a coastal evening.

And finally, to top it all off, we went out for dinner at an Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria in Tugun. 🍝🍕
Once again – absolutely delicious. The pizza was fresh out of the oven, the pasta was full of flavour, and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. A perfect end to a rollercoaster of a day.

Looking back, Day 3 was a great reminder that even when things go wrong, there’s always a way through – especially when you’re surrounded by helpful people, great food, and a bit of patience.

Here’s to smoother days ahead!

Until next time,
Luke 🛠️🍕📲