Dealing with bureaucracy living abroad 2: the disappearing bank account

Since I never use my Dutch bank card while living here in Pittsburgh I only found out a few months after de facto that my Dutch bank card expired in February 2007. So 3.5 weeks ago I called my Dutch (ABN AMRO) bank to ask how I can obtain a new bank card. I am told my current address is not in their system so I need to send them a form with which they can update their files. They also tell me to include a letter in which I can request a new bank card. Lastly, they tell me it will take 2 weeks for the new bank card to arrive at my 'new' US address.
I do all this and spend $36 to have the package delivered by USPS to the bank within 2 days. The delivery is confirmed on the USPS website.

Today (August 10) is exactly 3 weeks that the package arrived at the ABN AMRO office. Since I have not heard anything I call them again. They inform me that my 'new' address is now in their system. Yay.
But then they tell me all my Dutch accounts are cancelled as of April 2007. They do not know why. They don't know any answers; they don't know where my money went.
I explain that in order to obtain a new US visa on September 10, 2007, I need to pay the visa fee with a valid Dutch bank card which holds my name. That is an explicit demand which I can't avoid. If I fail the embassy will not process my request for a new visa. I tell them that if this happens it will not make CMU nor me very happy.

Having fun yet? I promised that you'd love these experiences!

An hour ago the office of the ABN AMRO at which I used to do my business when I still lived in the Netherlands gets back to me to inform me my bank account has been reactivated. Great.
Also, they have processed my request for a new bank card which should arrive at my US address 'soon'. They can't guarantee it will arrive within 2 weeks time but 'it should'. I'm leaving for Budapest on August 25.
Still no answer to where my money went, they'll get back to me on that.

So, still considering to go work/live abroad? Think again. Have a laugh at my expense. Then stay put.