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American Tourist Attempts to Drink and Dash in Brazil

Caipi ©mawel

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Police in Brazil detained American tourist Robert Scott for several hours Wednesday night after he attempted to leave Rio de Janeiro without paying his hotel bill of more than $7,000.

The hotel bill included a $3,000 charge for “caipirinhas” ”” Brazil’s national cocktail of sugarcane rum, lime, sugar and ice.

Sixty three year-old Scott claimed he could not pay the hotel bill because his credit card had been cloned. Which is probably what most people would claim if they ran up a tab for booze that large.

Brazilian police inspector Marcio Mendonca says Scott’s relatives in the United States paid his bill after police contacted them and that he will be allowed to return home.

Read more at Yahoo News/AP.

Melanie Chamberlain
Melanie Chamberlain is a coffee addict, cheap wine connoisseur and a semi-professional "real life" avoider. She blogs about her (mis)adventures traipsing around the world at girlwithgumption.com and overshares via twitter @grlwithgumption.

2 Comments

  1. I am Robert Scott ; the supposed scammer that was reported to have drank 400 caipirinhas and run off without paying my hotel bill. I can tell you that the Porta Bay Hotel has spread this falsehood to embarrass and defame my reputation. Let’s talk the Real truth, all of which I can prove with the final hotel bill, travel agency’s paid reservations, flight scheldule, medical records that I carry when traveling and more. I would be more than happy to email these documents to you so you can decide for yourself. First off, My hotel reservations were for 13 nights, not 14 as reported. Due to my card being used fraudulently, my bank blocked my card from being used. It would take several days for a new one but even then they would not ship to Brasil. I explained to the hotel and we decided the best way was to wire funds.
    Secondly, if you see my final bill you will see I only had a total of 20 caipirinhas and 6 Serpa’s the entire trip; not 400, again as falsely reported. The total alcohol cost was $173.00 U.S., not over $3000. again as reported.
    Thirdly, I never had any women with me except for two women guest who asked me to join them when they saw me eating alone, as I did every night. The waiters and bartender can confirm this and my hotel bill will show I never bought any drinks for anyone. I was alone. I realize this means nothing to you, but to me it means everything. Also, I gave the police my printed medical history. I am currently awaiting a heart transplant and have an ICD (Implantable cardiac defibrillator) to help shock my heart, as I am also a very high risk of ‘sudden cardiac death’ . For that I have had over 7 surgeries for new ICD implants, no grafts, as reported. Plus more medical issues that should you wish, I will email you a copy. I came to your country because it was on my ‘ bucket list ‘ of places I wanted to visit before I pass. What was suppose to be a trip of a lifetime turned into a complete disaster for me. I never got the chance to visit Christ the Redeemer and all the other beautiful places Brasil has to offer. The people were wonderful and I made some good friends, but missed out on the rest .
    Anyway, after making arrangements to wire funds the Night Manager got approval and gave instructions on wiring directly to the hotel account. The 13th day, I was schelduled to fly back to the U.S. for medical reasons , Lucinda, the day manager approved this and I left my suitcase and passport copy with her. (I might mention, I also had in my suitcase close to $30,000. in gems , watches and rings, which the night managers and Front Desk can attest to.) I believed all was well till I was surrounded at the airport by six detectives and military police. I was never arrested, only detained. When leaving the airport I was surrounded by the press. I never saw a judge ,but he ordered the hotel to return my luggage and he returned my passport. The detectives were very kind, helpful and understanding, as was the police chief; Marcio Mendonca, who went so far as to give me R50 out of his own pocket and got me a hotel room for the night. The next day I flew home. That’s it. The real truth. So email me and I’ll be happy to send documents to verify what I have said. I wrote here because you at least got my age right. In my business, I have a great reputation and integrity, which is so important to me. The hotel and press have damaged that ; but I hope at least you’ll give me the benefit . Thank you.
    Best,
    Robert Scott
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