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Thrill of Brazil is a travel blog all about Brazil written by Moon Brazil author Michael Sommers. Michael blogs about Brazil travel, culture, and more. He welcomes questions, comments, and story ideas.
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- The Dawning of Brazil's B&B Age
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- The Making of Moon Living Abroad in Brazil
- U.S. is Number One Source of Immigrants to Brazil
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Take the 400 Caipirinhas and Run!
Last week when it came time to write my blog, I was forced to choose between two timely stories, both of which were being much discussed in Brazilian and international media.
One was about how Rio de Janeiro hotels were trying to gouge visitors planning to attend June’s U.N. Summit on Sustainable Development by raising rates exponentially and forcing visitors to pay for a minimum stay of several days.
The other was about how an American tourist in Rio supposedly tried to scam a luxury hotel in Copacabana.
Flip sides of the same coin?
Karmic kickback?
Since I eventually decided to tackle the former story first, this week I’ll take on the latter:
The protagonist of this transgressive traveler’s tale is a burly 53-year-old native of Murrieta, California who goes by the name of Robert Scott Utley. Our hero arrived in the Cidade Maravilhosa in late April and checked into one of the city’s chic-est beachfront hotels, the Porto Bay Rio International, in Copacabana.
Reportedly, Utley’s reservation was for 14 days. However, on Day 13, he called down to the reception requesting a taxi to take him to Tom Jobim International Airport. Shortly after, he arrived downstairs, wearing shorts and carrying a knapsack.
Although he didn’t check out, the fact that Utley left the hotel having racked up charges totaling R$15,000 (roughly US$7,500) led the suspicious hotel manager to contact the police. Sure enough, the law arrived at the airport just in time to find Utley about to board a Delta flight to the U.S.
According to the Folha de São Paulo, Utley was detained and later taken before a magistrate where he argued that because his credit card had been cloned, and subsequently cancelled, he wasn’t able to pay his hotel charges. However, he had every intention of settling his bill once he returned to the States. Utley also added that he was having heart problems as a result of his seven ICD implants and needed to go home immediately to receive medical treatment.
Since there is no provision under Brazilian law by which a foreign tourist can be held until trial and have his/her passport withheld, the magistrate released Utley on bail after he signed a sworn statement in which he promised to return to Brazil when summoned to appear in court. If convicted for fraud, Utley risks spending between 2 weeks and 2 months in a Brazilian jail.
However, by far the most astonishing (not to mention downright Brazilian) aspect of this case is the fact that almost, according to press reports, half of Utley’s bill – R$6,000 (US$3,000) to be exact – was spent on ordering caipirinhas, Brazil’s signature cocktail of cachaça, sugar, crushed lime and ice.
Seeing as a single caipirinha at the Porto Bay International costs R$15 (US$7.50), this means that Utley consumed a total of 400 caipirinhas.
Over 13 days, this works out to 31 cocktails a day!!!!
Hotel staff report that during his stay, Utley was seen in the company of various female friends. This might help explain such an astronomical bar bill – not to mention the strain on his poor heart.
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400 caipirinhas
Posted by blueginger on June 13, 2012 at 11:06 am
I am Robert Utley ; 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 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 27 caipirinhas and 6 Serpa's the entire trip; not 400, again as falsely reported. The total alcohol cost was $222.00 U.S..
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 Utley
dailyprofitincomes [at] yahoo [dot] com
Dear Mr. Utley, I appreciate
Posted by MSommers on June 16, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Dear Mr. Utley,
I appreciate your comments and your willingness to provide your side of the story to both Moon.com readers and myself.
As I explained at the beginning of this entry, the impetus for this post was to report upon an unusual story that was being widely disseminated by major (and generally reputable) Brazilian and international media outlets.
I'm very aware that press reports can contain factual errors and that there are always multiple facets to any version of events. As such, I have gone back into my original post and emphasized this by adding some "reportedly"s and "supposedly"s to underline the fact that certain events disputed by you are in fact merely alleged as opposed to set in stone (thus giving you "the benefit of the doubt"). I have also corrected facts related to your ICD implants and your detention as opposed to your arrest.
Otherwise, I don't consider myself professionally qualified to judge the veracity of the facts of this unfortunate situation. I do, however, wish you the best in resolving it.
Thank you
Posted by blueginger on June 16, 2012 at 8:06 pm
Hello, I just wanted to thank you for your kind reply and for doing what you could. Just one thing, I'm really not burly as described. The camera really does add twenty pounds. lol Anyway, I enjoy your blog and am grateful for your feedback.
Best,
Robert