Paris, Warnig!
Several year ago, I had a free afternoon and decided to roam the nightclub area of Paris where Lido de Paree and the famous Molan Rouge were located. Not much going on but a few OLDER WGs were in the area. Walked a couple of blocks and noticed a couple of establishments had hawkers in front. They were hawking for you to come in for a look at the dancing girls for $1. USD. The posted pics showed skimpy dress girls doing their dance, so my curiosity got to me and figured it was worth a dollar.
They were friendly and I followed them down the stairs to a darkened room with a small stage. There was a girl doing a little dance fully clothed. A few minutes later, a bottle was delivered to my table of which I didn't order. I sat there for about five minutes and the girl did nothing more than when I first got there. Decided to leave and I couldn't until I paid for the bottle of so called champagne that I didn't want.
I refused and started for the stairs. The hawker asked for $400 USD to settle the bill. I said NO WAY cuz I didn't order that bottle. Then 4 hoods surrounded me and held me from ascending the stairs. I told them I didn't have 400 but only 200 on me. So after going thru my belongings, they took the 200 USD and change and let me go. I figured it was better than having bruises and pain for the rest of my trip.
Of course, complained to the locals with no avail. I didn't speak french nor they English. Also, only venture with several buddies rather than alone. this not of happened with a group.
Good luck
RC
Lesson learned, I am sure France is not the only place in this world with this type of scam. | |
