Traveler’s Insurance is Extremely Important When Traveling to Mexico. Expats Need Healthcare Coverage in Mexico with an International Medical Plan. Covid 19 Coverage is now Covered by Many Traveler’s Insurance Companies.

Gringo Loco Cantina is a local friendly bar and restaurant in the Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and we interview Larry Voigt the Owner.

Yelapa is a great beach destination for a day trip from Puerto Vallarta by panga boats.

We visit with the owner of Fanny's Restaurant and Bar on the beach of Yelapa, Tovar Chavarin, known as Romeo. And Romeo talks about the history of Yelapa, in Cabo Corrientes, Mexico. 

We visit a waterfall and the local Yelapa Museum. 

Qulture  Restaurant Bar and Art Co-Op in Puerto Vallarta Has Great Happy Hour Specials Food and Entertainment Try Street Food with Manny and His Food Tour Company, Spicy Vallarta Food Tours Puerto Vallarta Has a Card Club Called Coco's Bridge Club. 

Rising Star Chef Salvador Carrillo is Cooking Fabulous Mexican Fusion at His Restaurant La Tienda Grande, in Puerto Vallarta Chef Salvador Carrillo Opens His Newest Vallarta Restaurant, Masame, in Colonia Versalles, Puerto Vallarta

An interview with a Family Traveling from Patagonia to Alaska in an RV converted from a Bus, Parked on The Malecon in Puerto Vallarta. Plus Plans for the new Brewery for Los Muertos Brewery, and a new restaurant Added to The Grupo Restaurant El Granero What Happened To Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's Head? 

Listener Jeff and His Wife Melody brave the Summertime Heat, Vacationing Off Season in Puerto Vallarta. Also, the Release of Howard John's book The True Story About the Making of The Night of the Iguana, and Noise Abatement Laws in Jalisco, Mexico.

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  [caption id="attachment_1202" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Los Arcos Hotel Restaurant[/caption] Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be to introducing you to my favorite vacation destination in the entire world and maybe even yours, that’s Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of La Palapa, The El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The [caption id="attachment_194" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] El Dorado transforms into The Vista Grill. That’s the Vista Grill that used to be up on the hill, well now it has a new vista and that is right on Los Muertos Beach in the Romantic Zone, on the Southside, with a dramatic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. You will be able to dine on the same Vista Grill Menu, and receive that fantastic Vista Grill service.  Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! So let’s see what’s happening this week, the 8^th of August, 2017 in our favorite little paradise, Puerto Vallarta.

A Jalisco Municipality Fights Noise Pollution

[caption id="attachment_1236" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Noise Abatement in Jalisco, Mexico[/caption] If you have ever spent time in a real Mexican neighborhood, you may have noticed that they can be really noisy places, at all times of the day or night in fact. You can be sleeping soundly at let’s say 3:30 in the morning, when all of a sudden out of the blue, banda music comes blaring through your open window. And it’s not like, oops, I turned on my stereo and the knob was turned way up by accident. It’s more like, the knob is turned all the way to high… and it’s like stuck there. Then, the party just keeps going, and going until 5 AM.  Wedding celebrations, Quinceaneras, birthdays, Ground Hog Day, Mother’s Day, you name it. It can get loud. Well a state lawmaker in Jalisco is attempting to pass anti-noise legislation. Here’s an article written in Mexico News Daily, An anti-noise campaign that began in June in Zapopan, Jalisco, has so far resulted in the permanent closure of 35 businesses that exceeded noise limits established by the municipality. Another nine have been fined, as well as the owner of a noisy house. The administration of Mayor Jesús Pablo Lemus Navarro reports that given the number of commercial establishments located in the neighborhood of Chapalita, that part of the city is by far the worst in terms of noise pollution. Not only are the noise emissions of commercial establishments more tightly regulated, but the mayor has announced that his administration will also attempt to regulate the use of fireworks in religious and private celebrations, another major contributor to excessive noise. Well, we will just have to see if this becomes a trend in Mexico. I would kind of miss the charm of that boombox blasting the favorite tunes of my next door neighbor at 1 in the morning. I mean, he’s not doing that for himself, he’s doing that for me, so I can gear what fantastic taste in music this muchacho has. I mean, I should be thanking him for the pleasure and the honor of being exposed to his favorite beat. Fantastico! Gracias! Vamos a ver. We’ll see. I have a link to the article in my show notes of the show, episode 31. Link to the Mexico News Daily Article

The Release of  The True Story About the Making of The Night of the Iguana

Back in February I had an interview with Howard Johns, who was writing a book called  The True Story About the Making of The Night of the [caption id="attachment_208" align="alignright" width="251"] Howard Johns, Author[/caption] Iguana. We talked about his upcoming book and low and behold, the book came out this week. So let me just slide back a couple of months and go back and remind ourselves about what Howard had to say about his book….So, now it’s here and if you would like a copy, go to my website and you will find the link to order his book, or you can go back to the February 26^th podcast and listen to the entire interview, then buy the book. Go to puertovallartatravelshow.com episode 31 for the show notes and the links to everything I talk about, and the things that my guests talk about too. And speaking of guests. Click Here to Buy Your Copy of A Stolen Paradise

An Interview with Jeff Bassett of Sun Sport Travel

I received an email from a listener, Jeff Bassett, and he told me that he liked the show, but he also told me that he was in the travel industry as [caption id="attachment_1200" align="alignright" width="225"] Jeff Bassett in His Tourist Garb[/caption] aside job, and that he was going to be heading to Vallarta in the low season, during the hot humid weather experienced in the tropics during the summer months. June through October to be more precise. It’s when we get heat, humidity and rain in the evenings to cool everything down. Well, I invited Jeff to come on the show and tell us what he and his wife did in the summer heat, during the low season in Paradise. So let’s go to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and talk with my buddy Jeff Bassett…  

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Jeff is an Insurance Claims Adjuster and Travel Agent

• First experience in Vallarta was A Carnival cruise with an overnight stay in PV with a full day and a half stop.
• Took the cheap tour of the town and fell in love with the town.
• Stayed in Grand Sirenis Matlali Hills Resort & Spa Riviera Nayarit in Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
• Then stayed two days at the Hotel Rosita
• Returned to The Hotel Rosita

Where did They Stay? [caption id="attachment_1211" align="alignright" width="300"] Los Arcos Suites, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1217" align="alignright" width="300"] Los Arcos Suites, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1210" align="alignnone" width="300"] Los Arcos Suites, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]

• Stayed at the Los Arcos Suites large rooms, kitchenette
• Rooftop pool Casa Dona Susana
• Playa Los Arcos had the restaurant and an all-inclusive option
• Buffet for the all-inclusive option. Used the buffet in a pinch but preferred to check out the restaurants in town.

Fishing Adventure [caption id="attachment_1209" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Jeff and Melody in Puerto Vallarta[/caption]

• Chartered a Fishing Boat took a bus down to Mismaloya and hired Adrian Pena.
• Didn't catch any fish
• Saw a manta Ray and Sea Turtles and Tropical Fish.
• Got a tour of the bay
• Adrian Pena spoke English well
• charged $160/4 hours

Modes of Transportation

• They took busses to get around Town
• Didn't take Uber
• Took Taxis found the taxi drivers were very attentive. Turned on the AC, moved up the seats conversed.

Had a Local Haircut "Grooming" La Barbaria https://www.facebook.com/labarberiapv/photos/a.1582207272023188.1073741827.1582184895358759/1945425009034744/?type=1&theater

• A fine grooming for approximately $12 US 230 pesos
• Two hours the works

  Places They Ate in Puerto Vallarta

•  Chenando's loved it
• Jeff had Pepper Steak
• Melody had the Fruit of the Sea

  ---

• El Jacalito in Mismaloya Just south of the Barcelo Hotel
• Jeff had Coconut Mango Shrimp
• Wife had the lobster

• ---

  Local fast food at El Pepe Loco. Mexican restaurant Chain grilled chicken
• El Barracuda
• They Ordered the Seafood platter

• ---

  Serranos Meat House They had Breakfast

[caption id="attachment_1201" align="alignleft" width="390"] Pepper Steak Chenando's[/caption]       [caption id="attachment_1219" align="alignright" width="640"] Fruit Del Mar[/caption]                     Good Ideas and Things to Remember

• Bug spray is encouraged no see ums
• Forgot the anti itching cream and had a hard time finding the medication.
• Went to La Isla Shopping Village and went to the movies to beat the heat. Served food at the seats. Alcohol too. Movies in English with Spanish Subtitles
• Bring and pack cotton clothing. Leave the polyester at home.

Tours Jeff Took

• Rhythm  of the Night Tour Vallartainfo.com
• Marina to Las Caletas.
• Price was $112 per person
• You can get the tour through Vallartainfo.com
• 4 hours Long

Great Mexican Candy Stores in the Downtown Area Contact Info For Jeff and Sun Sport Travel

• Sun Sport Travel Website Click Here!
• Address: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Tel: (719) 387-4804
• Email: jeff@sunsporttravel.com

[caption id="attachment_1223" align="alignleft" width="272"] Sun Sport Travel[/caption]         So let’s review a couple of things that Jeff told us

• Don’t be afraid to walk into a barber shop in Puerto Vallarta. It was a great experience for Jeff and it’s bound to be a good one for you too.
• Bring some anti itch cream along with your bug and mosquito repellent, just in case you get bitten.
• Use the buses. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
• Try some local fast food. You will be surprised!
• And if the summer heat is too much to bear, duck into a movie at the brand new La Isla Shopping Village. Nice!

  Well, that should do it for today. I hope you enjoyed hearing about the summer heat in Puerto Vallarta, and the interview with Jeff Bassett from Sun Sport Travel. I have pictures from Jeff of his from his adventures, so check them out in the show notes from this episode number 31. I also included links to the places Jeff talked about so check those out.  Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta and a cool interview from my friends in Puerto Vallarta. Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. [caption id="attachment_1206" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Mismaloya Beach[/caption] And just a reminder to all of you that many of the tours that Jeff mentioned, and tours mentioned by many of my other guests like the Rhythms of the Night, and the zip line adventure at Canopy River tours, can be reserved through my friend and yours JR at Vallartainfo.com. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come onboard and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. [caption id="attachment_1214" align="aligncenter" width="640"] El Barracuda, Puerto Vallarta. Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1213" align="alignleft" width="640"] El Barracuda, Puerto Vallarta. Mexico[/caption] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. So, thanks Jeff Bassett from Sun Sport Travel , And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!       [caption id="attachment_1215" align="alignleft" width="480"] Rooftop Pool Dona Susana Suites[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1218" align="alignright" width="640"] Rooftop Pool Dona Susana Suites[/caption]

DIF Puerto Vallarta steps in to help those in need after tropical storm Narda in Cabo Corrientes.

A conversation with Artist Anastacio Tolentino Vargas, and a guy who makes hats from palm leaves, Jose, Mr. Palms. He weaves hats especially for you.

DIF of Puerto Vallarta provides many social services to the lesser fortunate of Puerto Vallarta. They deliver meals to shut-ins and have programs for the health and welfare of the People of Puerto Vallarta. Consider helping them help others.

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 Puerto Vallarta, What to pack, we’ll discuss the very important issue of exchanging money, cell phone and data plans that you will need to address before you leave the country for Mexico.

February 24, 2017

JUST IN! Bank ATM Machines Have Been Temporarily Removed From the Puerto Vallarta Airport Lobby...Stay Tuned for Updates 

What Are The Best Times To Come To Puerto Vallarta Mexico?

So what are the best times of the year to come to Puerto Vallarta? I have a discussion with JR about that in the next episode of the show, but in short…November 15^th through mid April are the best months to visit. June 15^th till the end of October are the hottest and rainiest times of the year. I actually really like coming to PV in mid October. They call it the shoulder season and flights are always really reasonable and room rates are still at off season lows. You will need to be ready for a little rain, but when it rains, it’s just for a short time, usually in the late afternoon. The popular restaurants are coming off of their off season vacations. Many of them close during the entire month of September and half of October, so I try to get in while it’s cheap, not too crowded and not too unbearable as far as the heat and humidity. Look, I like coming to Puerto Vallarta whenever I can get here.

So what should you pack?

 Pack light. Think cool. It will be humid here in Vallarta. Depending on the time of year, hot and humid. If you are a guy, you should have a nice pair of jeans for going out to clubs at night. A collared shirt or two for a fancy occasion and maybe a pair of nice slacks and dress shoes for that or those fancy occasions too. You will need a hat, although if you forget one you will have absolutely no shortage of hats to choose from when you get there from any number of venders you will encounter on the beach or in shops. A pair of sunglasses for sure, but if you forget those, you know you can get a pair or two in PV. You will need swimming shorts and a couple of pairs of short pants too. Sandals are a must, and if you are planning on going on a hike, bring some tennis shoes for sure. Socks, underwear, and lots of t-shirts. Remember it is hot and humid and you will be sweating some.  So will you be needing a jacket or sweater? Probably not, but it can get chilly on some late December and January evenings. With that said, you will probably not need that wrap. Chances are the only time you will need something warm will be on the plane to and from Vallarta. Otherwise, stow that puppy away boys and girls, you aren’t goanna need them. That pretty much covers the clothing for you guys. For the ladies you will need Casual, summer clothing and beachwear. Especially during the hot and humid summer months you’ll want to pack cool fabrics that dry quickly when moist, offer good ventilation. You’ll need a few dressier outfits if staying at an all-inclusive resort where you may be asked to wear dressier dinner attire, or if in the evenings you plan to go out dancing or to fancy restaurant. You may want to bring a sweater for your return flight. You may need it if you go out on an evening or early morning boat ride, or if you happen to get an unlikely cool evening. You should remember to pack sleepwear, underwear and bras and other girl stuff. [caption id="attachment_441" align="alignright" width="500"] Web Cam at Cuates Y Cuetes in Puerto Vallarta Mexico[/caption] If you want to get a good idea as to what the current weather and dress attire is down in Puerto Vallarta, here’s what I do. Call me a voyeier, but Im almost always going to www.cuatesycuetes.com and check out their webcam. It’s right on the boardwalk just north of the Los Muertos Pier on the Southside of town. You know, the pier where there is this structure that lights up at night that looks like a sail? That’s where you can catch a panga to take you out to a beach or fishing or snorkeling. Anyway, this webcam is just pointing down the boardwalk, and you can see how the visitors, the locals and the tourists are dressed, in real time. You can see if they are sweating and struggling under the hot, humid tropical conditions, or if they are doing fine. You can see thunderstorms in the summer that will blow your mind too, really, so if you want to see the latest fashion being sported on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. And If you wait long enough, the webcam swivels around 360 degrees so you can see the tables set up on the beach, the boats waiting to give a vacationer a ride on his panga, the people walking on the pier, and then the people inside the restaurant. So I bet you are wondering what the heck  Cuates Y Cuetes means? I looked it up and kinda pieced it all together, so I’ll give it a try. I’m pretty sure some listener or reader of my blog, did I mention you can read my blog and shownotes at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com? Anyhoo,  I just know someone is going to tell me I have it all wrong, but here it goes, in Spanish Cuates means Friends, and Cuetes means a couple of different things but two make the most sense to me. Cuetes can mean either fireworks or a firecracker, or most likely, this other translation  fits better where it says Cuetes means a little drunk, buzzed or tipsy. So it’s either friends and Fireworks or Friends and Getting drunk and tipsy.  Either way, just go to that webcam at Cuates y Cuetes.com. I will add it to my links page on my website. In fact, I’ll add a bunch of Puerto Vallarta webcams to my link page so go there and click away. So getting back to what to wear, Essentially, how much you pack and what you pack depends on you and your habits. I’m just giving you some guidelines. Me and my wife on the other hand like to pack light like just a carry-on and a daypack each if we can get away with it. That way we can bypass the baggage carousel and head right for the immigration line. That’s how we beat the crowd. Another way to beat the crowd to the front of the immigration line is to make extra sure you fill out the tourist card that the flight attendant gives you before you land. Bring your own pen because these attendants never have enough, and fill the card out properly. Even on the bottom where lots of us forget to look. Just fill it in. Then, before your plane starts the final descent into PVR, hit the restroom on the plane before you land.   [caption id="attachment_443" align="alignleft" width="500"] Cuates Y Cuetes in Puerto Vallarta Mexico[/caption] If I do go the travel light route, what that means is that I have to have my laundry done for me about half way through my stay. I take it down to the local lavanderia in the morning, and if I’m lucky, I get it back the same day in the afternoon, although there was one time, I kept coming back for my clothes and the lady always seemed to be closed. Bad timing on my part I’m sure. I wrote a blog about it and you can find that story at my website at www.PuertoVallartaTravelshow.com along with all of the show notes to this episode including this packing list. Anyway, if you do happen to take your clothes to a lavenderia, they charge you by the Kilo, they wash and fold and wrap up your clothes for you in a neat cellophane package. It’s really cheap and pretty darn handy. Plus…I like to give them the business. They do a great job. Just remember, they aren’t your local dry cleaner like at home. If you have expensive tricky to wash clothes, don’t give those to them. Do everyone a favor including you and that perplexed looking local washlady a favor and leave your easy care washables in your suitcase. If you are not in town or in a place where there are lavanderias, , the hotels will do your laundry for you. Some are cheap, others get pricey depending on the property.  If you are staying in a condo. You will either have a machine in your condo, or a laundry room somewhere on the property. Look, if in doubt, ask one of the housekeeping crew, they may be able to help you out for a reasonable fee. Who wants to do laundry on vacation right? Of course, if you pack lots of stuff, you won’t have to think about doing any laundry till you get home. Wouldn’t that be a novel idea?

Pack your

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray
• Make-up (for the ladies)
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and paste
• Brush/comb
• Nail clipper/nail file
• Medicines
• Contact lenses and saline solution
• Extra pair of sunglasses/reading glasses
• iPad or Kindle
• Camera / charger / memory card(s)
• A good book or two
• Ink pen (to fill out immigration and customs forms on the plane)
• Wristwatch (if you will not be using your cell phone abroad)
• And Print out all of JR.s maps and bring them along. You can find these maps at my website on the links page or you can go to JR’s website www.vallartainfo.com.

Remember, if you forget any of these items, you will be able to get them in Puerto Vallarta. With the exception of your meds. Make sure you don’t forget those. I also have this list in my show-notes which you can access at puertovallartatravelshow.com.

Now, what to do about your cell phones and internet?

If you are living in the 21^st century, chances you have a cell phone or smart phone, iPad,laptop you get the picture, with data plans and Wi-Fi. How are we going to use these in Mexico? Most US cell providers have special Mexico US plans that include calling, texting and data. They aren’t too expensive either. My plan is with Verizon and I get their I suggest their Canada Mexico plan. It's really cheap! You  should check with your carrier and use the Mexico plan that works best for you. Make sure you change your plan before you leave for Mexico. And don’t forget to take the plan off when you get home.  Some tips are to download google maps of the city and surrounding areas to your phone to be able to use offline while roaming. You can use this tip at home too. If having internet in your Puerto Vallarta room is a must, check with the property first. WI-FI is available in most hotels now a days, although some places only have internet connection in the lobby. Others will charge you a daily rate on top of your room costs so if you are on a budget, and you need the use of the interwebs, figure that in to your vacation nut. And make sure that your phone is connected to the Wi-FI when you are at the hotel, condo or wherever you are staying. If you need internet, check ahead. There are also many internet cafe's in Puerto Vallarta so if things get really, really tight, you can find something. Even in a Starbucks for goodness sake. You can always bring a mobile hotspot as a back-up. We all need a plan B and talking about a plan B, let’s talk Money.

Exchanging Your Dollars to Pesos in Puerto Vallarta

If you are coming from the US, Canada, Eurolandia, Australia, Central and South America, forget about your US Dollars, your Canadian dollarettes your European Euros or your Australian Dollars. There was a time when we would bring US dollars to Mexico and either exchange them in Hotels, exchange booths or waited in line in a bank.  No longer ladies and gentlemen. Here in Puerto Vallarta the peso is king. It’s the coin of the realm. They don’t want your dollars. Imagine if you will, you are back in the States and you are working at a McDonalds. Okay maybe you can’t imagine that, imagine you are working as a barista at a Starbucks….okay maybe you can’t imagine that either, but just play with me here, at least I’m not making you a cashier at Walmart… okay but suppose you are any one of these salespeople in the US, and a Mexican National came to your line and wanted to purchase his basket of groceries, or maybe his fries and big mac, or his cup of frappe late expresso presto chango with Mexican Pesos. How would you deal with that now mr. the American, Canadian, you fill in the occupation barista you? You would look at him and ask, what do you expect me to do with this? It’s too much of a hassle for these shop owners to have to wait in long lines to exchange your coin of your realm, and they don’t want to do it, and…they will make you pay for the inconvenience you put them through. I finally learned my lesson when I tried to pay for a dinner in a Guadalajara Restaurant and I took a good 30% haircut on the exchange rate. Sheesh! So what do you do? Money is pretty important so get it right, and have a plan B and a plan C just in case. There are people out there who insist on bringing dollars with them, to exchange along the way. I would recommend against that. Bring a couple of hundred dollars with you, but only in case of emergencies. Remember, you will get the worst exchange rate for dollars anywhere you try to spend or exchange them in Mexico. The exception is Banco Azteca where you can exchange dollars for pesos. Make sure you bring your passport. Some people get pesos from their bank before they leave home by ordering them in advance. Banks do tend to offer pretty poor exchange rates. If you live in larger urban town you can find local money exchange companies that give pretty good rates and a little peace of mind to the traveler who doesn’t want to have any surprises upon arrival in PV. It is more costly however because the exchange rates are not as good as others. The best way to get pesos for your trip is to use your bank ATM card at the airport. That’s right, your ATM card at the airport. However...

February 24, 2017

JUST IN! Bank ATM Machines Have Been Temporarily Removed From the Puerto Vallarta Airport Lobby ...Stay Tuned for Updates

First, before you leave the country, like a week before you leave the country where you live, call or go into your bank, and let them know that you will be using your ATM card in Mexico. Tell them know you will be in the Puerto Vallarta area, and let them know for how long. If you don’t tell your bank, you will more than likely be unable to access your money while in Mexico. So, don’t forget to tell your bank and confirm before you leave. Now, why do you need pesos when you arrive at the airport? Because if you use pesos instead of dollars to pay for your taxi or van to your hotel or resort, you won’t have to take that exchange rate haircut I was talking about that I took in Guadalajara. Just remember that if you pay for your airport transportation in your funny money, it will just cost you a little more, that’s all. So no big deal guys. You don’t have to do the money ATM dealie at the airport if you don’t want to. Just sayin that if you get into the swing of things with a little practice at the airport ATM, you will have a more comfortable time navigating the Money machines during the rest of your stay.  After you arrive at the airport and pick up your bags, you will come to an area with manned money exchange booths. You see their smiling faces behind the glass in booths along the wall. Avoid these as they will charge you a high fee. Look around and you will see about 5 or six bank affiliated ATM machines, BBVA Bancomer, HSBC, Banorte, Banamex, Scotia and Santander. All of these machines are fine for you to use with your ATM card. You should be able to withdraw up to 7,000 pesos or approximately $350 US at one time. Depending on the Mexican bank ATM, you will most likely be charged a 25-40  pesos service fee, or approximately $1.50 mexican host bank transaction, plus, whatever your bank gets for the withdraw. Now that’s not bad considering I get charged $3-3.50 as a service charge whenever I use an unaffiliated ATM machine, so $1.50 fee, I’m okay with that. Now, my bank is a credit union and they don’t charge me to use their card at an ATM in Mexico, so I just pay the $1.50 transaction fee. This is how you will get your very best exchange rate, US or Canadian dollar.  The PVR airport ATMs are all bank affiliated: HSBC, Santander, Banamex, BBVA Bancomer and I believe Banorte. These machines will pay out in pesos of course. If you see a machine that says Cashola, turn and run. While you are out around town, make sure you use bank affiliated ATM’s as well, and use the ones attached to a bank to avoid possible number skimming devices that have made it down to PV. You can also bring cash and exchange it at Azteca Banks but bring your passport. Also your hotel can exchange your money but, as I have stated earlier, this is not a good way to obtain a good exchange rate. Same with the money exchange cambio booths you will find around town. They are good in a pinch, but hey, get with the program and use your ATM card for those peso pop. Lastly, if you have no ATM card, or maybe you just don’t want to use one of those plastic thingies, send yourself the money using MoneyGram. You can do it online or go to your local Walmart and open an account to send money.  Using MoneyGram you can send yourself up to $950 for $9.90, up to $50,00 for $4.90. You can pick up your money in the form of pesos at any HBC location in Jalisco Mexico, any Farmacia Guadalajara, Walmart, Banco Azteca, and others that you can discover when you are sending the money. You can also send yourself multiple MoneyGram’s that you can retrieve as you need them throughout your trip for up to a year, so if you want to send yourself more than you will need, remember you can get your money back when you get back home in dollars instead of pesos if unclaimed in Mexico. It’s very important to note that you are given a receipt with an 8 digit number on it. You are also instructed to write the recipient’s full name, spelled correctly on the form that you present to the MoneyGram Representative, and the recipient must have legal form of ID that matches exactly the name on the money transfer. Now here’s something that you should do if you use this MoneyGram method, the other day, I was in my neighborhood Vallarta Market, by the way, if you are ever in the Los Angeles area and get a chance to go inside one of these Vallarta Markets, do it! Modern, Mexican, a huge butcher section, bakery, restaurants, prepared Mexican food to take home, just remarkable, at any rate I asked the MoneyGram lady if was cool to send yourself money and here’s what she said, you are better off having a relative or friend send you the money because often times the MoneyGram place will look at the name of the sender and the name of the receiver and determine that there is some sort of fraud going on and not deliver the funds. So, bring Junior or your best friend to the MoneyGram place and have them be the sender. That way you won’t be looked at sideways when you arrive to pick up your dough. Just remember to keep your secret number secret, and don’t let some scammer try to get the info from you. If you lose the number or give it to someone else, you cannot ever get your money back. There is no recourse so be careful with MoneyGram. It’s not foolproof. So your money plan A should be to use your ATM card. Let your bank know before you go. Plan B, bring some cash and or pesos along, and plan C, send yourself a MoneyGram or two, for a back-up. Hotels and many finer restaurants and shops will take your credit cards, so there is always that option. Wow, we are going a little long, next week we will talk with JR about mosquitos and other bugs, the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta and everything you need to know about arriving at the airport, what to expect when you arrive at the Puerto Vallarta Airport and Lastly, we will get you from the airport to your hotel safely. Just join us and let us be your guides.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message.   And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come onboard and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Next week we will get right into how to prepare for and what to expect when you arrive in Puerto Vallarta for your dream vacation. And one more favor please, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. It would be so appreciated if you would just take the extra time to do that for me. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. So, thanks to you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!  

What is Required to Obtain Temporary Residency, Permanent Residency, Work Visas and Student Visas in Mexico?  What if you want to become a Mexican Citizen? An interview with Mexican Attorney Lic. Felix Zarate in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico about Immigration from the United States and Canada to Mexico.

Also, the Puerto Vallarta Craft Beer Festival Comes to The Cuale Island to Benefit the Art Center

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El [caption id="attachment_194" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week we have a very special guest, Lic. Felix Zarate, my friend and Mexican Attorney of Zarate and Law Associates here in Puerto Vallarta, [caption id="attachment_287" align="alignright" width="227"] Lic. Felix Zarate[/caption] and we are going to be talking about immigration but not to the US or Canada, no, we are talking about immigrating to Mexico, but first let’s see what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 15^th of November, 2017.   It seems Craft Beer is making a splash in paradise lately with several in Puerto Vallarta Proper. We spoke with one local brewpub, Reid and Miranda at Monzon Brewing Company. Well, as I mentioned last week, there is a craft beer festival planned for this weekend and I told you I would bring on my buddy Edgar to talk about it so let’s go to Puerto Vallarta and hear about it from my amigo Edgar Cisneros… [caption id="attachment_1876" align="aligncenter" width="615"] Craft Beer Festival PV[/caption] Like Edgar said, there’s so much happening in the local Mexican craft beer world today. Like I said, we have Monzon, There’s Los Muertos Brewery, Cervecería Yambak from Sayulita, Cervecería Nebulosa from Brazil, Cervecería Los Cuentos in Puerto Vallarta,  The Beer Box Prime in Puebla,  Cerveza Minerva from Guadalajara, Euro Cervezas in Mexico City, all these great breweries. I have all the links to their Facebook pages in the shownotes of this episode so check them out. Great Craft Beers here in Mexico! Who Knew?   https://www.facebook.com/Cerveceria-YamBak-220273431366326/ https://www.facebook.com/Cerveceria-Minerva-Puerto-Vallarta-140614419296847/ https://www.facebook.com/thebeerbox.prime/ https://www.facebook.com/EuroCervezas/ https://www.facebook.com/MonzonBrewing/ https://www.facebook.com/lmbcfvilla/ https://www.cervezaartesanalmexicana.mx/cervecerias-artesanales/los-cuentos Last week I was telling you about an email I got from listener Skip. I have a long show so I just want to answer one of his questions here and it has to do with buses and transportation and it goes like this…. Your podcasts have given me a huge list of options for dining - most of them in the Zona Romantica. In Feb 2018 we are staying in Nuevo Vallarta.  It was a tradeoff for a great 3/3 oceanfront condo on Airbnb.  On day 1, I plan to figure out the bus system from Nuevo to Walmart in PV (thanks to JR). Can a person walk to the Romantic Zone from Walmart? I have been on the malecon and to the Cathedral but have never yet seen the Los Muertos pier. It seems that most of what I want to see and do is on Basilio Badillo or Lazaro Cardenas or near by there. Ok, this is a good opportunity to review the bus system and getting around on buses in Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. … You can get links to this information with maps and more in the shownotes at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com. http://visit-vallarta.com/essentials/transportation/bus-routes-and-bus-fares/ Thanks for the questions Skip, I have more answers to your questions coming up next week, I promise. Also, Skip was kind enough to send me his pick for one of the ten most unusual things a person should try to do while in Puerto Vallarta, and so if any of you want to pitch in your ideas, come on, and send me some. Thanks’ Skip! Skip understands what this podcast is all about. Write in you guys. It’s easy to do just go to the Contact Us tab at the top of the website and click and send me a message. Okay! Let’s get to our guest… We hear all the time about how Mexicans can’t wait to get out of Mexico and move north but how often do you hear about North Americans, more precisely Americans and Canadians, wanting to move, or at least become Temporary or Permanent Residents of Mexico? According to census information, there are over one million Americans, US citizens living in Mexico, over 125,000 Canadians at least part of the year. Some of the Americans are in Mexico illegally. Imagine that! I got an email from listener…who wanted to hear about the process of obtaining temporary residency. I told her that I would have my favorite attorney in Puerto Vallarta come on board and talk a little about what's going on today with immigration to Mexico. So I called Lic. Felix Zarate, he is my favorite Mexican Attorney, and he agreed to come on the show and talk a little about the immigration process. He invited me to his condo in Vallarta to talk so let’s go there right now…. We hear all the time about how Mexicans can’t wait to get out of Mexico and move north but how often do you hear about North Americans, more precisely Americans and Canadians, wanting to move, or at least become Temporary or Permanent Residents of Mexico? I got an email from listener…who wanted to hear about the process of obtaining temporary residency. I told her that I would have my favorite attorney in Puerto Vallarta come on board and talk a little about what's going on today with immigration to Mexico.

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I love Felix. He really knows the law in Mexico. Let’s review what we learned and I want to expand on what Felix told us with information I got from the Mexican Consulate locally here in Los Angeles. I’m going to address both Canadians and Americans here and I will have links to all of the information I’m going to give you, right in the show notes to this episode of the Podcast that you will find at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.

Links For Canadian Mexican Visas

• Canadian Visa application form
• Canadian Temporary Resident Visa
• Canadian Permanent Resident Visa
• Student Temporary Resident Visa
• List of Fees
• List of All Visas

https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/leamington/index.php/non-mexicans/visas/115-temporary-resident-visa

Link For US Citizen Mexican Visas

• US Temporary Resident Visa Application Form
• Retired income holder (temporary)
• Permanent Resident Visa (Retired)
• Student Temporary Resident Visa
• List of All Visas

https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego/index.php/visas?id=460 I love Felix. He really knows the law in Mexico. Let’s review what we learned and I want to expand on what Felix told us with information I got from the Mexican Consulate locally here in Los Angeles. I’m going to address both Canadians and Americans here and I will have links to all of the information I’m going to give you, right in the show notes to this episode of the Podcast that you will find at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com. Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks to Lic. Felix Zarate, my favorite lawyer in Puerto Vallarta, and thanks to Edgar Cisneros Check out all the things we talked about in the shownotes of  this episode of the show at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com. So thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

Click Here for Contact for Felix Zarate

Whiskey Kitchen new location in Versalles and then we meet artist Viviana Nolberque who paints Murals and art made with recycled wood pallets. Vallarta turns 105.

An Interview With Natasha Moraga of Tile Park, Puerto Vallarta, also known as El Parque De Los Azulejos. We talk about her Project to Restore and Tile Lazaro Cardenas Park in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

[caption id="attachment_1536" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Art Rendering Parque de Azulejos[/caption]

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El [caption id="attachment_194" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week I have a very important guest, and I know you will love her. She’s Natasha Moraga, and she is going to tell us about her newest project, El Parque de los Azulejos, in Lazaro Cardenas Park on the Southside of town in Puerto Vallarta, but first, let’s see what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, this week the 24^th of October 2017.

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[caption id="attachment_1573" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Natasha Moraga, Artist-Muralist[/caption]     I just returned from a very quick visit to Vallarta and boy have I got some great shows for you for the rest of the year. Anyway, it seems the weather has turned. Somebody turned off the rain spigot and for the entire time I was there, not a drop of rain, and although it’s still hot like in the 90’s, the humidity is beginning to come down some, so, looks like mother nature is delivering on time once again, and cooler temps and lower humidity is just around the corner. Now, last week we didn’t have a show because of my travels to paradise, truly a working vacation you guys, but I did hear from one of my listeners my buddy Bob, the Photographer from Kamloops Canadia, who told me that they couldn’t download my San Pancho Day Trip and Interview with Cassandra Shaw podcast, so I checked it out and low and behold, he was right, so I made the correction and fixed the audio players on the webpage, so if you happened to have missed the podcast with Cassandra and the daytrip to San Pancho, check it out again. It’s up and running at Puertovallartatravelshow.com. And by the way, I’ve noticed that many of you listen directly from my website, and that’s cool, but you can find the show, if you have an iPhone or an iPad, using the purple Podcast application that every iPad and iPhone has built right in, and if you are an android user, you can get the Spreaker App, Stitcher, and download the show from your phone or mobile device. I’ll add some links to the shownotes so you can see what I’m talking about. In fact, I’m thinking about adding a page to show how to consume the podcast. Maybe in the next few weeks so I’ll tell you when that happens so you can have a look for yourselves. Okay…. Now last week at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse we had a meet and greet with microphones. JR and I were there with about 15 of you listeners and it was a great time. I got a chance to meet my buddy Debbie, Cheap Debbie from Canadia was there with her lovely daughter Tessa, and Tessa’s handsome boyfriend,  Enrique, who is a great chef, a Vallartense, a Vallarta Native. They were so much fun I have to tell you. Actually, Debbie and I were so busy out-cheaping each other during the whole meet and greet. We actually determined that I was just as cheap as she is. Actually, cheaper. [embed]https://youtu.be/JXwqHRYteC0[/embed] I told her about the condo I stayed at via Airbnb and I have to say, I really liked the place. It was quiet, except for well, the building that is going on on the Southside, I had that to contend with during the day, but the views were great, there was airconditioning and a pool, two balconies, comfortable bed, for $65 a night. Now you all know that is kind of expensive for me, I usually stay in the 30-40 dollar a night digs, but this time I was splurging because I was bringing my Debbie along,. If you have been following along, you know of my plan to spring the trip on her just a couple of days before, just to give her time to shop and pack, and well, she didn’t go! Let me explain….Anyway, those in attendance didn’t want to talk on the podcast. Such shyness abounds among you listeners I swear. I did have a couple of women who stopped by to pitch their new Wine Concierge Business they just launched in Puerto Vallarta, Vanusa Pedroso and Natalia Castro, so let’s go to that interview right now, just to give you the flavor of the meet and greet. [caption id="attachment_1804" align="alignleft" width="1000"] Uncork Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1806" align="aligncenter" width="637"] Vanusa + Nataloa[/caption] Now the band was just getting ready to kick off a set, so you are most likely going to hear some of that too, but let’s get to the interview right now shall we?...

Link to Uncork Mexico.com

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Nice ladies with an idea that they are hoping will take off in Paradise. I have the links and all their information in the show notes to this episode of the podcast, so check them out. [embed]https://youtu.be/rPT_sFYgdiI[/embed] The band that was warming up was a group called the La Trez Cuatroz, and if you remember the interview I had with Miranda and Reid, from Monzon Brewing Company, they told us about the band that did the benefit concert to help in Mexican Earthquake Relief, well, they were the band warming up and they were great. I introduced myself to the guys and we have an interview planned with these three great musicians who really know the bay, really know how to have a great time and will have all kinds of suggestions for all of you listeners. That will be coming up in January just in time for the high season. So La Trez Cuartoz, spelled with a "z" at the end. They rock you guys! That will be a great interview.

La Trez Cuartoz Facebook Page

[caption id="attachment_1779" align="aligncenter" width="994"] Dia De Los Muertos by Valeria Almaraz[/caption] Now next week I will be talking about all the things that are planned for Dia de Los Muertos celebrations all along the bay, and there will be many so stay tuned for that, next Tuesday Halloween Day. If you want information as to what is coming up before hand, go to the show notes and I will have a link to the events planned, but if you can wait, I will be talking about that on Halloween, next week! Let’s get to the show. Lazaro Cardenas Park in Puerto Vallarta is located on the southside of town, a block off of the beach. I have one of JR’s maps in the shownotes to allow you to see where the park is. [caption id="attachment_1782" align="aligncenter" width="856"] JR's Map of The Southside[/caption] The park, actually sits atop of an underground parking structure. For a little history, that park didn’t always sit on a parking structure, it was a big [caption id="attachment_1538" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Art Rendering Parque de Azulejos[/caption] place of contention in the early 2000’s. The city was looking for a place to build a parking area to relieve the massive parking issues on the south side. Actually it was finally in 2006, after many years or wrangling and negotiating and protests and ecological studies and delays and delays, the eventual removal of some large parotta trees that were growing in the park, the former Lazaro Cardenas Park, a really beautiful park was dug up, a big hole was dug and  a subterranean garage built with 178 parking spaces, then the hole was topped with a new park, complete with [caption id="attachment_1802" align="alignright" width="300"] Boys and Burro Sculpture[/caption] benches, a pavilion, and planters. And today, the park is used for open farmers markets, Taco festivals, Zumba Classes in the morning, it has the classic sculpture by Jim Demetrio of the boys and the Burro. It is a wonderful public space. But it has over the years, fallen into both repair and disrepair. Every once and a while The Puerto Vallarta Garden Club gets in there and spruces the place up, but those projects although welcome, are short lived. The benches are showing signs of wear and tear, They are cracking under the tropical sun with rusting rebar being exposed to the elements, ensuring even a more rapid decline and deterioration. It’s a fact that Lazaro Cardenas Park is in dire need of a facelift. Enter our next guest, Natasha Moraga. [caption id="attachment_1610" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Donate to Tile Park PV[/caption] If you have walked around the Southside of Puerto Vallarta, no doubt you have seen the Tile Wall on Pino Suarez, at the school. I know that when I first saw the wall, I thought to myself, self, I wish I had a file with my name on it on a wall in Puerto Vallarta! I thought, that would be pretty cool. I never really thought of who actually did this work, this mosaic tiling. I just took it for granted and moved on. [caption id="attachment_1532" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Mosaic Tile Wall at Basillio Badillo and Pino Suarez[/caption] Then one day I was reading an article about this person, Natasha Moraga, and I was fascinated by her story so I just needed to bring her on to the show and have her tell us about herself and her project, El Parque de Los Azulejos, or Tile Park PV. [caption id="attachment_1537" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Art Rendering Parque de Azulejos[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1535" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Art Rendering Parque de Azulejos[/caption] Now I was just at the park you guys, last week with Natasha, and I had a chance to see up close,  the progress they have already made there, smoothing out the angles, preparing the surfaces for the application of the tiles. But they need your help to move forward, and you can help and be a part of this incredible outdoor art project in the heart of the Southside of Puerto Vallarta, where Natasha Moraga, with Brother Daniel and a crew of hardworking folks, and you listeners too, will turn this promising piece of paradise, into a shining jewel. El Parque De Los Azulejos, Tile Park Puerto Vallarta. So let’s go right now to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, and have a conversation with Natasha Moraga, Tile Park Puerto Vallarta….. [caption id="attachment_1800" align="alignleft" width="300"] Progress at Parque de Los Azulejos, Puerto Vallarta[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_1799" align="alignleft" width="300"] Progress at Parque de Los Azulejos, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1798" align="alignleft" width="300"] Progress at Parque de Los Azulejos, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1797" align="alignleft" width="300"] Progress at Parque de Los Azulejos, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1795" align="alignnone" width="300"] Progress at Parque de Los Azulejos, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1788" align="alignnone" width="300"] Park in Need of Updating[/caption]

Upcoming Workshops

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Natasha's Projects

• Wall Basillio Badillo and Pino Suarez
• Wall at the Marina
• Letters into Vallarta

[caption id="attachment_1533" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Natasha Moraga Puerto Vallarta[/caption]

• Cocos Kitchen Puerto Vallarta
• Memos Pancake House, Puerto Vallarta
• Fredy's Tucan, Puerto Vallarta 

• Wok. Co., Puerto Vallarta
• Salud Super Food, Puerto Vallarta
• Vallarta Eats Food Tours

Contact

Natasha is a wonderful person and she is determined to have this project done, hopefully in time for the 100 year anniversary of Vallarta, so we will see if that can happen. Remember, if you don’t want to be kicking yourself for waiting too long, you might want to do your Holiday Shopping early and order a tile or two. I have links to their website as well as pictures of the park, to help you understand the wonderful project that is Tile Park PV. Remember just go to www.tileparkpv.com and check out the tiles, the activities and workshops and more. Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and [caption id="attachment_1787" align="alignright" width="300"] Natasha Moraga, Tile Park PV[/caption] more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. [caption id="attachment_1580" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Nat Moraga, Artist-Muralist[/caption]   And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks to Natasha Moraga, from El Parque de Los Azulejos, Tile Park Puerto Vallarta, Go to www.tileparkpv.com and see what she has there for you. There are planned events scheduled so go to the website and see when they are having the workshops where you can learn the art of Mosaic tiling, and take home the talent and the skill to do it yourself. You will see the pictures of the renderings of the park, you will see the pictures that I took of the park as it is now, and the work being done as the project moves forward. They are in the shownotes of  this episode of the show at puertovallartatravelshow.com So thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

Mezzogiorno Italian Restaurant is located on the beach in Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico. Just 45 minutes by bus from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. An interview with co-owner Sidney Lecther about the history of Mezzogiorno, and of the town of Bucerias.

An interview with Nan Lippard at Turtle Camp Puerto Vallarta in Boca de Tomates, right near the Puerto Vallarta Airport La Jolla de Tuito Bed and Breakfast Gets a new Location Uber Wars Continue in Puerto Vallarta

Rancho Primavera is a bird Watching Paradise. They have casitas for rent on the premesis. It's a true paradise. We then spend the night in Mayto at Hotel El Rinconcito.

Meet Expat Artist Alec Wilson Owner of Artsi Galeria in Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico Have Artsi Galeria Bring Art Directly to Your Vallarta Home A Visit to The Oldest Restaurant in Bucerias, El Chivero Restaurant and Bar

Layla's Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta serves delicious Mexican and International dishes. Their cooking is imaginative and a feast for the eyes and pallet. I interview owner Isabel Madero. 

Sharon Reynolds Has Been Visiting Puerto Vallarta For Many Years and Her Experiences are Quite Varied. She has Stayed at Many Different Properties in Vallarta, and eaten at Many Great Restaurants.

Tourism is returning to Puerto Vallarta during the pandemic. Americans Hillary and Zoie tell us what it's like flying from the US and vacationing in Vallarta during the pandemic and the precautions businesses are taking to protect the traveler.

This week we are visiting some old friends who have moved to new locations and new friends who have moved to old locations. We’ll meet Jesus Adolfo Garcia Plascencia, one of family at La Huerta BBQ, where El Rio BBQ used to be. Jesus will give us a little bit of history of the place, so stay tuned. We also had a chance to listen to the band, The Stixx while we were at La Huerta for the afternoon. I got Fher Aguilera, their drummer and vocalist to sit down with me to talk about the band and their upcoming schedule. We will be visiting Carlos Rodriguez, the owner of The Circle Bar, an old time bar that just moved to the Rio Cuale. Then we head up into the upper reaches of the Romantic Zone to visit with Tom Findley at Bar Frida 4.0. , so another old bar moving to new digs there.

An interview with the owner of Blakes Restaurant and Bar at Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta. Also Mitch Regehr from Cacao Magico discusses a new mailing service from Vallarta to Canada and the US, Ship By Mail.

A conversation with Varco Van Groeningen, owner at the Reinas Bar in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The Reinas Bar or Queen's Bar is a gay bar in the Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood, on the southside of Vallarta.

Restaurant Rio Grande has Been Making Traditional Vallarta Style Seafood  since 1984. They have a House Special Pescado Sarandeado That is Superb.

The Belmar Hotel in Puerto Vallarta and an Interview With Owner Maria Jose Zorrilla, Plus A day Trip to Tequila From Puerto Vallarta and Vallarta Charities.

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[caption id="attachment_1189" align="aligncenter" width="672"] The Belmar Hotel Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be to introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. [caption id="attachment_196" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into The Vista Grill. That’s The Vista Grill that used to be up on the hill overlooking the city?  Well now it has a new vista and that is right on the beach where you get the same Vista Grill Menu, and the fantastic Vista Grill service and it’s right there on the beach with a dramatic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! Today we have a special show but first, what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 2^nd of August 2017.

What’s Vallarta Like in July?

I talked over the interwebs with listener Jeff the other day. Jeff and his lovely wife Melody are back from a week or so in Puerto Vallarta and we talked about what it’s like, vacationing in the July heat so next week, it will be the Jeff from Colorado Springs, Colorado, right here on The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show telling us about what he did in the July tropical weather, so stay tuned for that. [caption id="attachment_1177" align="alignright" width="716"] Belmar Hotel Accommodations[/caption]  

New Rules for Traveling with pets

A few weeks back we talked about the new Mexican requirements for traveling with pets, and those rules took effect the beginning of the year, but they have already made some changes to the requirements so here are the new ones.  And I got this info from a number of friends on the ground with pets in Puerto Vallarta.

New Requirements for Bringing Your Pet into Mexico

the new requirements require you to obtain a valid Health Certificate. And In addition to the Rabies Vaccination certification, the vet must now certify (provide proof of) two additional health conditions:

1. The dog (or cat) is free from internal parasites (worms) and has been treated for these within 2 weeks and not 6 months as before of the date of travel.
2. The dog (or cat) is free from external parasites (fleas/ticks) and has been treated for these within 2 weeks of the date of travel and not 6 months as was the case when the new rules went into effect.

I have a link to the new requirements in Spanish and in English, also for travelers from the US and Canada.

• https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-mexico
• http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/exports/live-animals/health-certificates/pets/mexico/eng/1321316984321/1321317230018
• Contact at the PV Airport: Amaro Venegas Castillion
• oisapvallarta@hotmail.com or oisapuertovallarta@senasica.gob.mx

The Town of Tequila is only 4 hours from Puerto Vallarta

Did you know that the town, named after Mexico’s favorite adult beverage is only 4 hours outside of Puerto Vallarta? That’s right, Tequila, [caption id="attachment_1170" align="alignright" width="300"] Tequila Map[/caption] Mexico is a mere bus ride away from Puerto Vallarta and if you have time, you really should consider a daytrip to the epicenter of tequila distilling in the state of Jalisco. Now here on a The a Puerto Vallarta Travel Show we are familiar with raicilla, known here as a Jalisco Moonshine. We talked with JR in a previous episode all about raicilla and also with Gaby at Gaby's Restaurant who has a relative who produces it in the hills above Vallarta. But today we are talking tequila. Vitamin T,  known by many as “Takillya”, “it’s almost killed me many times”  also fondly referred to as liquid pantie remover, and yes, this spirit is the pride of the state of Jalisco, which is the home of our beloved Puerto Vallarta. Now Puerto Vallarta has its share of tequila tasting locations places. These tequila shops have sprung up around town and often they sell cigars as well, In fact, you might want to be a little aware that these tequila shops where the proprietor tries to persuade you to come in for a free shot of tequila, he may also want to sell you a timeshare. Just saying, that’s for another show,  but just be aware and if one of these guys starts asking you about how long you will be in town, the timeshare can’t be too far behind…but wait, that’s still for another show. Now where were we? Oh yes, there are many opportunities for tequila tasting all over the Bajia de Banderas, but the town of Tequila is certainly within reach.

So how do we get to Tequila from Vallarta?

Here are a couple of ideas. [caption id="attachment_1169" align="alignright" width="183"] ENT Bus Lines Vallarta to Guadalajara[/caption]

Taking a Bus to Tequila

[caption id="attachment_1171" align="alignright" width="216"] Vallarta Plus Bus Lines[/caption] There are two very good bus lines that serve Puerto Vallarta and they are the Vallarta Plus Line, and ETN line where you can buy your ticket online or even at an OXXO, both depart from the bus terminal near the airport. These are really nice busses too. Not chicken buses folks. They have plush reclining seats, internet, individual TV screens for each seat, really nice buses and a round trip from Vallarta to Guadalajara averages about 1,000 pesos or approximately $58 US. There is no direct bus other than special charter tours that service Tequila to Vallarta and back travel, so you must first travel to Guadalajara, the Zapopan Station on the outskirts of Guadalajara, about a 4 hour bus ride, then then transfer to any number of methods of getting from Guadalajara to Tequila and back. That could be perhaps the tequila bus, a Taxi cab or even Uber. These methods can cost you from between $14 US round trip up to $30 round trip from the Zapopan Bus Station to Tequila and back. There’s also the Tequila Train and many tours put on by the different distilleries where you pay to take their fun bus to Tequila. That can be costly, sometimes like $140 or more. While in Tequila, you can go to different distilleries, the Jose Cuervo Plant, the Sauza and about 7 others. The town is very quaint. A lovely place to walk around, even spend the night if you want to, or need to if you know what I mean. The other method would be to arrange a tour with Superior Tours in Puerto Vallarta. They have a van or bus that will drive you directly to Tequila and back with no unnecessary stops in Guadalajara. By the way, that trip from the Guad to Tequila will take an additional hour so keep that in mind. At a cost of about $125 each and their tour description goes like this… This tour is for the Tequila Experts (to be) only, as during this tour you will see the real process. Unlike the many small Tequila Factories in the Puerto Vallarta area, this is a visit to a real distillery, the Tequila Cofradia distillery in the town of Tequila, Jalisco. They also have a 3 day package to Guadalajara, Tequila, Tlaquepaque and Tonala for only $249 each that sounds like a bargain. I have links to all this information in the show-notes to this episode of The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show so check it out.

• ENT Bus Line Here
• Vallarta Plus Bus Line Here
• Superior Tours PV Tequila Tour Here
• 3 Day Tour Superior Tours Guadalajara, Tequila, Tlaquepaque and Tonala Tour

So what is a Shot of Tequila? 

Well, a single shot of tequila is often served with salt and a slice of lime. This is called tequila cruda and is sometimes referred to as "training wheels. You know it as the "lick-sip-suck", or "lick-shoot-suck" (referring to the order with which we consume the said shot). We lick our hand between our thumb and forefinger and sprinkle salt in that there valley created by finger and thumb. Then we lick the salt from said valley, quickly down the Spirit and bite into a slice of lime. So why do we take a lick of salt, followed by that shot and then a suck on that lime?  Well, It’s because the salt and the lime are no more than a mask for drinking crap folks. For drinking cheap, sharp-tasting (cruda) tequila. So, just remember, if you are drinking cheap stuff, by all means, shoot the s__t, Lick Shoot Suck away, but if you are drinking the expensive stuff, don’t look like an uninformed gringo or gringa my friends, sip it amigos. Please, sip it. Now to do a proper tequila body shot…make sure your partner is naked and have them lie on the floor on their back, then…hey wait, this is a family show. Look it up yourselves you perverts. Sheesh, can’t take you guys anywhere. https://etn.com.mx/english/ http://www.foodandwine.com/cocktails-spirits/tequila/terms-every-tequila-drinker-should-know Okay let’s get to this week’s special guest. Maria Jose Zorrilla and the Belmar Hotel. [caption id="attachment_1168" align="aligncenter" width="868"] The Belmar Hotel, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] Maria Jose came upon my radar when I was interviewing Gary Thompson of the Galeria Pacifico in Downtown PV. Gary does these free [caption id="attachment_1166" align="alignright" width="236"] Maria Jose Zorrilla[/caption] sculpture tours on the Malecon every Tuesday Morning during the busy tourist season and he asks for a donation at the end of the tour to go towards his favorite charity and that is the Library, Los Mangos. And he said that he and Maria do the live auction together, he in English and She in Spanish. So, I knew that one day our paths would cross, and when I was getting ready to do my economy hotel podcast, I realized that Maria was the owner of the Belmar Hotel. Well, this gave me a chance to get a two for one. A chance to learn about the Belmar Hotel, but better still, to learn about this lady and the things she does in Vallarta. So let’s go to the beautiful white building with black railing, located just on the south side of the Old Rio Cuale’ Bridge, in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and talk with Maria Jose Zorrilla, owner of the Belmar Hotel. [caption id="attachment_1187" align="aligncenter" width="985"] Room at The Belmar Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1188" align="aligncenter" width="986"] Room at The Belmar Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]  

Links to What we Talked About

• Vallarta Central Business Association
• SKOL Tourist Club involved with the Women’s Jail
• Altruism Festival Puerto Vallarta
• Consejo de Seguridad Transparancy in Government Juanita Gonzalo, Director
• How Can a Visitor Help in Puerto Vallarta?
• Donate Directly to Favorite Cause
• Library Los Mangos
• Time Share Charitable Group Eagles Wings PV
• Red Cross Puerto Vallarta

Suggestions For a First Time Visitor to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

• Best way to get to know a town is to walk and discover.
• First timers should take a tour or two.
• Take a trip to a beach.
• Walking Tour of the City.
• Gary Thompson’s Sculpture Tour on The Malecon.
• Zipline or take a trip into the jungle
• Loves to go to El Patio de Mi Casa

Contact The Belmar Hotel

[caption id="attachment_1167" align="alignright" width="320"] Belmar Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] The Belmar Website Here More Pictures of The Belmar Hotel CONTACT Information

Maria is a really busy lady. She has some great ideas for those of you who want to be do gooders and give back to Puerto Vallarta during your next stay. And check out the pictures of the Belmar Hotel and maybe consider staying there next time you are in Puerto Vallarta and need a clean economical place to stay right smack dab in the middle of town. [caption id="attachment_1179" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Snacks in the Lobby of the Belmar Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] And that should do it for today. I hope you enjoyed hearing about the Belmar Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, and Maria Jose Zorrilla. What a lovely lady and so sincere. I have pictures of the Hotel Belmar including photos of the rooms that we talked about, links and numbers to contact and make reservations at the  Belmar Hotel. Also links to the charities that we talked about during the interview including a link to the Puerto Vallarta Charity page on JR’s website, vallartainfo.com.  It’s all there so check them out.   Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta and my next show. Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. [caption id="attachment_1176" align="alignright" width="901"] Belmar Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1178" align="alignright" width="712"] Room in the Belmar Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come onboard and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. So, thanks Maria Jose Zorrilla from  The Belmar Hotel , And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos! [caption id="attachment_1185" align="aligncenter" width="988"] Belmar Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1186" align="aligncenter" width="971"] Room at The Belmar Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1184" align="alignleft" width="300"] Room at The Belmar Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1183" align="alignright" width="300"] Room at The Belmar Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1182" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Room at The Belmar Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1181" align="alignleft" width="300"] Room at The Belmar Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]        

Michael Tolleson Robles let's his "Autism do The Painting" As he Creates Museum Worthy Art at Galeria Robles in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Michael Tolleson Robles Picked up a Brush 10 years ago, and found he could Produce Gallery Quality Art with No Training

This week on The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show Podcast we visit with Michael Tolleson Robles, Artistic, Autistic Savant, and owner of Galleria Robles in Downtown Puerto Vallarta. We go upstairs from the Gallery to his new restaurant Savante, Fine Cuisine,

Americans are vacationing in Puerto Vallarta During the pandemic. Listeners tell us their Puerto Vallarta travel tips and favorite restaurants.

Puerto Vallarta has some great bands, and La Trez Cuartoz is one of them. Mario Hernandez Torres, Fernando Aguilera, and Luis Chabeloko are talented musicians who know how to Rock and Roll.

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The [caption id="attachment_194" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week I have three talented musicians I want to introduce to you, , La Trez Cuartoz. But first, what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, this week the 31^st of January, 2018. [caption id="attachment_2282" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] La Trez Cuartoz, Puerto Vallarta[/caption]

Arena Vallarta to Host 7th International Charro Championships

Make plans now to attend the 7th International Charro Championships Puerto Vallarta Centennial Edition. With daily competitions and traditional events, this is the perfect way to enjoy the "real" Mexico and its traditions. [caption id="attachment_2300" align="alignright" width="300"] Arena Vallarta Map[/caption] Entrance fees are just $100 pesos a day on Thursday & Friday. On Saturday and Sunday the $150 ticket price includes musical performances. Children under the age of 10 accompanied by paying adults get in free. As a thank you to attendees, your ticket to Sunday's double final automatically enters you into a raffle for a late model car to be given away during the awards ceremony. [caption id="attachment_2289" align="aligncenter" width="781"] 7th International Charro Festival[/caption] Tickets are on sale now at arenavallarta.com, or can be purchased at the Arena Vallarta box office on the day(s) of the event. Located in El Colorado, just 20 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Arena Vallarta is handicap accessible ultra-modern facility that boasts seating for 8 thousand spectators, public rest rooms, a 600 car parking lot, a commercial area, and stables for the horses. I have a link to their Facebook page in the show notes as well as a link to the article in the Banderas news that has all the times and events planned for the next 4 days in Puerto Vallarta. Also a map to Arena Vallarta, and look, if you go, be prepared to be immersed in the Mexican Horse riding culture. You may be the only gringo or gringa there. Who knows? [caption id="attachment_2288" align="aligncenter" width="780"] 7th International Charro Festival[/caption] https://www.facebook.com/pg/arenavallarta/about/

New Buses are coming to Puerto Vallarta

They are going to be changing out the fleet of buses in Puerto Vallarta replacing the tired busses with new, natural gas or propane gas powered air-conditioned busses beginning next month, and they say, the entire fleet of 327 new busses, will be online by August, this year. [embed]https://www.vallartadaily.com/news/puerto-vallarta/puerto-vallarta-finally-presents-new-bus-fleet/[/embed] Word has it that bus fares will be going up from the 7.5 pesos to 10 pesos, so like approximately 55 cents US, to take a bus. Not bad at all. We’ll see. They have been waiting a long time for this to happen in Vallarta. It will be nice to get those stinky, loud busses off the roads. Now don’t get all nostalgic on me you guys. You know you are going, there aren’t you? Going to miss those rattletraps, aren’t you? No? Well me neither. Let’s see what happens. I have a link to the article and pictures of the buses in the show notes, https://www.vallartadaily.com/news/puerto-vallarta/puerto-vallarta-finally-presents-new-bus-fleet/

Southside Shuffle

Businesses on the popular Basilio Badillo Street have joined forces and put together the South Side Shuffle, an evening street party that takes place two Fridays each month, from 6 to 10 pm, between early November and early April. So, this month of February we have Friday February 9th, 16th & 23^rd. According to their Facebook page, they say that …"As far as street parties go, the South Side Shuffle is as good as it gets. The participating businesses go all out to ensure that you enjoy your evening, providing complimentary beverages and even the occasional appetizer. There is also live music, with from two to four groups circulating nonstop on the sidewalk. All in all, the South Side Shuffle offers one of Puerto Vallarta´s best shopping experiences, on two short easy-to-walk blocks. The neighborhood´s recently expanded sidewalks, with their colorful bougainvillea planters, are an added bonus as you saunter from shop to shop. And for tourists and visitors wondering what living in Mexico is all about, The South Side Shuffle provides a unique opportunity to meet local business owners, many of whom have relocated from the USA and Canada." So check out their Facebook page. I have the link in the show notes or go to their Facebook Link. https://www.facebook.com/SouthSideShuffleBB/

Funny Quirks in Puerto Vallarta

Taxi Drivers Cross Themselves When They Pass a Church

[caption id="attachment_2301" align="alignright" width="576"] The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe[/caption] My return to Vallarta this month brought back some quirks I thought I would share with you. For those of you who haven’t been to Vallarta, this might be an eye opener, for you regulars, probably an eye roller. I’m always amused when driving past a church with a taxi driver, he always takes the time to cross himself. Even if he is being cut off by another driver, he always takes the time to genuflect, then he will turn his attention to the offending driver and use a totally different and contradicting gesture.

They Pile Trash Bags on Street Corners

[caption id="attachment_2299" align="alignright" width="300"] Puerto Vallarta Trash Pick U[/caption] Then there is the trash collecting system they have in Vallarta where the trash is piled up high in plastic bags on street corners. It looks awful but don’t be discouraged, the collectors come every day to pick up the mess. Then most difficult thing is when scavengers rip open the bags and leave a mess. Also, when it rains, it can be pretty bad. Anyway, my hats off to the trashman, The garbage truck patrol rules here in Vallarta.

Mexicans Use Fabuloso For Everything

  [embed]https://thegreenmama.com/absolutely-not-fabulous/[/embed] Then there is the smell of Fabuloso in the air. Ah yes, Fabuloso.  Obviously, this translates into “Fabulous” in English. Right. Clearly, Colgate – Palmolive, the manufacturer of this fabulous product has a rather warped view of what fabulous means. Fabuloso, is the 2nd most popular cleaning Brand in the United States, after Pine Sol. The product is also a Brand leader globally. The locals get their Fabuloso not from a bottle, but they go to the local cleaning supply store and buy it by the liter. They haul their plastic galafon containers down to Chewy’s Fabuloso distributorship, and make a purchase of the liquid that Mexicans use to clean everything. The floors, the countertops, the sidewalks, Cars, everything. You can smell is everywhere. So, what makes this stuff so fabulous? Well, it really cuts grease, and more let’s see what’s in this stuff from an article I found on the interwebs called Absolutely (NOT) Fabulous by Clair Douglass, she says…

1. Sulfuric Acid: Irritates basically everything. Don’t touch it, or breathe it in.
2. 2 Phenoxyethanol: Hold your breath. Oh, and for the love of all that is Holy – don’t light up.
3. Sodium Hydroxide: Again. Don’t breathe. Or, open your eyes. Because it may be considered public enemy number one for causing chemical burns of the eye, sodium hydroxide has been the chemical caustic most extensively studied in animal and clinical investigations.
4. Propylene Glycol Propyl Ether: As long as you don’t touch or breathe it in, you’ll be fine.
5. Alkylbenzene sulfonic Acid: Direct quote with emphasis from the CDC: “Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.”   Fabulous!

So next time you are in town, breath deep. Smell the clean scent of Fabuloso. Enjoy my friends! Enjoy. You can read the entire article about Fabuloso. I have a link to it in the show notes of this podcast.   I promised the story about the TJ airport this week, but I got my wife sick and she said she would come on the show with me. So, I’m going to wait till next week when Debbie can come on the show with me and relive the harrowing bone chilling story which was our flight to PV from TJ just to save a couple of bucks. This of course was some time ago. Like decades ago, but let’s not let a little water under the bridge get in the way of a good story, and a good excuse to get Debbie on the podcast. At least for more than at the very beginning of every show, but I digress. Anyway, Sean, I will have that next week. Promise.

La Trez Cuartoz

[embed]https://youtu.be/X1k4QY8dBMU[/embed] I was first alerted to this band by the Mortimers from Monzon Brewing Company. They were giving props to these guys who came in to help raise funds for Mexican Earthquake relief, and she told us how they played for like 3 hours straight for free and donated all their tips to the effort as well. When I came to town last May, I got a chance to listen to these talented musicians play and I thought, these guys would be a great interview. So, I set up the interview on the beach in front of one of my favorite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, La Palapa, and before breakfast, we had a conversation. Let’s go right now to Puerto Vallarta, toes in the sand right at the waters edge, and listen to these young musicians, La Trez Cuartoz.

Listen to The Podcast

[caption id="attachment_2277" align="aligncenter" width="768"] La Trez Cuartoz in Canada[/caption] Can you believe that? Luis was found on a bus! On a BUS! That is such a cool story. Things They Like to Do Sing Karaoke at La Regadera Puerto Vallarta [caption id="attachment_2297" align="alignleft" width="300"] La Regadera[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_2278" align="alignright" width="300"] La Trez Cuartoz in Canada[/caption]   I have all their information in the shownotes and links to their Facebook page and pictures in the Show notes. Also I have pictures of the family taco stand and instructions on how to find it too. Really cool. Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. [caption id="attachment_2284" align="alignright" width="300"] Mario Hernandez Torres, La Trez Cuartoz[/caption] Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes. [caption id="attachment_2286" align="alignnone" width="300"] Fernando Aguilera, La Trez Cuartoz[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2285" align="alignright" width="300"] Luis Chabeloko, La Trez Cuartoz[/caption]          

Wario's Mom's Taco Stand

 Tacos Y Arrieros Tan' Tan

[caption id="attachment_2295" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Tacos Y Arrieros Tan' Tan[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2280" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Mario's Mom at the Stand[/caption] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right.   [caption id="attachment_2281" align="alignleft" width="300"] Taco Stand[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2279" align="alignright" width="300"] Taco Stand[/caption] So, thanks again to Wario, Luis and Fernando, La Trez Cuartoz. Check out their contact info in the show notes of this episode of the show at puertovallartatravelshow.com. Make sure you make time to see them play when you are in Vallarta. And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!      

Restaurant Adobes in Puerto Vallarta is a Casual yet Romantic Restaurant Serving Delicious Mexican Cuisine and  International Dishes Chef Vicente Montes Has worked at Many Iconic Vallarta Restaurants like Cafe des Artistes, Le Bistro and The River Ca

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Today we are going to be discussing more about what to bring and what to expect when you get to Puerto Vallarta, namely the airport and transportation to your hotel, resort, condo, timeshare…must I go on?   Well…yes.

February 24, 2017

JUST IN! Bank ATM Machines Have Been Temporarily Removed From the Puerto Vallarta Airport Lobby 

And if you missed the last episode, we discussed some of the basics. What to pack, the very important issue of exchanging money, cell phone and data plans and so forth so if you missed any of that, I suggest you give it a listen or read the blog at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com. That was very important information so I suggest you go back and do a little catching up. In the old days, well, it was not too long ago, you didn’t need a passport to enter Mexico from the USA, but times have changed and all of you foreigners will need passports when visiting Mexico.  So if you don’t have yours or it isn’t up to date, best get that done before you decide to book a trip okay?   Same applies to those of you sailing in on a cruise ship. Get your papers in order first off. Then we talked about the best time of year to come to Puerto Vallarta and what to pack so I would like to bring in a local expert, JR in PV to give us a lesson on what are the best times to come to PV, and what it’s like during times when tourists are in short supply lets join in on the conversation…. And thank you JR for the boots on the ground experience and information. Keep in mind that the water is warm, the weather is almost always humid here. You can feel it when you get off of the plane and that brings us to the tropical nature of well, the tropics like mosquitoes and other biting bugs. Now you can and should bring some insect repellent with you. We all have our favorites so bring um if you got um, but if you forget to bring the bug spray, don’t worry, you can buy it just about everywhere from farmacias to little tiendas/ stores, the local OXXO that you will find almost on every corner. Mexico’s version of the 7/11 franchise. You can find insect repellent at any of the big supermercados, even Walmart, Costco, no shortage of very familiar looking shopping venues to choose from here in Puerto Vallarta. So with bug spray in mind, let’s go right back to our favorite man on the beat, JR in Puerto Vallarta and ask him, what kind of bugs we need to be worried about here in Puerto Vallarta Mexico? Mosquito Interview with JR.

Click and Watch my Video of the Puerto Vallarta Airport

[caption id="attachment_780" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Click the Image For The Video[/caption] Okay, so now we are all packed. We know what to bring. Passports, pack light, think cool, review what to do about money and your cell phone and internet needs in episode 2. Now you have arrived at the airport. What happens next? [caption id="attachment_392" align="alignleft" width="300"] Walkway to the Puerto Vallarta Airport Customs Area[/caption] [caption id="attachment_394" align="alignright" width="300"] Immigration Line Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption] After getting off the plane you will follow the signage to the immigration line.  Depending on how many planes arrive at the same time, the longer the line of course. You will need the immigration card the flight attendant had you fill out, and you have it entirely filled out, even on the bottom where you didn’t notice you needed to fill out but need to anyway, and your passport. It’s at this point where the immigration person after looking you up and down and checking your mug against the mug in the passport photo, maybe even asking you a question or two, will stamp your passport. You will be waived on through another long walkway to a place with luggage carousels, money exchange windows and even places where you can buy cigarettes and booze.  There is also a veterinary  room where you check in with Fido or Tigger.  After you collect your luggage you will be asked to proceed to the customs lines where you will work your way up to the front where you will hand over your declaration card and you will be asked to press a button. If you are lucky, most people are, you will get a green light and will proceed to the next part of your journey.  If you get a red light, you will be asked to proceed straight ahead of you to some tables with customs agents where they will ask you to open your bags for inspection. I have, in the many, many times I have been here over the last 33 years never been asked to open my bags. Not once. Call me lucky, but that has been my personal experience. [caption id="attachment_402" align="alignleft" width="300"] Animal Arrival Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption] [caption id="attachment_397" align="alignright" width="300"] Luggage Carousel[/caption] [caption id="attachment_395" align="alignright" width="300"] Money Exchange Booth. Be Aware of Bad Exchange Rate.[/caption]           Now. This is the moment you have all been waiting for. This is it ladies and gentlemen. If you listen to all of my podcasts and get absolutely no information from any of them, this is the part that you must listen to. After you escape the customs room you will go through some glass sliding doors and you will find yourselves in a place, nicknamed in a most loving terms of endearment, The Shark Tank. You will be walking through a corridor where  on either side counters and tables and very official looking people nicely dressed, some in uniforms will try to be getting your attention. They will ask you if you need a taxi. They will say to you that they will arrange a taxi for you. They will ask you where you are staying and try to strike up a conversation with you. They will attempt to offer you things. Do Not Stop. Do not Engage These People. They are attractive, they are smiling big white toothy smiles. They look so harmless…they want to help me with my trip? They want to help me with a ride. Don’t stop. They are there to sell you a timeshare. They are there to rob you of your greatest commodity. Your time. Time is precious Folks, and your vacation time is sacred. Don’t let these sharks rob you of one single moment of your hard earned vacation. Please, push through. Smile and say no thank you. Tell them you already have a condo, tell them you are not interested and walk on by. [caption id="attachment_400" align="alignleft" width="300"] Pay For Taxis Here[/caption] [caption id="attachment_399" align="alignright" width="300"] ATM Machines in Airport Lobby[/caption] [caption id="attachment_398" align="alignright" width="300"] Line to Pass Through Customs[/caption]           You may be asking why would they let people in the airport that could ruin your vacation from the get-go?  When I first came to Puerto Vallarta in the mid 80’s, everywhere you turned there was someone, usually a young gringo manning a booth along the Malecon or along one of the streets in Old Town hounding everyone to take a timeshare tour and sit for a presentation. Today there are fewer traps like that in town, but I will tell you about where they are now and how to avoid them, but for some reason, the powers that be figured it would be all right to put the timeshare folks right there in the airport. I’m sure they have a deal worked out between the airport commission and the timeshare companies. Just do yourself a favor and just say no. Now I’m sure there are going to be those of you out there who will walk right up to one of these guys who offers to get you a taxi or give you a ride and just forget everything I just told you. All I can say is I told you so. Now you are asking me Barry, what can these people do to me that can be so bad? So you’re the curious type huh? Willing to tempt fate? That reminds me of a story from way back on my honeymoon. Debbie and I had just gotten off the Star Ferry From Kowloon to Hong Kong Harbor. When we got off the ferry I told her not to look at the rickshaw drivers. Don’t look them in the eye I warned her before she got off the ferry, don’t give them the slightest hint you are interested in a ride. Well, what do you think she did when she got off the ferry? That’s right, she looked at a rickshaw driver and that’s all  she wrote. He rolled his cart right behind her and pushed her into the seat. Then he ran to the front and grabbed the handles, like the handles of a wheelbarrow and lifted up, making sure his passenger, my new wife was forced back by gravity into her seat As she tried to stand up in protest, he would lift the rickshaw handles up, spilling her back into her seat. She was looking back at me and I’m sure she was expecting a different reaction from me besides laughter. I had already resigned myself to the fact that I would be paying this rickshaw driver for his services. I figured I might as well take some pictures. Okay, that episode cost me about $5 and about 5 minutes of my time, but these guys, they want much, much more. I’ve heard stories about people who were practically held from their hotel till they agreed to go on a timeshare presentation and much worse. If you have a timeshare horror story to tell, send me your story by going to www.puertovallartatravelshow .com  and clicking on the contact us page, and send us your story. So go straight do not stop in the Sharktank. Instead plow straight forward to the exit lobby where you will see some booths where they are selling tickets for rides from the airport to your hotel, condo etc.  This will probably be the most expensive taxi ride of the trip unless you hire one to take you to a far away place. The airport taxis are regulated and prices are fixed and you pay in pesos if you have them, in your own funny money if you don’t just remember you get the best exchange rate at Bank affiliated ATM machines. You tell the nice lady behind the window where you are headed and she will charge you accordingly. If there are 1-3 people in your group, you most probably be taking a taxi, 4 or more passengers will be taking a van. The person behind the window is not charging per person for the taxi ride, but for the taxi itself.  She is going to ask you what zone you are going to. I have a list attached with prices of zones and what hotels are in what zones but they are as follows….   Wow, seems like we’ve gone a too little long, next week we will talk with JR about taking buses in Puerto Vallarta. Just join us and let us be your guides.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message.   And if you would like to purchase a copy of Alberto Perez’s song, Samba da Puerto Vallarta, or any of his other fine tunes you can click on my links page at www. Puertovallartatravelshow.com and you will find a link to buy his music as well as links to the La Palapa group of restaurants. And speaking of websites… if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come onboard and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And one more favor please, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe to my podcast and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. It would be so appreciated if you would just take the extra time to do that for me. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. So, thanks to you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!  

Stay in Puerto Vallarta using Airbnb with your family instead of staying at an all inclusive resort. Listener Hitesh Patel talks about vacationing in Puerto Vallarta with young children.

Traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Children is Easy with Proper Planning and the Right Information, There are Many Activities in and Around Puerto Vallarta to Keep Children Busy and Happy.

I have an interview with listeners David and Lucia Garcia from Miami, Florida. They tell us about all of the fun activities available in Puerto Vallarta. Ziplining, Swimming with Dolphins, snorkeling, kayaking and more.

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be [caption id="attachment_195" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta Mexico[/caption] introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week we have a couple of listeners, David and Lucia Garcia, from Miami Florida who are going to tell us about traveling with children in Puerto Vallarta, but before we get to that, let’s see what’s happening this week, the 13^th of December 2017.

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Coffee Lovers Chance to Set a World Record in Puerto Vallarta

  I found this article in the PVDN, if you are in town this weekend, you may want to join in the fun…. The Coffee Fest Puerto Vallarta, to be held on December 16, will be the event in which the city will seek to impose a new brand of people gathering for one purpose, drinking coffee. The Germans currently have the Guinness Record of the most people drinking coffee at the same time, achieved on August 30, 2009 when 8,162 people gathered at the Jugendpark in Cologne to drink cold coffee. Although it is believed that a subsequent meeting in Colombia brought together more than 12,000 people, it was not verified and opened the doors for the organizers in Puerto Vallarta, who hope to summon 10 thousand coffee enthusiasts to defeat, at least in this regard, the Germans, and impose a new record. If you want to be part of this event, you must register at www.coffeefestpuertovallarta.com and go to the Malecón of Puerto Vallarta at 5:00 p.m. on December 16th. The event is completely free. https://www.vallartadaily.com/news/puerto-vallarta/puerto-vallarta-coffee-fest/

Puerto Vallarta Travel Show One Year Anniversary

The one-year anniversary of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show is coming up at the end of the month, and I’ve been planning this upcoming years shows, and I must say, I’m excited about year two, but I want your suggestions also. Who would you like me to interview? Where would you like me to visit? What would you like to know about Puerto Vallarta that you already don’t know about? Email me at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com, click on the contact us tab and send me a message. You can also find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/puertovallartatravelshow/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/PVTravelShow and our new YouTube Channel. You can send me a message via any one of those methods and I will get your suggestions so I have all those links to all those social media contacts in the show notes of this episode so reach out to me and send me an idea.

Where will I be going next year?

Think road trips boys and girls.

• Up into the Sierras to San Sebastian del Oeste for a daytrip.
• I will take you on a cool day trip to El Tuito, Mayto and Tehualmixtle to the South.
• Then we are going to go north for a couple of daytrips. One to Rincón de Guayabitos, then down to Lo de Marcos, San Francisco better known as San Pancho, Sayulita. Another to Punta de Mita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Bucerias.

It’s going to be a great year as I said, but I need your help so let’s see how you do. [caption id="attachment_819" align="aligncenter" width="409"] Pour Favor Puerto Vallarta[/caption] Now I have a couple of events planned. First, I will have my microphones at JR’s Meet and Greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor Cookhouse and Saloon, on Tuesday January 9^th at 5:30 in the afternoon. Stop by and tell us what the heck you are doing in paradise. And if you are a local Puerto Vallarta business, please stop in and give a pitch to our audience. I promise I’ll be nice. Really. Anyway, we always have a great time at JR’s Meet and greet, and by the way, they just opened a rooftop section at Pour Favors. It’s very nice. So if you are going to be in town, stop in and let’s talk. If you are too shy, that’s okay. Just stop in and say hello. [caption id="attachment_2083" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Meet and Greet Jan 9[/caption] Also, I’m planning on setting up at a table on the beach in front of Cuates y cuetes, or Langostinos, and inviting passers by to stop by, and talk about what they are doing in paradise. I’ll have a time and date for you next week, so stay tuned for that. But if you are planning on being in [caption id="attachment_50" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Cuates y Cuetes Webcam[/caption] Vallarta the first 2 weeks of January, listen up next week for the time and stop on by and sit with me on the beach in front of Cuates y Cuetes. And those of you who are at home, well maybe you can catch us on the beach with the assistance of the webcam. And if you don’t know already, [caption id="attachment_2117" align="alignright" width="300"] Table in Front of Cuates y Cuetes[/caption] if you go to my website at www.Puertovallartatravelshow.com, at the top of the page you will find the PV webcam page. Click it and check out all the cool webcams I have there from all over the Bahia de Banderas. I even have a link on the page that gives you the time that sun will be setting in Puerto Vallarta. You can actually plan ahead, every day and catch a Puerto Vallarta Sunset every day of the year. Right from the comfort of your very own bark-o-lounger. Really. Lots of people do, every day. You should try it. It’s lots of fun. Mix yourself a cocktail why don’t you and just pretend you are in paradise. At least, until you can get there in person that is. Okay, lets get to our guests, and to our interview. I first came to Vallarta in December of 1984. I had just met my wife, them my girlfriend, and we would return to Puerto Vallarta almost every year after that. Then we had our first child and we didn’t let that deter us one bit. We took Zachary with us when he was 3 months old. We stayed at a timeshare property, Villa de Palmar. It was a condo. We felt that the set-up was perfectly geared for a family traveling with child. Kitchen separate bedroom from the living area. A restaurant on the property. Pool beach, everything we needed. The property in in the Hotel zone. We rented a jeep for our stay and had the baby seat strapped in, ready for our next adventure. I recall one occasion when we were looking for a place to eat late one evening, and we stopped at Daiquiri Dicks. The ladies at the door asked us if they could look after the baby while we ate. Really? Well, we handed him over, and had the most enjoyable, carefree dinner of the trip. Not once did we even wonder what had become of Zachary. One day, the baby was crying and crying. I’m thinking for about an hour. And we were both fit to be tied. Then, out of nowhere, a little Mexican lady came up, and speaking to me in Spanish, told us what to do. We handed her the baby, and I don’t know what she did, but she had the magic. Three and a half years later, we returned to Puerto Vallarta with two boys this time. Zachary and little brother Jake. This time we stayed at the La Jolla de Mismaloya, now, the Barcello, down at Mismaloya Beach, 20 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. The hotel had an all-inclusive option, but we opted to take care of the dining options ala Carte. A combination of eating in and taking a bus into town to eat out. We really had a wonderful time except for losing Jake. Go figure, the day we leave, we lose the kid. We were packed and ready to take a cab to the airport when we were distracted while loading the luggage into the cab, we turn around, and our 2-and-a-half-year child is gone. Just vanished into thin air. Well, panic set in. Especially when you consider there were all these pools, fountains and other bodies of water scattered all over the property. For about 15 minutes we scoured the property, asking along the way if anyone had seen a cute little boy with blond ringlets wander by. Finally, Debra found him, not far from where we were standing, waiting for the cab, upstairs above the lobby, being entertained by a member of the staff. Whew, that was a close one. Great way to end a perfect trip for sure right? When you take your children to Puerto Vallarta, keep in mind, if you are planning on bring a stroller, make it a very light weight foldable one. [caption id="attachment_2097" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The Garcia Family in Puerto Vallarta[/caption] There are, especially in old town, uneven sidewalks, sidewalks with stairs built in, high curbs and cobblestone streets. You will be doing a whole lot of lifting and carrying of you stroller for sure. Also, if you usually travel with your child in a child safety seat in the car, you will need to determine what type of seat you will be bringing for your trip to strap into a taxi or an Uber ride. If you need anything baby related, food, formula, diapers, anything, you will be able to find it in Puerto Vallarta. They have Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco, Mega, Ley’s Soriana, the corner markets. One thing you will be able to find in Mexico, that’s baby supplies. All inclusive resorts, at least the ones that allow kids, usually have kid clubs and activities for the little ones. You will need to do your homework and make sure before you book a trip with junior, to see what’s available at the property you are looking at of course. I was looking at my twitter feed a couple of weeks back and say a group of tweets directed at me from a couple of listeners, David and Lucia Garcia. They were in Puerto Vallarta for the first time and they were with their kids. I contacted them and they shared some of their pictures with me and I just had to have them on the show to tell us about their experiences in Vallarta, with their two young daughters. So let’s go right now to Miami Florida where I sent my trusty microphone, and talk with listeners David and Lucia Garcia, and hear about what they did in Paradise with their kids. [caption id="attachment_2090" align="aligncenter" width="683"] The Garcia Family Ziplining[/caption]

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Things They Did and Places The Garcia Family Went

Tours

• The first set up by the hotel to El Eden with a bus tour of Downtown Vallarta
• Los Veranos for zip line because they would take their young 5 year old
• Playa Majahuitas and swam with the fish
• Visited Playa Las Animas
• Vallarta Adventures Swim with the dolphins

[caption id="attachment_2091" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The Garcia Family Vallarta Adventures[/caption]

• Café de Artistes Celebrated daughters birthday. Desert was beautiful and fireworks I. The center of the table.
• Barcelona Tapas, Puerto Vallarta
• Food stands o the Malecón
• Gabys Restaurant
• Pipi's

How did they get around?

• Taxi
• Uber, Great response time. Liked it. Economical, handy app.

Thank you David and Lucia. Wow you guys, they really know how to fit a lot into a week with two young kids that’s for sure. I have some nice pictures of the Garcia family in the shownotes, as well as a link to their photo album where you will find a plethora of photos that they took on their vacation. David is a great photographer and the colors and pictures are just fabulous so look for that Bitly link in the shownotes as well and check out their photo album. It’s pretty cool. Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks to listeners David and Lucia Garcia. Check out those great pictures in the show notes of this episode of the show at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com. And that link to their photo album from the trip, and Thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!      

Pacific Vape Shop PV is Known as "The Locals’ Vape Shop" Serving Puerto Vallarta locals and Visitors Alike, Since 2016 . At Pacific Vape Shop Puerto Vallarta, English and Spanish are Spoken Fluently for the Best Customer Service Experience

Vallarta Food Bank was created by Jimmy Plouff and Francie Victoria who converted their Restaurant, Tunnel Road BBQ into a food bank to provide much needed food to the less fortunate people in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, during the global pandemic in 2020.

Kika Gomez and Ernesto Garragos are Local Vallarta Artists Who Teach and Organize Classes and Workshops on Isla Cuale Expats Sunny Rossi and Mitch Kushner Talk about Volunteering to Help Restore The Isla Cuale in Puerto Vallarta with The Amigos de la Isla

JJ Vallarta knows the type of condo or home Americans and Canadians like to lease for a year or more at a time. Tips in finding a perfect place in Puerto Vallarta.

At The American English Tree Puerto Vallarta, Mexican Children Learn English with Support From American/Canadian Students Learning Spanish

Plan Your Next Fishing Trip in Puerto Vallarta with Master Baiter’s Sportfishing & Tackle Their Motto is..”Puerto Vallartas #1 Sportfishing Charter – Master Baiters Sportfishing won't Jerk You Around!” Owner Stan Gebruk Tells Some Great Fishing

Dialing 911 in Puerto Vallarta, and Tony's Please Mexican Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, also a talk with stefan the Brisket Man on Basillio Badillo.

Bonito Kitchen and Bar and Ramen Ya Restaurants serve delicious Asian dishes in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We talk with the owner Francie Nguyen about her restaurants including the newest one, Bonito Cafe.

An interview with Conner Watts, the  Owner of Los Muertos Brewing and Brew Pub, Puerto Vallarta's Original Craft Brewery located in the Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood in Old Town Vallarta. He has a great story about brewing beer in Puerto Vallarta,Mexico

An interview with the owner of Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant, Andreas Rupprechter. We talk about how he arrived in Puerto Vallarta from Austria, and the history and menu of one of Vallarta's Most Popular Restaurants.

Also, Puerto Vallarta Celebrates their 100 year anniversary as a Municipality. Plus, an interview with Benjamin, the Shoeshine Man on The Malecon.

[caption id="attachment_3210" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The [caption id="attachment_2003" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] El Dorado Beach Club, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with our toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It was so romantic, it’s so, Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week you will be meeting the prince and the pauper, Andreas Rupprechter  from one of my favorite places to eat in Puerto Vallarta, Kaiser Maximilian on the Southside on Olas Altas, and Benjamin who shine shoes on the Malecon, but first, there’s a lot happening in Puerto Vallarta, let’s see what’s happening this week, the 30^th of May, 2018.

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Puerto Vallarta Celebrates 100 Years

[caption id="attachment_3221" align="alignright" width="233"] Puerto Vallarta 100 Year Anniversary[/caption] Tomorrow is the big day, the 100^th anniversary of the naming of the city, once known as El Carrizal and Las Peñas, to Puerto Vallarta. So off to the Wiki Pages For a Little History. Just a bit of a Review for those who have followed the show from the beginning…. In 1918, the village of Las Penas was elevated to municipality status and renamed after former state governor Ignacio Vallarta. During the early years of the 20th century, most of Puerto Vallarta was owned by the Union en Cuale company, controlled by the American Alfred Geist. Geist sold land only in large plots at prices that were quite high for the time and otherwise leased the land on short term leases. To remedy this situation and to enable the new municipality to develop, the citizens petitioned the government for a land grant based on the new Mexican constitution's provisions. In 1921, the Local Agrarian Commission approved a grant of some 9,400 hectares (23,000 acres; 36 square miles), with the land to be expropriated from the Union en Cuale company. The grant was established as an ejido holding (a farming cooperative administered by the government). But legal squabbling over the size of the land grant, and the ejido status of the properties involved would stymie growth in Puerto Vallarta into the 1960s, as developers were reluctant to build anything too substantial on land for which one could not obtain clear title. (As we know, Ejido land is controlled by individuals who are given licenses to use it, but it could not be sold, subdivided or leased.)

Cristero War 1926-1929

I didn’t know this, but during the Cristero War, which took place between 1926 and 1929, Vallarta was twice taken over by Cristero forces (April 1927 and January 1928). [caption id="attachment_3226" align="aligncenter" width="443"] Cristeros execution[/caption] Now, to review, The Cristero War or Cristero Rebellion (1926–29), also known as La Cristiada [la kɾisˈtjaða], was a widespread struggle in many central-western Mexican states against the secularist, anti-Catholic and anti-clerical policies of the Mexican government. The rebellion was set off by enactment under President Plutarco Elías Calles of a statute to enforce the anti-clerical articles of the Mexican Constitution of 1917 (also known as the Calles Law). Calles sought to eliminate the power of the Catholic Church and organizations affiliated with it as an institution, and to also suppress popular religious celebrations in local communities. The massive, popular rural uprising was tacitly supported by the Church hierarchy and was aided by urban Catholic support. [caption id="attachment_3222" align="alignright" width="260"] Child Cristeros[/caption] In the end, US Ambassador Dwight W. Morrow brokered negotiations between the Calles government and the Church. The government made some concessions, the Church withdrew its support for the Cristero fighters and the conflict ended in 1929. It can be seen as a major event in the struggle between Church and State dating back to the 19th century with the War of Reform, but it can also be interpreted as the last major peasant uprising in Mexico following the end of the military phase of the Mexican Revolution in 1920. The effects of the war on the Church were profound. Between 1926–34 at least 40 priests were killed There were 4,500 priests serving the people before the rebellion, but by 1934 there were only 334 licensed by the government to serve 15 million people. The rest of the priests had been eliminated by emigration, expulsion and assassination. By 1935, 17 Mexican states had no priests at all. Also,I found it interesting, being a Los Angelino myself, that the end of the Cristero War affected emigration to the US. "In the aftermath of their defeat, many of the Cristeros—by some estimates as much as 5 percent of Mexico's population—fled to America [i.e. the United States]. Many of them made their way to Los Angeles, where they found a protector in John Joseph Cantwell, the bishop of what was then the Los Angeles-San Diego diocese. “Under Archbishop Cantwell's sponsorship the Cristero refugees became a substantial community in Los Angeles, California, in 1934 staging a parade some 40,000 strong through the city. Imagine that! So where was I?  How did I get off on this tangent, oh yeah, back to Vallarta History right? So, during the Cristero War, which took place between 1926 and 1929, Vallarta was twice taken over by Cristero forces. Once in April 1927 and again in January 1928). [caption id="attachment_3225" align="alignright" width="514"] Cristeros[/caption] After it was recaptured for a second time, the national government stationed a small garrison there under Major Ángel Ocampo. The garrison was stationed near the mouth of the Cuale River and was responsible for planting many of the palms that now line the beaches near the mouth of the Cuale River. Planted to help limit beach erosion during heavy rains in October 1928. One casualty of the skirmishes was local pastor Padre Ayala who was exiled to Guadalajara for his role in fomenting the local revolt. He died there in 1943, though his remains were returned 10 years later to Puerto Vallarta, and interred in the main parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristero_War So back to Vallarta History…boy that was a deep rabbit hole, sheesh, ...as mining activities in the Sierra waned in the early years of the 20th century, Puerto Vallarta and the agricultural valley to the north of the city became important destinations for those leaving the Sierra towns and looking for a place to settle. Many of those who arrived had family members already living in Puerto Vallarta, and the pattern of migration that ensued turned the town into a collection of more or less extended families, giving it the cohesion of a typical Sierra town.   A couple of dates for firsts here in Vallarta, The first airplane service arrived in 1932, with electrical service on a small scale arriving about the same time. The first suspension bridge over the Cuale went up in 1933. The city's first plumbing system was started in 1939. In 1942, Puerto Vallarta was finally connected by road to Compostela, Nay. Until then the only access to Puerto Vallarta was by sea, air, or by mule trails to the sierra towns. Also, in 1942, in the New York-based magazine Modern Mexico the first advertisement for a Puerto Vallarta vacation appeared, sponsored by the Air Transport Company of Jalisco. By 1945, the company was landing DC-3s in Puerto Vallarta (carrying 21 passengers). In 1956, the Mascota mule trail was replaced by a packed dirt road. In 1958, 24-hour electrical generation arrived. A new airport arrived in 1962 connecting Puerto Vallarta with Los Angeles via Mazatlán, and the Mexican Aviation Company began offering package trips. By the early 1960s, the population had started to spread beyond the Centro and Gringo Gulch, and the Colonias of 5 Diciembre (north of the Centro) and Emiliano Zapata (south of the Cuale River) began to grow. American director John Huston filmed his 1964 movie The Night of the Iguana in Mismaloya, a small town just south of Puerto Vallarta. During the filming, the US media gave extensive coverage to Elizabeth Taylor's extramarital affair with Richard Burton, as well as covering the frequent fighting between Huston and the film's four stars. The subsequent publicity helped put Puerto Vallarta on the map for US tourists. The Mexican federal government resolved century-old property disputes of land that had communal status, land the federal government had appropriated from the Union en Cuale mining company to be parceled out as communal farms. The land's communal (ejido) status had stifled development in the town for much of the 20th century. A significant transition of communal lands into private ownership within present Puerto Vallarta city limits took place in 1973 with the establishment of the Vallarta Land Trust (Fideicomiso) to oversee selling government land into private hands, and using the sales revenue to develop the City's infrastructure. And the rest is history my friends. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Vallarta

So What is Happening in Puerto Vallarta for this 100 Year Celebration?

Well, entertainment on stage on the Malecon with..

• Bomba Estéreo en Concierto Wednesday at 10
• Pepe Aguilar en Concierto Thursday the 31^st at 11
• Fireworks at 1:30
• SONIDO SATANÁS cumbia (Guadalajara) / 1:30 am.

Fun, fireworks and party Mexican Style. Nice!!! Also if you listened last week you heard from Jim Demetro, and he and his daughter Christina Demetro will be unveiling their new sculpture, the Fishermen, at 7:30 in the evening, on the Malecon, at Manuel Dieguez between Langostinos and the Hotel Playa Los Arcos. Afterwards, they will have a reception at the Galeria Demetro on Lazaro Cardenas. [caption id="attachment_3238" align="aligncenter" width="459"] Jim and Christina Demetro's Newest Sculpture in Puerto Vallarta, The Fishermen[/caption] I have the information in the show notes for this episode.

Should Expats and Foreigners in Mexico get involved in political and Civil Matters?

Last week I was talking about Efforts to legalize pot I n Mexico ala California and Colorado, and I talked about the nationwide marches in [caption id="attachment_3260" align="alignleft" width="300"] Legalizing Pot in Mexico[/caption] support of changing the law in Mexico. I broached the subject of whether or not it would be a good idea for a foreigner to protest or demonstrate in Mexico. Whether or not you would be inviting an invitation to leave the country if you did so.  So, I did a little research, and found this article in The Yucatan Times dated July 11, 2016. It’s titled, Should expats in Mexico get involved in political and civil matters? And it reads… There are many issues expats are very passionate about, and there was a time, we were willing to put ourselves in a position of discomfort to defend, placate and protect. However, the level of distress attained when standing up for ones’ beliefs should be taken into very serious consideration when visiting foreign soils, including Mexico of course.  Mexico does not look fondly upon visitors involving themselves in political and civil matters. If ones’ curiosity goes beyond this basic blog, one can check out the Mexican Constitution but in short, it addresses certain activities by saying: “The Federal Executive shall have the exclusive power to compel any foreigner whose remaining he may deem inexpedient to abandon the national territory immediately and without the necessity of previous legal action.” “Foreigners may not in any way participate in the political affairs of the country.”  There are those who believe they are protected by the Constitution due to their permanent immigrant status, which simply isn’t the case. The Mexican Constitution also makes it very clear that “Mexicans shall have priority over foreigners under equality of circumstances for all classes of concessions…” So, if you have any notions about suing your landlord, employer or anyone you feel you have a bone to pick with, enter into your debate with the knowledge that s/he will most likely be awarded the meat of the bone, if they are Mexican by birth and you are not. Participating in protests for animals and causes seems like such a noble thing to do, but it can get you a heap of unwanted attention. Making statements about politicians, protesting the treatment of animals, getting involved in labor disputes are all precarious pastimes for some Expats living in Mexico and there have been many who have left with a one-way ticket and stories to tell. [caption id="attachment_3259" align="alignleft" width="300"] Mexican Article 33[/caption]  In 2015 more than 2000 Americans were deported from Mexico. Many of these cases involved people who had lived in the country for extended periods of time, even years. Any small incident and the authorities ask for one’s travel documents and identification, and if they don’t prove current data allowing one to be in the country, one will be lucky to have time to pack a bag. A good warning to the wise is to make sure one’s visas are up to date, keep one’s opinion to oneself and obey all the laws, no matter how emotional the situation. [embed]http://www.theyucatantimes.com/2016/07/should-expats-in-mexico-get-involved-in-political-and-civil-matters/[/embed] So, let’s read article 33 of the Mexican Constitution Article 33 "The Federal Executive shall have the exclusive power to compel any foreigner whose remaining he may deem inexpedient to abandon the national [caption id="attachment_3239" align="alignright" width="596"] Mexican Constitution[/caption] territory immediately and without the necessity of previous legal action." It also states: "Foreigners may not in any way participate in the political affairs of the country." There are many who disagree with this interpretation of the law like this guy, who writes…  Because of a legacy of US intervention in Mexican affairs, Mexico enacted the legislation Article 33 guarantees foreigners all the same rights that attach to Mexican citizens--including freedom of expression. Thus, some Mexican jurists interpret Article 33's prohibition on political activity strictly as applicable only to illegal voting or to party proselytism. All other political involvement, according to this interpretation, would be legal. But then there’s this article Foreigners Cannot Engage in Political Activity The Mexican Constitution states very clearly that "Foreigners shall not in any way involve themselves in the political matters of the country" This is emphatically interpreted to mean that foreigners do not have the right to vote, run for public office, or participate in any political event, rally or demonstration. Additionally, foreigners should stay away from all political activity including any kind of demonstration or protest even if you think it is seemingly on-political. Engaging in these kinds of activities is a good way to be asked to leave the country. https://www.bajabound.com/before/legal/rights.php Then I called my friend and friend of the show, Felix Zarate, Our Abogado, our legal eagle on call, and I asked him about the law and what he thought about foreigners protesting or demonstrating in Mexico, and here’s what he said… Be careful, if you are protesting with a group of Mexicans, and it’s not political, you should be okay. He said don’t be the leader of a group. A follower, but not a leader. That’s not to say that there aren’t silent partners out there who are not citizens, maybe even pulling strings, but if you are a foreigner, don’t get involved in politics. Then I spoke with another friend Alfonso, and he said, "In the constitution article 33 prohibits foreigners from protesting BUT it’s in regards only to some form like overthrow of the local state or federal GOV.. articles singed under United Nations and human rights commission protects free speech and right to protest any other issues as long as it has nothing to do with overthrow of GOV,, so YES you can go join a protest for animals, gay, environmental, trash ETC  .. BUT NO POLITICAL protest and only then the only person that can expel a foreigner is the President of Mexico or Secretario de Gobernacion technically secretary of state and next in line to gov Mexico." So there, you now have it from all sides. What should you do? You figure it out yourself. I’ve just given you the info, you use it as you wish. No Mas!

Listener Email

I got an email from listener Sonia and she writes… Hello Barry, I will be traveling to PV with my boyfriend this June for a wedding. It's a short trip, June 1-4, but we'd like to see/do as much as possible. We will be staying at Garza Blanca Resort, close to Mismaloya. In order to take in everything PV, we opted out of the all inclusive deal at the resort. That said, we will be relying heavily on public transportation to get food and get to destinations outside the resort (Malecón, Mirador Cerro de la Cruz). What time do buses start/stop offering rides? Also, we'd like to take an Uber from the  airport to the resort. Where is the best place to request Uber near the airport? Hope to hear from you soon! Love the blog, podcast, and websites you've provided! Saludos, Sonia Okay so Sonia, Thanks for listening to the podcast and reading the website. Having just returned from PV, be ready for heat and humidity. Cotton clothing is a necessity. Okay, let's see what I can do to answer your questions. Airport and Uber: How much luggage do you have and how fit are you? To take an Uber from the airport, you will need to get off the property. Walk out of the terminal, and hang a left, following the sidewalk to the street, under the bridge or on the street side of the OXXO. That's where the Uber will pick you up. It should cost you about 175-200 pesos. [caption id="attachment_1463" align="alignleft" width="300"] Bridge at Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption] You may opt to cross the bridge and take a yellow cab for about 250 pesos. Garza Blanca is about halfway between PV and Mismaloya. They will try to get you to attend a timeshare presentation during your stay. Do yourselves a favor and politely decline. Nuff said about that. The resort straddles the highway 200, and a bus stop is right outside the hotel. You will be looking for an orange and white bus that says Mismaloya--Boca on it. 7.5 pesos. You get the same bus back to the resort right where it drops you off, at Basilio Badillo and Constitution. Tell the driver when you get on going back,  Garza Blanca. Buses run from approximately 7 AM till about 9 or 10. After that, take an uber or yellow cab. From that corner, you can walk anywhere in town. Down to the [caption id="attachment_1461" align="alignright" width="300"] OXXO at Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption] Malecon, or up and down the streets on the Southside. The walk to the cross is straight up Aldama. you can get a ride in a cab from the Malecon. Make sure you have breakfast one morning at La Palapa. Get there before noon and get a table on the sand. Wear bug spray on your legs. Order the killer crab cake eggs benedict. OMG. Don't miss the taco stands and another great breakfast, chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo at Serrano’s, where you can see the great work in tile park, or more beach dining at Cuates y Cuetes. Make sure you call your bank before you come and let them know you will be using your debit card for cash withdrawals. Follow my tips about that. You will be paying for everything in pesos. Also, don't miss behind the Garza Blanca is a trailhead to the Cascades. This time of year, it's probably a trickle due to no rain since October but ask at the desk of the resort where the trail is, and if there is a waterfall to see. There are different levels and the higher you go, the more strenuous the hike, as in straight up.  I have a link to the cascades attached. Also, wear bug spray here if you take the hike. A necessity. https://goo.gl/maps/Srq45sBTmdk Print out JR's Maps, and let me know if you need any other tips. http://vallartainfo.com/old-town-map/ Have fun!!!! Speaking of letters and emails, I have a listener who is taking me to task about the report I gave a few weeks back about Carbon monoxide and alarms and such. But I don’t have time to address that today, maybe next week for sure. Okay, let’s get to the interviews.

Listen to The Interviews

Benjamin The Shoeshine Man on The Malecon in Puerto Vallarta

[caption id="attachment_3232" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Benjamin and His Friends on The Malecon[/caption] One afternoon, I was walking along the Malecon, not too far from the bridge when I heard someone singing to me. I look up, and I see this guy, with three others, sitting on the seawall with their backs to the ocean, facing me, all sitting behind a card table set up with Mexican handicrafts. I [caption id="attachment_3234" align="alignright" width="300"] Hand Crafts For Sale on The Malecon[/caption] walked up, hoping to get some interesting audio, and I got a total surprise. Let’s meet the shoeshine guy on the Malecon, Benjamin. [caption id="attachment_3236" align="aligncenter" width="276"] Benjamin's Shoeshine Box[/caption] So, for the simple and the not so simple people of Vallarta, the Mountains are the place to be. Did you hear that wistfulness in Benjamin’s voice when he talks about living off the land up in San Sebastian? A simple guy, who has no home. Lives on the streets, shining shoes for a living. Look for him on the Malecon. I have pictures of him, and a picture of his shoe shine box. What a nice guy! [caption id="attachment_3235" align="alignleft" width="225"] Benjamin and His Shoe Shine Kit on The Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Next up, we go in a totally different direction, from shoe shine man to a true prince.

Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Listen to The Interview

  [caption id="attachment_3242" align="alignleft" width="580"] Kaiser Maximilian, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Back in January I had an interview with Federico Casco, Freddy of the famous Olas Altas Farmacia, and I asked him what his favorite place to have dinner, and he said, across the street at Kaiser Maximilian, they have the best food. He told me his favorite, the short rib, and I was pretty hungry, so after I left Freddy, I crossed the street, and walked right into Kaiser Maximilian. I had never been there for dinner, just desert outside a couple of times, but this was my first time inside. I was alone, so I choose a table for 2, and had a delightful meal, the short rib. But it was very difficult to choose, just because everything looked so good. And I was looking around and getting even more confused as plates of food passed by me to the tables to the right and left. After dinner, and after I paid for the meal, I asked the owner Andreas if he would talk with me about his place, and I was delighted he said yes. He always seemed like a reserved and quiet kind of guy, so I was really happy.  I arranged to return later in the week, with recorder in hand, and I set up in the back of Kaiser Maximilian so let’s go right now to Olas Altas Located on the street level of the Playa Los Arcos Hotel on the Southside of Puerto Vallarta, and let’s have a conversation with the very interesting Andreas Rupprechter. Thank you, Andreas! You know, he really takes care of his clients, and his staff too. The service is always top notch, and the food, like I said before, so good. I have links to the website, their Facebook Page, their phone number and a map to show you where to find them. Just look for the Playa Los Arcos Hotel, in the Olas Altas side, not the beach side, and you will see it.

Suggestions From Andreas

[caption id="attachment_3245" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Andreas Rupprechter[/caption]

Favorite Getaways

• Las Animas
• Yelapa
• Quimixto
• San Sebastian
• Mascota
• Guadalajara

Favorite Restaurants

Breakfast

• Fredy's Tucan
• Kaiser Maximilian
• Daiquiri Dicks

[caption id="attachment_3257" align="alignleft" width="300"] Kaiser Maximilian, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3252" align="alignright" width="300"] Kaiser Maximilian, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]

Lunch

• Ocho Tostadas Near the Stadium
• La Palapa

Dinner

• Vista Grill

[caption id="attachment_3244" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Kaiser Maximilian, Puerto Vallarta Sidewalk Tables[/caption]  

• Reservations Opentable Kaiser Maximilian

• Reservations at Kaiser Maximilian

• Kaiser Maximilian Website

• Kaiser Maximilian Menu

• Kaiser Maximilian Facebook

 Okay, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. [caption id="attachment_3248" align="alignright" width="300"] Kaiser Maximilian, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do [caption id="attachment_3247" align="alignleft" width="300"] Kaiser Maximilian, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of [caption id="attachment_3254" align="alignleft" width="300"] Breakfast at Kaiser Maximilian, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks to Andreas Rupprechter thank you for inviting us into your restaurant Kaiser Maximilian. Remember them next time you come to Puerto Vallarta, they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 6 days a week, until late, and remember they are closed on Sundays. Check them out if not for a meal, but for a tasty desert seated outside on Olas Altas, sidewalk café style with sweets, coffee or a nice adult beverage. Really a great experience. I have pictures of the restaurant, of the food, and of Andreas, and Benjamin, let’s not forget Benjamin the shoeshine man. I have pictures of him and his friends on the Malecon, in the show notes, so check them out. Say hello to him next time you see him. He’ll get a kick out of that. All right and hey, thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!    

An Interview with Helen Mlynarski from Maadri Apparel and Clothing, Al Sellers from Twisted Palms Lounge, and More. Plus, Uber Coming to Puerto Vallarta.

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Subscribe on iTunes & Leave a Good Review

    Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be to introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El Dorado [caption id="attachment_194" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Restaurant, and now, at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into The Vista Grill. That’s the Vista Grill that used to be up on the hill. Well now it has a new vista and that is right on the beach where you get the same Vista Grill Menu, and the fantastic Vista Grill service and what’s best, is it’s right there on the beach with a dramatic view of the Los Muertos Pier. You’ll recognize the pier with its stunning sail like structure, all lit up at night with beautiful colors. You can enjoy dinner under the stars, with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. ! It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! Today we have a special show but first, what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 19th of June, 2017. [caption id="attachment_50" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Puerto Vallarta Webcams[/caption] The rains have arrived right on time in the tropics, I checked out the Cuates and Cuetes web cam on June 15^th, at around midnight and guess what I saw. Yep, lots of rain. The next morning I checked the cam and it was a sunny beautiful morning, then when I checked on the night of the 15^th, rain again! So JR, you are absolutely correct, June 15^th right on the button. So the temps and the humidity are rising, the rivers are flowing and the flora is greening up. All is good. So, some big news for you, UBER, the ride hailing juggernaut is coming to Puerto Vallarta and the Cab Drivers Unions are not happy about it either. According to an article in Mexico News Daily, and I will read from the article… Monday, June 12, 2017 [caption id="attachment_809" align="alignright" width="233"] UBER in Puerto Vallarta[/caption] Coming soon to PV: Uber vs. taxi drivers Ride-hailing service looking for drivers, but taxis are preparing for battle There’s a battle brewing in Puerto Vallarta: Uber’s coming to town. The app-based ride-hailing service announced on the weekend it would be setting up in the Jalisco city as well as in Nuevo Vallarta in the Riviera Nayarit. The company has begun looking for drivers in both areas but has not announced a start date. But as far as Puerto Vallarta’s taxi drivers are concerned, there won’t be one because Uber does not have the necessary authorization to operate in the municipality. “If it’s necessary that we have to demonstrate we shall do so in a peaceful and respectful manner, but we’ll do it with all our families,” said Jaime Aguilar Mejía, general secretary of a local taxi drivers’ union. He said there are some 3,000 taxi drivers in the municipality. Many of the locals feel that the presence of UBER will force the cab unions to improve the cabs. In fact, the article goes on to say… …Mayor Arturo Dávalos Peña held a meeting Monday with representatives of the two main guilds of taxi drivers in Puerto Vallarta, in which they expressed their concerns about the potential entry of UBER, and stressed that their program to improve service is already well underway.  The mayor conveyed his interest in improving taxi service in general for the benefit of all Vallartenses. "We want good service... and that is your task," he said, stressing the importance of taxi drivers implementing more competitive rates. The Union officials explained to the mayor in detail the process of vehicle renovation that is well underway, as well as the taxi driver training and accreditation courses aimed at improving their service.  They also pointed out that they are working on the implementation of a digital platform to diversify the service and said they plan to go to the Jalisco State Secretary of Transportation to request authorization.  "What we can do is improve what we have because as a tourist destination we do not want mobility problems. Every city wants to have a better public transportation system and good taxi service; and you are in the best position to take advantage of the demand in Puerto Vallarta, which you can do by updating your cars and training your drivers," the mayor added.  Dávalos Peña reiterated that the municipal government is open to supporting initiatives aimed at benefiting Vallartenses, especially in the issue of modernizing and improving public transportation in the municipality. The mayor recalled that the process of modernizing the urban bus route was also detained, while users are still waiting for an improvement in this public service. Okay Puerto Vallarta lovers out there, how do you feel about UBER coming to Vallarta? Do you think they are needed? Personally I have had generally good experiences with cab drivers in Puerto Vallarta. Sure I’ve have had different experiences with cabs in Puerto Vallarta over the years. As I said most of them are good. Very few, not so good. I recall one from last [caption id="attachment_188" align="alignright" width="300"] Local Customs Puerto Vallarta with JR in PV[/caption] October. I had forgotten to pack my power cord for my laptop and I was sort of in a panic. I real estate agent on vacation without a laptop is no Bueno. I had several escrows going and plenty of work to do from paradise so I needed to find a power cord, and pronto.  Now, time to get my computer up and running so I used the wife’s phone to locate an Office Depot in the Hotel Zone, that’s another story but anyway,  I write the address and instructions for the taxi and go out in search of one of the omnipresent yellow cabs. One stops and when I asked him how much, he said 100 pesos. Sounded good to me so I got in. This driver was pretty young and was not talkative. He drove like a maniac to boot. I speak Spanish fluently. Not crappy Spanish, I speak college level Spanish. I went to school in Mexico City, so THIS Gringo speaks Spanish, Mexican Spanish so I do expect to have conversations with the Mexican people I converse with. This guy did manage to ask me if I needed him to wait for me while I shopped. I thought about it for a few seconds, remembering Mr. Toads Wild Ride, and said it wouldn’t be necessary as I didn’t know how long it would take for me to get this deed done. He said that it would be cheaper for me if I just let him wait for me. “Okay I say”, not believing my own words as they tumbled from my lips. It would be cheaper. Remember I love a bargain. Inside the thankfully air-conditioned Office Depot, I ask a sales associate for a universal power cord for my laptop and low and behold, he leads me to the Holy Grail! So very happy with my new purchase $40 US, not much more than I would spend at home,  I exit to find the taxi who can’t believe his luck that it only took me 10 minutes to find what I wanted and complete the purchase. He drives me back to the Malecon and says $250 pesos. WTF?  I say hey, you said the return trip would be less than the 100 pesos we agreed to for our one way trip. At the very most you should earn 200 pesos. He mumbled something to me but not wanting to cause a fuss, I figured the 50 pesos would suffice as a $2.50 US tip for waiting for me. Whatever! Compare that experience to a ride I took back in January. I had just finished my last interview of the trip and walked out of the Salty Caesar looking for a cab to take me to the airport. I walked up to a taxi driver who was waiting by his car and asked him for a price for a lift to the airport. He told me and I agreed. He went to lift my two bags and I warned him they were heavy because they contained two bodies. He hesitated, smiled and lifted them into the cab. We talked about what I was doing in Vallarta, we talked about him, his family, his home, his dreams, all in Spanish of course. When we get to the airport, he looks at me and says, let me help you get those bodies out of the trunk. I pay the man, I reach to shake his hand and he gives me a big Hug instead. Wow! Wasn’t expecting that! I wanted to talk to some locals to see what they thought about the whole Uber mashup and well, reached out to my friend Pam who lives in Lake Chapala, she is a gringa from Boston and here’s what she said. I asked her if cab fares were similar in Lake Chapala, Guadalajara and other areas, she is pretty well traveled and here is what she said,… Prices..Guadalajara and Chapala on par with PV as long as you know your fares. Hate to say it..but my blonde hair, Boston accent scream give a higher rate . Lol. I usually know my fares first. My son's both bilingual taught me that...gringo tax hehe.  Uber, well, it is in Guadalajara and will drop off in Chapala but is not about this area. It created quite a disturbance in Guadalajara. Since I am only an occasional taxi user, though I do use more often in Guadalajara as is just easier sometimes than driving and parking. I rather just use the regular taxis. In PV..I find the taxis plentiful, though they will take advantage if possible (not all of course ) , but either way I will not be using Uber any time soon. Is a good wake up call for the taxi unions though...and taxis without AC in humid PV with woman dressed for night..uh..think. I do not pay extra for AC and if dressed require AC. .The glowing,  windblown look is not becoming. .lol. just some additional thoughts on taxis there for you. We park our car now and use taxis in PV just too much trouble taking car out if close, finding parking etc. PV is comparable in price to Guadalajara. That’s interesting because I’m hearing from locals that they are expecting better service and better prices when uber makes it’s entrance into the market. Whichever way it goes, you can almost guarantee there will be some big time pushback from the Taxi Union. I have a link to the article from Mexico News Daily as well as a link to UBER Puerto Vallarta which as I said earlier, is not quoting any prices and is saying that as of now, they do not operate in the Puerto Vallarta Nuevo Vallarta areas. Not yet! http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/coming-soon-to-pv-uber-vs-taxi-drivers/

Link to Uber Puerto Vallarta   https://www.uber.com/cities/puerto-vallarta/

Okay enough already with the Uber Stuff. I want to hear from you about this, Do you think we need Uber in Puerto Vallarta? Do you have a Taxi Horror Story? Do you have a Taxi Hero Story? Send me your story by clicking on the CONTACT US tab at the top of my website, and leave a message. Maybe I’ll read your Taxi in Paradise Story in a future episode.

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Listen, the best advice I can give you is for you  to remember to ask how much before you or anyone in your party gets into the cab. I have a fare chart in the blogpost to this episode 24 of the show. If you don’t speak Spanish, get instructions from the Concierge at the place you are staying. You can also listen to episode 8 where we talk about customs, taking taxis and safety tips with JR. [caption id="attachment_817" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Plaza Romy Shopping Center[/caption] [caption id="attachment_820" align="alignleft" width="352"] Helen Mlynarski From Maadri Apparel and Clothing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Okay lets get on with the show. I ask my listeners to reach out to me and send me a message if there is something that I should be talking about, you know, like I say at the end of each of my shows. So I was contacted by Helen Mlynarski from Maadri Clothing located in Plaza Romy. She tells me that I should do an episode about Plaza Romy. Now I had to think for a minute because I know I had seen a sign like on the back of a building or on a wall somewhere that said Plaza Romy, but I just couldn’t figure out where. As it turns out, there are a bunch of places in Plaza Romy that I know about and that I have patronized over the years, but just didn’t realize I was at Plaza Romy. You will recognize many of these places if you know Vallarta, Places like Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse where JR has meet and greets every Tuesday evening at 6. Make sure you see him when you are in town. Buy him a drink. Tell him how handsome he is. Ask him to speak real pretty and stuff. Maybe not. Then there is Monchis Sports Bar, Aroma Café. You may be familiar with these establishments because they are on Lazaro Cardenas, but if you look a little closer, there is a walkway between Aroma and the Sports bar, and you will enter the inner sanctum of Plaza Romy. You will find A whole bunch of places, but I really wanted to talk with Helen and see what was her path to Vallarta, to have her tell you about her place Maadri, and then she took me around to introduce me to some of her friends. We didn’t have time to see and talk with everyone, that would be another hour, but let’s go right now to Plaza Romy in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and Talk with Helen Mlynarski of Maadri Botique. The last interview in this visit was with Al Sellers from Twisted Palms Lounge. I was alerted to this place earlier by my friends Ray and Cheri, and you are going to hear from Ray and Cheri really soon in an upcoming episode, but since I knew I was going to meet up with Ray and Cheri at Twisted Palms, I came back in the evening with my microphones and talked with Al Sellars, owner of Twisted Palms. [caption id="attachment_810" align="alignnone" width="389"] Al Sellers Twisted Palms Lounge in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Now you will find all of these other great places in Plaza Romy and I invite all of you to check out the links to all the businesses in Plaza Romy. Hey, they even have parking guys! I will have maps and cool pictures provided by Helen. And to you Helen, thanks for inviting me to Plaza Romy. Your fellow businesses owe you a small debt of gratitude for your reaching out to me to help spread the word about Plaza Romy.

Plaza Romy Businesses and Links

• Maadri Apparel and Clothing

• Monchis Sports Bar Facebook Page

• Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse Facebook Page

• Aroma Cafe Facebook Page

• Twisted Palms Rooftop Lounge

• Extra Virgin Art, Puerto Vallarta

• Gato Gordo Cigars

• Votre Salon, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

• Vallarta Ink Studios Tattoos 

• Superior Tours Vallarta

• Icker Sea & Beachwear 

• Galeria Serendipity

Tell Helen that you heard about her place on the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show and ask her about her show specials. Tell Astrid and Al and Lisa that you heard them on the podcast. They will get a kick out of that. Okay we are through for today. I hope you enjoyed our adventure at Plaza Romy.  Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico and other surprises and Puerto Vallarta Travel tips and ideas.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. [caption id="attachment_814" align="alignleft" width="129"] Astrid Van Dam Superior Tours Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can [caption id="attachment_813" align="alignleft" width="287"] Aroma Cafe[/caption] get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. So, thanks to Helen Mlynarski from Maadri, check out the links to her website website www.puertovallartatravelshow.com episode 24. And hey, thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos! [caption id="attachment_819" align="alignright" width="409"] Pour Favor Puerto Vallarta[/caption]                     [caption id="attachment_836" align="alignright" width="1000"] Extra Virgin Art, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_845" align="alignright" width="1000"] Renzas Restaurant Italiano, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_842" align="alignright" width="768"] Kelly's Pour Favor, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_843" align="alignright" width="768"] Vallarta Ink and Tattoo, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_841" align="alignright" width="768"] Dog Listening to Bad Jokes...Really![/caption]                 [caption id="attachment_844" align="alignright" width="768"] Monchis Sport Bar, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]                                                

Memo Lira has a Tour Business in Puerto Vallarta Called Vallarta 101. He gives Historic Walking Tours, Taco Tours, Food Tours, Tours of Vallarta Neighborhoods and more. We Talk About His Favorite Places to Eat and About his Tours

Also, Should you Bring a Carbon Monoxide Alarm with you to Mexico?

[caption id="attachment_3290" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Vallarta 101 Tours[/caption]

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  Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be [caption id="attachment_2021" align="alignright" width="300"] The Vista Grill, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa,The El Dorado Beach Club, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with our toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It was so romantic, it’s so, Puerto Vallarta my friends! [caption id="attachment_3288" align="alignleft" width="300"] Memo Lira, Vallarta 101[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3285" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Cuates y Cuetes Open Mic[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3287" align="alignleft" width="300"] Barry Kessler Awaits His Next Interview[/caption] This week I have a very special interview with my new friend Memo Lira. Memo has a tour company called Vallarta 101, and we will get to that interview just as soon as we see what’s happening this week, in Puerto Vallarta, the 6^th of June 2018.

Rain is On The Way in Puerto Vallarta

We had our first measurable rain of the season last night, and water is welcome this time of year. Things are really dry and dusty and a good rain cures lots of ills, but soon, we will be complaining about the buckets full that are sure to be on the way. As you know or not, the rainy season kicks off on my birthday, June 15^th. I’ll be watching that Cuates y Cuetes Web cam that evening to see if its arrived or not.

Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week Continues

Restaurant Week continues till the 10^th of June so if you are in town, you need to take advantage of the specials being offered at some of your [caption id="attachment_3184" align="alignright" width="300"] Restaurant Week Puerto Vallarta 2018[/caption] favorite restaurants.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Mexican Condos and Apartments

I told you last week I got an email from a listener who was taking me to task over something I said about Carbon Monoxide alarms and here’s what he writes.. Hello! I really like the show and I have listened to most of the episodes. I have been wanting to write in for a while with suggestions for improving the show. What really triggered this was the misinformation you provided in the last episode about carbon monoxide detectors. You mentioned 3 sources of deadly gas, only one of which a carbon monoxide detector would be warn against: 1 - byproduct of incomplete combustion of cooking / water heater gas - this produces carbon monoxide. It is odorless, and supposedly what killed the people in Playa del Carmen. 2 - cooking / water heater gas - this is propane and although it is naturally odorless, it has a rotten egg smell added to warn people. If the landlord needed to replace a gas valve as you indicated, then it would be to address a propane leak. Propane is not toxic but could cause a fire. Also, it could cause asphyxiation by driving out all the oxygen - but the leak would need to be very, very bad and an explosion would be a greater concern. The carbon monoxide detector would not help for a gas leak. 3 - sewer gas - Many properties in town do not have drain traps in sinks or floor drains (p- or j-traps). This enables sewer gas to come back into the home. The danger is hydrogen sulfide, which is also poisonous at very low concentrations.  The other problem with hydrogen sulfide is you stop smelling it after a short period of time, but the effects continue. The carbon monoxide detector would not help for a sewer gas problem. The only real solution for homes without drain traps is to flush a lot of water down the drain. ---In short, a carbon monoxide detector is only effective as a warning for bad gas appliances. If there's no gas used, then it is not needed. Then he goes on and gives me some tips on how to make the show better. Okay, well let’s see here, I’m a little disturbed by the word “misinformation” but let’s review if I could. On April 26^th I talked about a situation [caption id="attachment_2967" align="alignright" width="300"] Carbon Monoxide Detectors For Condos in Mexico[/caption] where I was sure I had carbon monoxide poisoning when I stayed at an Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta. This was the episode featuring Nacho Daddy if you want to listen to it again. I did mention that there was a strong rotten egg odor in the unit when we opened up the place.  And I’m sure that my mention of an odor triggered the email and response, and I concede that yes, maybe the rotten egg odor, had it been poisonous would not have been detected by the CO alarm, still, I know what propane smells like, and it wasn’t that. It could have been a number of things in the condo. The water heater was inside the unit, there was a stove and oven, so yes, there were appliances in the unit, so I’m pretty sure, the CO poisoning was a result of one of those appliances. So, I stand corrected, I suppose. The odiferous smell will not be detected by a CO detector as you write, but, are you suggesting I wasn’t poisoned? So, I guess what I should take away, what we should understand from this email is that CO is odorless and can kill you. If you have appliances in your condo or apartment, and you don’t have a CO alarm, you can die if there is a problem. If you smell something, it may or may not kill you, won’t be detected by a CO alarm and is often caused by poor plumbing, and can be solved by running water down the drain. Thanks for the note once again, I like getting emails and I hope that if any of you have a suggestion, or a criticism, or you catch me spouting off untruths, by all means, send me an email.

Vallarta 101 Tours with Memo Lira

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  [caption id="attachment_3302" align="alignleft" width="238"] Vallarta 101[/caption]     Okay let’s get to the interview and my guest. Last May, I had an open mic event in front of Cuates y Cuetes. Actually I had planned to have the event a day earlier, but Cuates y Cuetes was closed for Mother’s day and we had to reschedule for the next day. So, I actually reached out to one of my friends in Vallarta, who does personalized tours and asked him if he could come down to the beach and talk with me, and you too of course. So he said yes, and it’s really good he did, otherwise, I would have been all alone, eating chips and guac, and drinking beer, all alone. Here’s my friend, Memo. Lira of Vallarta 101. [caption id="attachment_3296" align="alignright" width="300"] Memo and a Happy Tourists[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3300" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Vallarta 101 Sculpture Tour[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3298" align="alignleft" width="300"] Memo and a Happy Tourist[/caption]

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Memo's Favorite Places

Breakfast

• El Campanario, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Metate, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 8 Types of Chilaquiles

Lunch

• Lamara Restaurant Puerto Vallarta, Mexico    Seafood Ceviche
• Marisma Taco Stand Emiliano Zapata and the Marina Deep Fried Mahi-Mahi

Dinner

• No Way Jose. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico  and Their Chile en Nogada

Cool Places

• Planeta Cacao, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Estero, Puerto Vallarta Preserve

Contact Information for Vallarta 101

• Vallarta 101 Website Reserve a Tour
• Vallarta 101 Facebook

  [caption id="attachment_3293" align="alignleft" width="575"] Memo and Happy Tourists[/caption]   Memo is a great guy, and what a great guide he is. I got this note from Kathleen Allen who writes, “My friends and I were the very first tour of Memo Lira and Ana Espinosa Vallarta 101 tour. GREAT tour, so informative! Thankfully we took the tour when we arrived, so we could enjoy his recommendations.” I have pictures of Memo and of his happy customers and some great pictures he sent me to add to the blogpost in the show notes, so check them out, and I also have a link to his website where you can reserve a tour through him. Check out all the tours he gives and I can tell you, if you are a first time visitor to Vallarta, or even a seasoned veteran, Memo has a tour for you. Okay, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. [caption id="attachment_3292" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Happy Vallarta 101 Client[/caption] And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground [caption id="attachment_3284" align="alignright" width="300"] Vallarta 101 Tours[/caption] knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes. [caption id="attachment_3301" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Vallarta 101 Tours[/caption] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, México. Remember I made it easy for you to do just [caption id="attachment_3282" align="alignleft" width="300"] Vallarta 101 Tours[/caption] that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. [caption id="attachment_3294" align="aligncenter" width="945"] Vallarta 101 Cocao Tour[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3299" align="aligncenter" width="945"] Vallarta 101 Seafood 101 Tour[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3297" align="aligncenter" width="945"] Vallarta 101 Taco Tour[/caption] So, thanks to Memo Lira, look him up the next time you are coming to Vallarta, hey introduce him to someone you know who is coming to Vallarta for the first time and have him take charge. I have all his info in the show notes of this episode. All right and hey, thanks to all of you for [caption id="attachment_3280" align="alignright" width="300"] Vallarta 101 Tours[/caption] listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!  

Coco's Kitchen is one of Puerto Vallarta's most popular breakfast spots. They serve lunch and dinner as well. We visit with Vanessa Villegas, daughter of Coco.

Learn to Scuba dive in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Leslie. She also runs sailboat tours as well as teaches English to Mexican children in the little town of El Nogalito south of Vallarta.

Fiamma Pizzeria and Beer Garden is a Napolitano Pizzeria and Trattoria in the Versalles Neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta At Fiamma Pizzeria in Puerto Vallarta Enjoy The Feeling of Dining in a Garden in Southern Italy

Learn how to house sit in Mexico for free, in exchange for pet care and light chores.

Bar la Playa is one of Puerto Vallarta's most popular Bars located on the South-side of Vallarta. This week I interview Owner Alex Ivan Moctezuma who tells us The Secret For a Great Bar.

Barcelona Tapas is a popular view restaurant overlooking downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Private Security for Hire in Puerto Vallarta with SEPEPSA Security Systems Hire Private Security for Your Event in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with SEPEPSA Security Service Secure Your Home or Condominium in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with a Modern Alarm System

Buying a Used Car in Mexico and Having it Properly Registered is Tricky, Pat's Plates can Help

Can You Keep Your Car Purchased in The US, in Mexico? Pat's Plates Can Help you in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit

Vallarta news and more.

Samuel Resendiz is an Underwater Photographer Born in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Specializing in Photography in The Bahia de Banderas, Mexico's Largest and Deepest Bay.

Pancho Seaney has three great Puerto Vallarta Restaurants, Vallarta Factory, DeCantaro Restaurant Grill, and Swell Beach Club. We talk food, coffee, cigars and more. We also visit with Jose Luis at Toni's Boot Store in Puerto Vallarta

Mapa Jeff draws maps of Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Jeff produces maps that are colorful works of art, portraying the diverse neighborhoods ands surrounding villages and towns near Vallarta and along the Bahia de Banderas.

The Free Walking Tour of the Malecon Sculptures is Led by Gary Thompson of Galeria Pacifico in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Watch The Video of the Puerto Vallarta Airport

Airport ATM Machines

Check Out JR's Map Where You Can See The Names and Locations of The Sculptures   Click Here

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Information on Biblioteca Los Mangos Annual Auction to Benefit the Puerto Vallarta Library

A discussion with Pamela Fuller, a Trip Advisor Destination Expert About The Road Between her Home in Lake Chapala, Mexico and Puerto Vallarta. Also her reviews on some Vallarta Luxury Resorts and Time-Shares.

Also Taxi and Uber Tensions Heat Up, Restaurant Reviews and more!

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The [caption id="attachment_196" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! La Palapa as you know if you have listened to my previous podcasts is one of the oldest restaurants here in Puerto Vallarta. It was built in 1957, and I would like to tell you the story and give you a little history of La Palapa, but I’m going to have Mr. Alberto Perez come on the show, and tell us in his own words, about the history of La Palapa, in an episode coming up in January, so stay tuned for that, but as for today, we have a special show but first, what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 5^th day of September, 2017. Got this email from listener Cheryl from the great white north, and she writes…. Barry, I just discovered your podcasts. As a 7 month resident of PV  I find your topics so informative. It makes me homesick to come back to paradise. Friends have been going through the effort to become temporal or permanente residents. I think it would be very helpful to do a podcast on this process. We have heard there are changes going on at that office and it is very confusing what we should do when we start my permanente visa in November.  Maybe you could interview someone in immigration? Also, we love the Emiliano Zapata market. Have you ever had breakfast there in the hallway? Eat with the friendly locals. Something everyone interested in the people and culture of Mexico should experience. Thanks again for keeping us up to date in our absence from PV. Can't wait to return! Well Cheryl, great suggestion, actually, a couple of great suggestions for show topics and guess what..? Your wish is my command Cheryl. I’ve got [caption id="attachment_287" align="alignright" width="227"] Lic. Felix Zarate[/caption] a show coming up in just a few weeks with one of my favorite Abogados in Mexico, Licencia Felix Zarate, and Felix will give us the scoop on immigration and he will go through the process with us. He will discuss residency, temporal and permanente, all that jazz. We will talk about immigration. I also am going to talk with Felix about Ejidos. About buying Ejido land. Did you know, that the North American Free Trade Agreement signed in 1992 opened the door to the sale of Ejido land to foreigners? Well, it did. And with NAFTA being rewritten and renegotiated, do you think that something will be changed in that portion of the law? We’ll ask Feliz that and more, so stay tuned.   Interview With Felix and Rhonda Zarate I got another email from Listener Reggie and he writes…among other things… My first visit to Puerto Vallarta was in May 1989. I was 20 years old. And I had only had two semesters of Spanish language classes in my then young lifetime.  A college buddy and myself drove over 2,000 miles (one way) from Florence Alabama to Puerto Vallarta. It took four days. And we only stayed a week. But oh my that changed my life. In 1990 I studied at the University of Guadalajara. I was able to visit Puerto Vallarta three times that year. And I traveled around Jalisco including trips to Barra de Navidad, Ameca and Tequila that summer. He also writes that he met JR on his last trip down… [caption id="attachment_1431" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Casa Isabel, Puerto Vallarta Mexico[/caption] I met him for the first time on my trip this last March. And thanks to your podcast I wasn't so surprised to hear his British accent.  My wife and I actually spent the evening visiting with him which was really fun. I have many suggestions for your show. But reminiscing about my night with JR brings me to a interesting person you may wanna meet and interview.  Isabel of Casa Isabel - http://www.casaisabelpv.com My next suggestion is to meet and interview "Jalisco's Funniest Human Being" - http://www.banderasnews.com/profiles/gil-givens.htm He is the author of three books about his life in Mexico including "Puerto Vallarta on 49 Brain Cells a Day". Ironically, I owned Former’s Mexico on $49 dollars a day on my first trip down. He and his wife own and operate Lucy's Cucu Cabaña on Basillio Badillo. The store re-opens October 24th if you're unable to find him otherwise.  Please let me know if you're able to make contact with Gil. He is a truly magnificent author. So I told Reggie those were both great ideas, and that I had already been in touch with both Isabel and Gil, and as time allows, and if Gil will ever get back into town, I’ll wrangle an interview from the funniest guy in Puerto Vallarta, and spend some time with the delightful Isabel from Casa Isabel, the big Yellow House on the Hill, overlooking The southside and Los Muertos Beach. Stunning views and well, just you wait for that interview and visit. And, as a bonus to all of you listeners, Reggie has also agreed to come on the show, along with his wife, and tell us about his adventures and their adventures here in paradise, so stay tuned for that! Got another email,  from a listener named Sam who writes… Hola, I will be visiting PV for my second time in Oct. I travel solo and like to eat local taco cart or small family restaurant.  I would like to know [caption id="attachment_141" align="alignright" width="300"] Chef's Pass Food Tours Puerto Vallarta,[/caption] your choices, In Old Town. I have also read that a lot of places are closed in Oct? So, I made a list of my favorites and sent them back to you Sam, but your email keeps bouncing back to me. Maybe it’s that CA.GOV address that’s not allowing me to send back to you so Sam, if you are listening, send me a real non-government email address and I’ll get that info over to you pronto before you get boots on the ground in October. As for you listeners, yore going to just have to wait for that list till next week. There’s just too much to cover today.

Taxistas Acting Badly

It’s been awhile since I have mentioned Uber in Puerto Vallarta, so I think we need to go over some things once again, I have been seeing lots of video and news reports of taxi drivers in Vallarta actin badly. I will post one in the show notes so you can see what I’m talking about. It seems almost every time I see incidents like these, almost 90 percent of the time, it involves an Uber driver picking up a ride in front of a resort or Hotel. Look guys, let’s review how we keep safe and sound and not end up in a confrontation between your UBER driver and a Taxi Driver, or in some cases, many taxi drivers. Remember, I’m telling you this not only for your own safety, but the safety of that poor Uber Driver as well.

Uber is not allowed to pick up at the airport, There are some of you (Debbie G. I’m talking to you Debbie) who are cheap, and insist on adventuring out of the airport lobby with all of your luggage and in the tropical heat, after a long airplane ride from Canadia to Mexico, you [caption id="attachment_809" align="alignright" width="233"] UBER in Puerto Vallarta[/caption] schlep all that stuff up the steep ramp, across the pedestrian bridge and down the other side, and negotiate a ride from the regular taxi drivers at a lesser rate than the federal taxis out of the airport, and we can talk about that now, ummm..no..not now, maybe later, but let’s not summon an Uber driver at the Airport boys and girls. The airport area is crawling with taxi drivers. Too risky. Way too risky a way to start your vacation in paradise. Actually, Debbie gets off the plane, walks across the parking lot to the OXXO right there at the airport, she and her family buy a sixer of cervesas, then they trip across the bridge to the cheaper taxis waiting on the other side of the bridge. Okay, if you want to see some pictures of the bridge, and Tacon Marlin, I’ll post some picture for you in the show notes, so check them out. [caption id="attachment_1463" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Bridge at Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_1461" align="alignright" width="300"] OXXO at Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption]   Okay back to Uber and your Safety.

• Do Not summon your Uber ride where Taxis and taxi drivers hang out.
• At the Airport
• In Front of Hotels and Resorts
• In Front of Restaurants and Bars
• Near a Taxi Stand
• On the Malecon at the end of Streets that Dead-End at the Malecon
• Don’t stare at your cellphone while waiting for your ride. Okay, that may be hard to do, but a taxista may think you are watching along as the Uber approaches.
• When you get into an Uber car, get in the front seat and acknowledge the driver as if they were your friend. Greet them with an Hola Amigo or Que Anda or como estamos? That way, you don’t look like an Uber Pickup, but just friends.

[caption id="attachment_1467" align="alignleft" width="300"] Bridge at Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption] Some of the locals are getting a little fed up with this taxi nastiness and have created some, might I say interesting Facebook groups where they discuss ways to get back at the taxistas. I’ll keep an eye out for you guys. Just stay safe and follow my advice, all will go well amigos.   [caption id="attachment_1465" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Bridge at Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1464" align="alignright" width="300"] Bridge at Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption]   There’s just so much news this week. The heavy rains that Vallarta has been experiencing have caused some damage of note. One of the many suspension footbridges that cross the Cuale River was taken out by flood waters, so bummer for those neighborhoods that depend in that footbridge to get from one side to the other.  and if you have any thoughts of visiting San Sebastian de Oeste by road, that can be pretty sketchy. The road was closed to traffic due to mudslides and washed out roads for almost 2 weeks and that was a bummer for those trying to get from Vallarta, to this Colonial Town, but even worse for those who were stuck up there, with difficult terrain to follow out from a far less traveled dirt and gravel road to out and it was a mess. Right now, authorities say it's still closed so stay tuned for reports as to when we will be open again. [caption id="attachment_1450" align="alignright" width="293"] Pamela Fuller[/caption] Let’s get to our guest. I have been following Pamela Fuller for a long time on the Trip Advisor forums. Pam is someone I would consider a luxury traveler.

• She is a Trip advisor destination expert
• Expat from Massachusetts
• Lives in lake Chapala, a beautiful ake situated in an extinct volcano in the Altiplano above Guadalajara.
• Luxury traveler. She has lots of timeshares and you will hear about some of them.

Timeshare Properties and Resorts are Plentiful in Puerto Vallarta. My experiences with time share properties,

• Villa Del Palmar
• The Lindo Mar
• Dreams
• Casa Velas 
• Velas Vallarta
• The Now Amber
• Friendly Vallarta
• The Canto Del Sol
• The Crown Paradise Resort
• The Melia
• Garza Blanca
• Vidanta
• The Grand Mayan
• The Grand Bliss

these are properties that have rooms, hotel rooms, but they are timeshare properties, and they spend a good amount of time trying to get you to agree to sit for a timeshare presentation. We were too young at the time so they weren't interested in us. [caption id="attachment_1448" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Garza Blanca Suite[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1447" align="alignnone" width="300"] Garza Blanca Room[/caption] So that's what you will expect when you stay at one of these properties. She will talk about that. [caption id="attachment_1444" align="alignright" width="253"] Dreams Resort Puerto Vallarta[/caption] Pamela is also a breast cancer survivor; her moto is survived to travel. So she knows about medical care in Mexico and in Puerto Vallarta, so I just had to get her on the show and share her experiences with you so I sent my microphone to Boston Massachutes and had a one on one conversation with Pamela Fuller, from Lake Chapala.

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Pamela's Favorite Restaurants

• Bravos Restaurant and Bar, Puerto Vallarta
• Layla's Restaurant,  Puerto Vallarta
• Blake's Restaurant and  Bar,  Puerto Vallarta
• The Food Park , Puerto Vallarta
• Anejo Limon Restaurant  Puerto Vallarta
• Sheraton Puerto Vallarta Breakfast Brunch

  Thank you so much Pamela for sharing with me and all of us. You are an inspiration to all fellow travelers and adventurers. And such a fount of information and knowledge of the Jalisco Area. [caption id="attachment_1457" align="alignnone" width="300"] Vidanta Pool[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1458" align="alignright" width="300"] Vidanta Puerto Vallarta[/caption] Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. [caption id="attachment_1451" align="alignleft" width="210"] Pamela And Michael Fuller[/caption] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks to Pamela Fuller, Trip Advisor Destination Expert, Luxury Traveler, Breast Cancer Survivor who survives to Travel. I have pictures of her and her husband and all the places she talked about in the show notes of this episode, at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.  And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

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Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. [caption id="attachment_1452" align="alignright" width="300"] Trip Advisor Logo[/caption] Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. [caption id="attachment_1454" align="alignleft" width="300"] Velas Vallarta Fun[/caption] And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. [caption id="attachment_1453" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Velas Vallarta Beach Romance[/caption] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks to Pamela Fuller, Trip Advisor Destination Expert, Luxury Traveler, Breast Cancer Survivor who survives to Travel. I have pictures of her and her husband and all the places she talked about in the show notes of this episode, at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.  And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!  

Luisa's in Zona Centro Puerto Vallarta offers lovely natural cotton clothing designs, hand painted clothing and tailoring on the premises. 

When you come to Puerto Vallarta, there are many options of places to stay. Some choose Airbnb. Others go the more traditional route and stay at one of the fine hotels or resorts in Vallarta. Others look to various websites for the less traditional places, like condominiums and Villas for rent.  Tim Longpre' from PVRPV was a suggestion from JR who told me that if I wanted to talk to one of the largest, and best known of vacation rental companies, in Puerto Vallarta.,  I need to talk with Tim Longpre’.

Xaime Ximenez has no use of his arms, he paints in Puerto Vallarta with his mouth. I have an interview with Xaime.

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listening to is [caption id="attachment_194" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week, I have a couple of interviews two people I want to share with you my listeners, one is Tim Longpre’ from a company called PVRPV, and we will be talking about Vacation Rentals in Puerto Vallarta, and someone who was introduced to me by one of our listeners, Xaime Ximenez, a man who paints beautiful pictures using his mouth, but first, lets see what’s going on in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 20^th of December 2017. If you remember last week’s show, I announced the Coffee Drinking Challenge where Vallarta was gearing up to break the Guinness Book of Records record for coffee drinking. The goal was to get 10,000 people to drink coffee at the same time. Well, there was rain last week in Vallarta. Like for a day and a half there was rain, so the event was postponed for February. So no go with the Joe. I will keep you informed as to the new date, the ways to sign up and all that jazz as the information comes in so look for that soon. [caption id="attachment_2083" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Meet and Greet Jan 9[/caption] Remember I have some events coming up in Puerto Vallarta the first 2 weeks of January.  I will have my microphones at JR’s Meet and Greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor Cookhouse and Saloon, on Tuesday January 9th at 5:30 in the afternoon. Stop by and tell us what the heck you are doing in paradise. And like I said last week, if you are a local Puerto Vallarta business, please stop in and give a pitch to our audience. I actually got a phone call from a really nice guy who represents a group of dentists around the bay, and he wanted to come on the show to tell us about their specials for vacationers who might need some dental work done while they are in paradise, so I told him come on down and lay it on us. So we will see if we see him at the meet and greet. Anyway, as I’ve said before, we always have a great time at JR’s Meet and greet, so if you are going to be in town, stop in and let’s talk. If you are too shy, that’s okay. Just stop in and say hello.

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Interviews on the Beach at Cuates y Cuetes

[caption id="attachment_2123" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Beach in Front of Cuates y Cuetes in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Also, I told you about my plan to set up my microphones on a table on the beach in front of Cuates y Cuetes, and inviting passersby to stop by, and talk about what they are doing in paradise. The date and time for that will be the Thursday January 4^th at 2 PM.  So, if you are in town and want to say hello, I’ll buy you a beer, I’ll even order you some chips and guacamole if you will sit down with me and tell me what you are doing in paradise. Do you have a Puerto Vallarta Story you want to share with my listeners, I would like to hear it and so would all of my listeners too, so stop by and let’s talk. Hey, I’m offering Beer and Guack guys. It doesn’t get any better than that. Just sayin’. So remember Thursday, January 4^th at 2:00 PM till let’s say 4:00 in the afternoon. Let’s record some interviews in front to the Cuates y Cuetes web cam. [caption id="attachment_2121" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Cuates y Cuetes Webcam[/caption] Talking about telling Puerto Vallarta Stories, I was communicating with a friend Sharon who lives in Southern California, and she was talking about flying out of Tijuana to Puerto Vallarta, to save money, and it reminded me of a time that Debbie and I flew out of Tijuana, to save money, and well, that is one heck of a story that I need to share with you. Next week. Maybe I can get Debbie to come on the show with me to relive the harrowing experience. Harrowing you ask? Yes, but you are going to have to wait till next week. Let’s see if I can get my wife to come on the show. Next week then. Hey, I’m going to see if Sharon will tell us how it went for her. Let’s see if I can get her to come on the show next week too.

Show Suggestions From Listeners

Last week, I also asked you to send me suggestions for interviews for the second season of the show, and I got two suggestions for the same person. My friend Deana writes..... You should interview Sylvie Scopazzo. She performs at Captain Dons, takes in stray dogs and adopted one of her own, belongs to a big “motorcycle biking group,” attends and participates in “all things Vallarta” (ie: fund-raisers for organizations and people in need, support and participation in parades & social gatherings for the city, and is an “all around positive person.” Sylvie is a Jack of all trades. She has lived in Vallarta for over 20 years. Is in a band called the Zippers who perform at el Rio, Incanto, Por Favor and private venues. Organizes tours up to the cross on a weekly basis. Studied for her tour guide license. Loves to share her city with vast knowledge of years’ experience of living there. She also organizes LOCA (women only) gatherings and hiking/outdoor field trips and has volunteered on her own to raise money to support needy causes in Vallarta and earthquake victims in other cities. Speaks excellent Spanish. And she finished up by writing... Barry, I've been enjoying your podcasts, thanks so much for taking the time to do these. Then, Listener Kathleen Writes.. Hi Barry! I've been enjoying your podcasts, thanks so much for taking the time to do these. I have a recommendation for you. Sylvie Scopazzo. She has lived in Vallarta for 20 years, has her own tour company and she sings in a band. She is definitely well connected. Well, Deana and Kathleen, you asked for her, and I’m going to get her to come on the show. Just you wait. And Sylvie, I’m looking for you. Evidently, so are a whole lot of other people so Sylvie Scapazzo, see you in a couple of weeks okay? Okay! Sylvie is going to be a great interview and I’ll try to have her on in January. She has some great information and some incredible stories.  And speaking of suggestions, please keep them coming. Go to the contact us tab at the top of the webpage and send me a message. You will also find us on Facebook as The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show, Twitter as PVTravelshow and on our YouTube Channel as well. Lots of ways to get information to me, and from me. Send me your suggestion, your wish may come true.

• Contact The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show

• Puerto Vallarta Travel Show on Facebook

• Puerto Vallarta Travel Show on Twitter

• Puerto Vallarta Travel Show YouTube Channel

Xaime Ximenez, Mouth Painter in Puerto Vallarta

And speaking about suggestions, this first interview, comes from a suggestion from a listener, actually, this listener has been on the show. It was Reggie Belew and he was on the show in September with his wife Donna. And Reggie told me about Xaime Ximenez, the mouth painter on the Malecon.

Listen to the Interview below with Reggie and Donna

[caption id="attachment_1637" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Reggie & Donna Beleu in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] I had never heard of Xaime, so in October, I sought out this guy and say and had a conversation with him. Xaime accepted my invitation to talk with you guys so without any further dillydally, let’s get to the remarkable Xaime Ximenez, the Mouth Painter, on the Malecon, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. [caption id="attachment_2124" align="aligncenter" width="798"] Xaime Ximenez, Mouth Painter[/caption]

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His work is great. I purchased a beautiful painting from him for about $40 US. It measures approximately 8” x 12” mounted on a paper border, [caption id="attachment_2127" align="aligncenter" width="576"] El Camion y El Artista by Xaime Ximenez[/caption] ready for framing. It is entitled, , El Camion Y El Artista, the sidewalk and the Artist,  and it depicts Xaime, painting away on the Malecon. [caption id="attachment_2128" align="alignright" width="169"] Info in Back of the Painting Telling Xaime's Story[/caption] You need to see it. And when you are in Puerto Vallarta one of these fine days, go see his work, talk with him and buy one of his pieces. Let him know you heard him on The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. He will get a kick out of that.  I have a picture of the painting in the show notes as well as photos I took of Xaime and his artwork. You can also go to his website and I have a link to it in the show notes as well. You can see pictures of Xaime from his early days as an artist on the Malecon. It’s pretty cool. And if you like, on his website you can purchase his artwork online as well. So, check it out. [caption id="attachment_2126" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Click For Google Earth View. Location Where Xaime Sets up Shop[/caption] You can find Xaime during the day, from like 10 in the morning till about 4:30 or so. He is located in the plaza where the outdoor amphitheater is at the arches, along Calle Zarragosa, across from the Domino’s Pizza place which happens to be next door to the Naval Museum. I have him marked on a map, in the show notes of this episode of the show at www.Puertovallartatravelshow.com.                                 [caption id="attachment_2132" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Xaime Ximenez, Mouth Painter in Puerto Vallarta[/caption]

• Visit Xaime Ximenez Website
• Xaime Ximenez Facebook
• Xaime Ximenez Pinterest
• Xaime Ximenez Twitter

Tim Longpre' of PVRPV in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

[caption id="attachment_2146" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Tim Longpre PVRPV[/caption] When you come to Puerto Vallarta, there are many options of places to stay. Some choose Airbnb. Others go the more traditional route and stay at one of the fine hotels or resorts in Vallarta. Others look to various websites for the less traditional places, like condominiums. In Puerto Vallarta, many people have purchased vacation properties, they are condominiums for the most part. And as part of the plan for many of these buyers, they rent out their unit when they aren’t using it. You know, like if they have to work to earn money to take the time off for a well-deserved break in Paradise. So, they find a property manager to rent out the unit, to cover the costs of ownership in the meantime. And my guest in one of these property managers. Actually, Tim Longpre was a suggestion from JR who told me that if I wanted to talk to one of the largest, and best known of vacation rental companies, I need to talk with Tim Longpre’ of PVRPV, Property Rentals. And when JR says I should talk to someone, I listen. So I went down to the offices of PVRPV, on the southside on Puerto Vallarta, and had a conversation with Tim Longpre, of PVRPV. [caption id="attachment_2142" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Tim Longpre of PVRPV[/caption]

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Tim's Favorite Restaurants

Breakfast

• Fredy's Tucan, Puerto Vallarta
• Coco's Kitchen, Puerto Vallarta

Lunch

• Serrano's Meat House, Puerto Vallarta
• Joe Jacks Fish Shack, Puerto Vallarta

Dinner

• Anejo Limon, Puerto Vallarta  (closed) 
• No Way Jose, Puerto Vallarta
• Joe Jacks Fish Shack, Puerto Vallarta
• Langostino's, Puerto Vallarta

Advice to First Time Visitor to Puerto Vallarta

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings
• Take a Taxi Late at Night. Even for a short ride.
• Get out of the resort.
• Get to know some of the local people

  [caption id="attachment_2145" align="alignleft" width="300"] PVRPV[/caption]   Tim was great. He is funny yes, but he is serious about his business, and he does an awesome job for his clients and the properties he represents. I have links to his website in the show notes from this episode including piece of Tim’s office and some of the properties he represents. Check out his website and next time you travel to paradise, have a look and see what they have to offer.  

PVRPV Puerto Vallarta

Calle Lazaro Cardenas #205 Local 6 Colonia Emiliano Zapata CP.48380. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México Tel: + 52 (322) 222-0638 Fax: +52 (322) 222-9694 US/Canada: (206) 388-3703 Toll Free: 1-877-462-7720 Email: info@pvrpv.com

PVRPV Website

Facebook Link for PVRPV

PVRPV Instagram

PVRPV Twitter

  Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show, Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message.                 And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks to Xaime Ximenez, the Mouth Painter on The Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, check out his website . I link to it in the show notes, check out his incredible work that he does, using only his mouth. Thanks to Tim Longpre’ of PVRPV Property Rentals, again I have pictures and links to all that we talked about, Check those out in the show notes of this episode of the show at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com, and Thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

Jorge's Hideaway and Shrimp Shack is a Vallarta Favorite Serving Unique Seafood Dishes. I Interview Jorge Tovar, Owner. Also a Visit to The Saturday Olas Altas MarketAn Interview with the SPCA Puerto VallartaAn Interview with the folks from Pasitos de Luz

Meet Canadian Expat Allan Carswell,  Actor, Entertainer, Director, Builder and Entrepreneur Living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Allan Carswell Donates His Time to RISE, a Local Children's Shelter in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Pop-up Art Shows by Hecho a Mano PV in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

An Interview with Chanan and Natalie, Owners of Tre Piatti Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Also Hurricane Patricia and Kenna in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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  Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be to introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El [caption id="attachment_195" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta Mexico[/caption] Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into The Vista Grill. That’s The Vista Grill that used to be up on the hill overlooking the city?  Well now it has a new vista and that is right on the beach where you get the same Vista Grill Menu, and the fantastic Vista Grill service and it’s right there on the beach with a dramatic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course at La Palapa you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. ! It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! Today we have a special show but first, what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 31st of August 2017. We are entering what is traditionally the slowest time of the year in Vallarta. September is traditionally the month, actually September and October are the months when many restaurants close up and take some time off before the tourist begins again in earnest the first of November. So if you are coming to town right now, or if you are already in town, you may be noticing some of your favorite restaurants closing up for the month. It’s a good time for these restaurateurs to just shut the doors and take some well-deserved time off. Others have plans to renovate the properties and improve them for the coming season. Whatever the case, this kind of behavior puts those who are looking for a bite to eat in a kind of a pinch. I was reading an article written by my friend Emily where she gives this time of year a particular name, it’s Septi-Hombre. Septi, for September, and Hombre, which in Spanish means hungry. Septihombre. [caption id="attachment_1399" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Septihombre[/caption] She writes… A friend and I were having dinner together on this particular night, and we were talking about how it seemed that every restaurant in Vallarta would be closed in September. We were joking that we’re gonna starve, because neither of us know how to work a kitchen anymore. Also, we’re both writers. So we thought we were super clever when we came up with “Septi-hambre” (a mix of Septiembre + hambre ‘hunger’), to describe our month upcoming. “We’re gonna starve, it’s gonna be Septi-hambre!! LOL” Lyrical gymnastics. Our personal fave. Anyway, turns out that’s already a thing. Has been for a long time actually. You see, since many of the restaurants close during the month of September, and a lot of people here in Vallarta also work in the service industry, a good percentage of the locals happen to *also* call it Septihambre, because they are actually friggin’ starving during that month. So. Yeah.  I guess it’s funny/ironic that we’ve all come to describe our least favorite month using the exact same bastardized fake word? Funny/not funny. At best. There is no reason anyone in my immediate sphere should starve. So this week everyone is getting ridiculously huge tips, and I hope it’s enough to help tide them over. I don’t have a ton, but I can share a bit. Septihambre is actually not funny at all. Isn’t that sweet? So yes Emily has it right. It’s sometimes this time of year it’s hard to get what you want to eat, where you want to eat, but it’s even harder for those employed in those closed establishments, because they aren’t being paid to work. So they get pretty hungry too. Anyway, I love Emily’s work and I have a link to where she posts some of her essays in the show notes to this episode of the podcast. https://medium.com/ [caption id="attachment_1395" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Natalie and Chanan of Tre Piatti Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] And speaking about restaurants, I have had some of you contact me about some of the restaurants that I review and are complaining that they take cash only. What’s with that?  Look, if I go down my list of restaurants that I have featured on the show, I must admit, most are cash only establishments, but what have I been telling you?  From the very start what have I always told you guys?  My friends, My buddies, listen to uncle [caption id="attachment_1400" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Use Pesos in Mexico[/caption] Barry,  Tio Barry has been telling you to use cash.  Pesos.  Do I have to give you guys another lesson on money here in Vallarta?  Click To Review. Carry Pesos.  I never, I repeat, never use credit cards when I pay for meals or bar tabs in Puerto Vallarta. Now if you have to use one in a restaurant, ask if they have one of those portable scanners. For me, I just don’t risk having my credit card on the loose in Mexico, in the hands of a server, or a cashier. It’s just too risky. So, Chenando's, cash only, Una Familia, cash only, I think Bella Napoli is cash only too but hey. Bring pesos amigos. Pesos. It’s hurricane season here in Mexico and I thought that with Hurricane Harvey running amuck in Texas, and you listeners in Texas, we are thinking about you all,  and praying that all will be well with you. I thought I would talk about hurricanes in Puerto Vallarta. The last hurricane to sweep by Puerto Vallarta was Hurricane Patricia. Patricia came in October of 2015 and I was in Puerto Vallarta with Debbie at the time. We were staying in a place called Casa del Puente. I have a video of the place in my show notes if you want to see it. It was pretty wild, we didn’t even know about the hurricane until it was almost upon us. The evening before Patricia was to make landfall, Debbie and I came out of our apartment and we were hearing the strangest sounds. All around, we could hear the sound of packing tape, the clear plastic stuff that the get in rolls?  Well, we were watching all these people  stretching packing tape over all their windows. We start looking at one another and thinking, what the hell is going on here? So I ask someone with tape what he’s doing and he looks at me and says, getting ready for the Hurricane. What? [embed]https://youtu.be/_H7DL9J2Ph8[/embed] We walk down the Malecon and they are boarding up the large windows of the shops, they are emptying out the merchandise from the shops and loading the contents into cars and trucks to haul away to safety, over at the nightclubs, they are trying to figure out how to protect these large crystal chandeliers hanging in Mandela Nightclub, it was controlled pandemonium. We headed back to our apartment and turned on our computer and were just dumbstruck were looking at the news reports, the BIGGEST STORM EVER was bearing down on Puerto Vallarta. [caption id="attachment_1401" align="aligncenter" width="598"] Satellite Photo Courtesy of CNN Patricia[/caption] We looked at each other and thought we better have a plan. We looked at where we were, on the river, 4 blocks from the beach. They were reporting a 40 foot surge and 20 inches of rain or something like that and well, if the worst were to happen like they were reporting, we really weren’t in a good place to wait out a hurricane. We decided to get a bite and go to bed. We would decide what to do in the morning, but in the meantime, we planned to cut out of town if necessary and take a bus to Guadalajara. Woke up to the sound of sirens, and I looked down towards the shore and saw police vehicles and emergency vehicles traveling along the roads along the beach, and they were telling everyone to evacuate. The authorities were going door to door evacuating tourists and residents living along the first 3 blocks up from the ocean, So I said to Debbie, let’s go see where we get the bus to Guadalajara, and we walked down Insurgentes to the Southside, and came upon a stately looking Mexican man standing at the news stand. I asked him where I could catch the bus to Guadalajara, and he looks at me and askd de donde eres, whwere are you from? Los Angeles I say, then he says to me, in Spanish of course, go home to your family. There are planes at the airport to take you home to safety. The bus station you are looking for isn’t here. So Debbie is looking at me and asks, what did he say. So I explained it to her and we both agree that we better pack and skiddadle. We packed pretty fast. We huddled with the caretaker at the property and asked her what she was planning and we agreed to evacuate to be on the safe side. We caught a cab and said, take us to the airport, and he says, no planes at the airport. So he takes us to the bus station. This is where it got fun, It was packed with everyone in town, trying to get out to Guadalajara. We caught a bus to Guadalajara, and as we sat down on the bed to turn on the t.v. To see hat was happening in PV, there was a newsman standing on the Malecon, microphone in hand, reporting no wind, no rain......"Really?" We were thrilled that Puerto Vallarta wasn't blown away, don't get me wrong but the BIGGEST STORM EVER,  was the biggest ...never mind. We looked at each other and decided to take the first bus back to Puerto Vallarta the next morning. Since I missed Patricia, I thought I would ask JR about what happened in Vallarta while I was self evacuating to Guadalajara, and also to find out how he weathered Hurricane Kenna in 2002. Let’s go to JR right now.

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We finished the last two days of our vacation enjoying Puerto Vallarta with the grateful town. Empty of most vacationers chased away by the wind that never was, but grateful none the less. We bade farewell to Casa Del Puente, disappointed only in the two days we lost to an adventure. I was hoping someday soon to return. It is in a great location. We never had to take a taxi or a bus the entire time we were there. Except to evacuate. We were close to all the great restaurants, and 4 blocks to the beach. [embed]https://youtu.be/sKJW6enA5Nc[/embed]   Okay, that was fun hearing about Hurricane Kenna. Imagine playing chicken with the surf in Lazaro Cardenas Park. Wild. [caption id="attachment_1404" align="aligncenter" width="763"] Table at Tre Piatti, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1408" align="alignleft" width="483"] 100 Year Old Mango Trees In The Middle of Tre Piatti Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1407" align="aligncenter" width="483"] Tasty Dish served at Tre Piatti, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1412" align="alignright" width="484"] OMG! Delicious Food at Tre Piatti Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] All right , let’s get to our guests, Chanan and Natalie from Tre Piatti Italian Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. Tre Piatti is a real treat. The food is spectacular and the setting is elegant, and the proprietors are absolutely charming and dedicated to their craft. They love their customers and their clients, many regulars, love them back. Gary Beck introduced them to me. He raved about them and their food. So let’s meet Natalie and Chanan in Puerto Vallarta, at Tre Piatti Restaurant.

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Such a great couple and what fantastic food you guys. Now I spoke with Chanan yesterday, actually I recorded the conversation but the phone line was messed up so I’ll just pass along the information he gave me. Keeping in theme of Septihombre, Sunday was their last night of the season at Tre Piatti, but they have some big plans and I’m really excited for them and They are closed for 6 weeks and they are doing some renovations and making a cool [caption id="attachment_1414" align="alignleft" width="326"] Tre Piatti, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Chefs tasting bar that seats 4 people Wine pairing for each course. and seven courses he will cook and  describe the dishes, the bar is a large slab of marble, they have special stemware and tableware for this special Chef’s tasting bar. The tasting bar is elevated so the people can see into the kitchen and see the food being prepared. It’s going to be a great dining experience for those who are going to be lucky enough to be able to reserve a seat at the chef’s tasting bar. He already has the first three nights sold out. One of my favorite restaurants in Las Vegas does that, it’s like a chef’s table in the kitchen, So Cool. So good luck to you Chanan and Natalie, we’ll see you soon and see what cool things you have done and will be doing. Only in Vallarta my friends!

What we Talked About

• Tre Piatti Means Three Plates
• Natalie Grew Up in San Francisco, Dad From Guadalajara
• Chanan From Israel, Trained in New York, San Francisco and Italy
• The Menu Changes Every Two Weeks
• 100 Year old Mango Trees
• Personalized Service
• Vegan and Vegetarian Options
• Chanan's favorite dishes to Prepare are Pastas and Sauces
• Prepares a wide Variety of Regional Italian Dishes
• They Take the time to Select Only the Best Ingredients
• Coming in October 2017, A Chef's Tasting Bar 7 Courses Wine Pairing

Places They Suggest

• Eat the Local Street Food
• Dianita's for Comida Corrida, Fast Food
• Eat at Small Family Run Fondas
• Get away South Via the Bus To The Beautiful Beaches of Mismaloya, Los Arcos, Las Animas
• Walk The Streets Through Old Town and Romantic Zone

  Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. [caption id="attachment_1411" align="alignleft" width="481"] Tre Piatti, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1413" align="alignnone" width="714"] Tre Piatti, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1410" align="alignright" width="488"] Tre Piatti, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]   And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks to Natalie and Chanan from Tre Piatti Restaurant, I have all of their contact information in the show notes of this episode,  at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.  And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

Tre Piatti Information

[caption id="attachment_1405" align="alignright" width="695"] Tre Piatti, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Google Map[/caption]

• Facebook Tre Piatti
• Instagram Tre Piatti
• Trip Adviser Tre Piatti
• Yelp Tre Piatti

An Interview With Gabriela Castillon Perez of Gaby's Restaurant Bar in Puerto Vallarta

Also a Visit with Adrian Takano in Santa Barbara at the I Madonnari Festival;  and New Rules on Bringing your Dog or Cat to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be to introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

[caption id="attachment_654" align="alignright" width="353"] Gaby's Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_645" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Gabriela Castillon Perez, Gaby's Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El Dorado [caption id="attachment_194" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Restaurant, and now, at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into The Vista Grill. That’s the Vista Grill that used to be up on the hill. Well now it has a new vista and that is right on the beach where You get the same Vista Grill Menu, and the fantastic Vista Grill service and what’s best, is it’s right there on the beach. You can enjoy dinner under the stars, with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. ! It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! Today I have a very special guest but first, what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 29th of May, 2017. Pride week is just wrapping up. You can catch what goes on during Gay Pride Week in the last episode of the show, Check it out!

New Requirements for Bringing Your Pet into Mexico

The new requirements require  you to obtain a valid Health Certificate. And In addition to the Rabies Vaccination certification, the vet must now certify (provide proof of) two additional health conditions:

1. The dog (or cat) is free from internal parasites (worms) and has been treated for these within 6 months of the date of travel.
2. The dog (or cat) is free from external parasites (fleas/ticks) and has been treated for these within 6 months of the date of travel.

These  new rules went into effect this February so just be aware of the changes if you plan to bring Fido or Tigger with you on your journey to paradise. You can find out more about what you will need by going to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/pettravel-mexico or google search United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Or better yet, go to my website at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com, and go to the show notes of this episode, episode 20.

Madonnari Italian Street Art Festival

  A couple of episodes back I interviewed Adrian Takano, a very talented artist and muralist here I Puerto Vallarta. Well Adrian was up in my neck of the woods. He [caption id="attachment_636" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Adrian Takano in Santa Barbara at the I Madonnari Festival[/caption] was sent to Santa Barbara to participate in the Madonnari Italian Street Art Festival, held at the beautiful and iconic Santa Barbara Mission in Santa Barbara [caption id="attachment_637" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Adrian Takano's Mural in Santa Barbara at the I Madonnari Festival[/caption] California. He won the trip by placing first in Puerto Vallarta’s Madonnari 2016 festival held on the Malecon. If you want to hear that interview and see some of the murals he has around Vallarta, go to episode 18 of the show and check out the shownotes. I have some of his finest murals around town on the site at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com. [caption id="attachment_641" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Adrian Takano's Mural in Santa Barbara at the I Madonnari Festival[/caption] Well, his work was exceptional, as always and you can see his entry in the shownotes to this podcast, episode 21 of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com. I had a chance to interview him just as he put the final touches on the mural and let’s get to that interview right now….  

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[caption id="attachment_643" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Adrian Takano's Mural in Santa Barbara at the I Madonnari Festival[/caption] This was Adrian’s first visit to the States and Santa Barbara isn’t too shabby a place to get your toes wet here in the states. His work was truly outstanding when [caption id="attachment_535" align="alignright" width="300"] Puerto Vallarta 2016 Chalk Festival 1st place[/caption] compared to many of the entries there. It was a great event for Adrian, and a wonderful way to introduce Puerto Vallarta to   the attendees of the festival. And there are thousands and thousands of people who attend over the three day event. Kudos to you Adrian! You did Vallarta Proud. You can reach out to Adrian and hire him to create a mural for you and your home. North or south of the border. I have the links to his contact info in these show notes and the show notes for episode 19.

Contact Adrian Through Facebook at Adrian Takano

Follow Adrian Through Instagram at ArtTakano

Contact Adrian to Take an Art Class www.artvallarta.com

Restaurant week is coming to a close this week so I thought I would feature one of my favorite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta for you.

[caption id="attachment_627" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Gaby's Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Today I am going to introduce you to Gabriela Castillon Perez, Gabby from Gaby’s Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. I love this restaurant. They serve traditional Mexican dishes with passion and class. They are located very close to the Famous Church in Vallarta and during the interview you will hear the church bells ringing. When I first met Gabby and her brother Julio who is a chef and conducts cooking classes, I was taken aback by their youth. They are full of youthful energy and [caption id="attachment_628" align="alignright" width="1021"] Gaby's Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] imaginative wherewithal and still stick to the traditional methods, dishes and recipes. I know that you will find this story of this Restaurants journey, from a StreetSide Fonda, to the beautiful inviting multi-tiered restaurant that it is today, as interesting as I did. Let’s get to the interview with Gabriela at Gaby’s Restaurant, in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.  

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Things We Talked About....

• The History of the Restaurant [caption id="attachment_660" align="alignright" width="300"] Molcajete-Volcanic Rock[/caption]
• How to Use a Molcajete instead of a blender
• Cooking Class with Julio
• Teaches how to make Tortillas, Mole, Stone Soup and Tortilla Soup
• Raicilla Tasting
• Lunch Specials
• Traditional Cooking
• Entertainment

Contact Gaby's Restaurant at Their Website   CLICK HERE

Julio's Cooking Class  CLICK HERE

Gaby's Dinner Menu  CLICK HERE

Gaby's Lunch Menu CLICK HERE

Gaby's Breakfast Menu CLICK HERE

Reservations at Gaby's Restaurant CLICK HERE

[caption id="attachment_630" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Gaby's Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Gabby was so wonderful to talk with. And that dish Walla de Coco, she brought me a slice of it and it was amazing! It was chilled a slice about a ¼ inch thick and had a custard texture with coconut bits, a cinnamon back taste, just so delicious. It was nothing like I had ever tasted that’s for sure. And her 94 year old grandmother, so sweet you guys. So go and check out this restaurant while you are in Puerto Vallarta. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, you will be treated to real fine Mexican cooking. [caption id="attachment_631" align="alignleft" width="169"] Julio Cesar Castillon Perez[/caption] Well, that should do it for this episode of the show. . I hope you enjoyed out talk with Gabby from Gaby’s Restaurant.  Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. [embed]https://youtu.be/7GxQIo_TeRA[/embed] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. [caption id="attachment_647" align="aligncenter" width="4032"] Gabby and Julio[/caption] So, thanks to Gabriela Castillon Perez, Gabby. You will find the links to Gaby’s Restaurant in my shownotes at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.  Also don’t forget to check out Adrian Takano’s work in the shownotes as well and his contact information as well. And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!      

Muralist Adrian Takano Talks Murals, Street Art and Art Classes in  Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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[caption id="attachment_530" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Rio Cuale Island Mural -Adrian Takano[/caption] Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be to introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants,  La Palapa The Eldorado Restaurant and at [caption id="attachment_194" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] night, The El  Dorado transforms into The Vista Grill. The Vista Grill that used to be up on the hill now has a new vista and that is right on the beach, You get the same Vista Grill Menu, and the fantastic Vista Grill service right there on the beach on Playa Los Muertos. Great view of the Los Muerto Pier all lit up at night.  It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! You can enjoy dinner under the stars, toes in the sand at the water’s edge. So get on down to Puerto Vallarta and La Palapa, The El Dorado or the Vista Grill at least once while you are down here.

Mother's Day in Mexico May 10th

In Mexico, mother's day is celebrated on the 10th of May instead of the way we do it in the US whee it's celebrated the second Sunday of the month of May. It was a great sight to see the families out strolling the Malecon, eating at restaurants, taking mom out. Lots of roses and flowers and celebrations. The one in my neighborhood lasted till three in the morning I think.  I took some time to hike the trail from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas beach that afternoon, and I took my Go-Pro camera and filmed the entire hike. I plan to talk about the hike in another episode of the show, so stay tuned for that video.

Today I have a very special guest but first, what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 15^th of May, 2017.

Interviews Galore!

I'm sure you are getting an earful this podcast because I am in Puerto Vallarta, producing my podcast from an apartment in the Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood here in town. I am staying in a very Mexican neighborhood with roosters, two living right next door to me, and dogs, cats, banda music, children playing soccer in the street. A really sweet neighborhood. I'll put up a video of it soon and add it to my video page. I'm here to interview the movers and shakers in town and this trip is no different. I'm really looking forward to introducing these people to you so all I can say is, please keep coming back and stay tuned.

ATM Machines in the Puerto Vallarta Airport Lobby

[caption id="attachment_544" align="alignleft" width="300"] PV Airport Taxi Rate Schedule 2017[/caption] I took a walk through the Puerto Vallarta airport the other day and I’m happy to report that there are three bank affiliated ATM machines right there in the lobby, where you emerge from the Shark Tank. I even used one of them to withdraw 6,000 pesos to get my trip started. Remember if you plan on using your ATM card to access money in Mexico, let your bank know you will be traveling. Tell them where in Mexico and for how long. If you don’t, you more than likely will not be able to use it. For more about what I’m talking about regarding  exchanging money including packing tips, data plans and cell phone tips and more, listen to Episode 2- and Episode 3 of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. I also added a picture of the new Taxi Rates to different destinations around the Bajia de Banderas in the show notes so if you are interested, go to the website and check out the new rates. The rates are just slightly higher than before. so don't worry, it's still very cheap to take taxis and buses in Puerto Vallarta. Remember, if you need a primer as to how to navigate the Puerto Vallarta Airport, Check out this video I put together some time back and you will find it at my website in the show-notes for this podcast. as well as in episode 3 of the Show. A couple things have changed like the location of the exit, but if you watch the video, you will get a good idea as to the process and layout of the airport so check it out if you haven't already. Don't get caught in the Shark Tank my friends. Jut sayin! [caption id="attachment_545" align="alignleft" width="300"] Puerto Vallarta Airport Bank Affiliated ATM Machines in Airport Lobby Near Exit[/caption] And talking about the website, if you go to my webcam page check out Langostinos new webcam. They now have one like their neighbor, Cuates y Cuetes, where the camera swivels around 360 degrees but unlike with the  C & C cam, this one is rotating the entire time. Check it out It’s cool and you will find it at my Puerto Vallarta Webcam Page at the top of my website at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.

Restaurant Week May 15th till May 31, in Puerto Vallarta

Restaurant week kicked off this week, actually today and I had a wonderful time with Gary's Groupies, Gary Beck's gang of foodies at Barcelona Tapas. Although we had rain in the morning, it was a pleasant cool cloud covered day with a surprise sunset believe it or not. [caption id="attachment_551" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Gary Beck at Barcelonas Tapas, Restaurant Week 20017[/caption]   Owner Bill Carballo stopped by to say hello. He talked about plans to make the top tier of the restaurant a little more intimate. The restaurant is on Matamoros [caption id="attachment_552" align="alignright" width="300"] Gary Beck's Groupies at Barcelona Tapas, Restaurant Week 2017[/caption] just north of Calle Allende in the 31st of October neighborhood. Just adjacent to El Cero.  The views are wonderful. He told the story of how he developed the property and transformed a vacant lot into what it is today. Check out the photos in the show-notes. You can see Gary's smiling face and it was cool to meet some of the listeners to the podcast. We all had a great meal and talked mostly about Puerto Vallarta. [caption id="attachment_550" align="alignleft" width="300"] Barcelona Tapas Sunset[/caption] [caption id="attachment_549" align="alignleft" width="300"] Seafood Paella, Barcelona Tapas[/caption]

Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride Week 2017 May 21-28

May 21 marks the first day of Gay Pride Week in Puerto Vallarta. There will be parades, all kinds of parties and events throughout the week ending May 28th. I had a very interesting interview with Issac from Gay Guide Vallarta about gay and lesbian travel in Puerto Vallarta and I know you will find it interesting.  Vallarta is very gay friendly and we will talk about that with Issac.

Adrian Takano, Muralist and Artist

[caption id="attachment_533" align="alignright" width="300"] Adrian Takano, Muralist/Artist[/caption] Adrian is from Mexico City but came to Vallarta to work his craft. He is a confident young man with an incredible gift and an imagination that runs wild. When you see his murals on the sides of buildings here in Vallarta, they make you stop right in your tracks. They deserve your attention, You gaze upon them, you study them, you marvel at them. I was so happy that Adrian agreed to talk with us about what he does and about his future plans. Let's go right to Puerto Vallarta, and talk with Adrian Takano.

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[caption id="attachment_535" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Adrian's 1st Place Effort at the 2016 Madonnari Festival. Puerto Vallarta's Sidewalk Chalk Festival on The Malecon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_536" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Adrian Takano, Mural Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]

• Chalk Festival Madonnari Festival Puerto Vallarta,  Mexico
• You will Find Many of Adrian's Murals on Lazaro Cardenas Street
• The Mural in the Agua Azul Neighborhood Mural Gave the People in the Neighborhood Pride.
• You Can Contact Adrian to Take Art Classes at an Art Studio Called Art Vallarta . Adrian Teaches Art Classes there and one on the beach.
• Contact Adrian on Facebook at Adrian Takano
• Follow Adrian on Instagram at ArtTakano

That was a great interview and I am really excited for this young man. [caption id="attachment_537" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Abasolo Street[/caption] How cool would it be to take art lessons from this talented muralist and artist. I have links to his contact information in the show-notes for this episode, Episode 18 [caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Calle Lázaro Cárdenas[/caption] of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. [caption id="attachment_738" align="alignleft" width="300"] Art Class on The Beach with Adrian Takano[/caption] [caption id="attachment_739" align="alignleft" width="222"] Art Class on The Beach with Adrian Takano[/caption] [caption id="attachment_740" align="alignleft" width="227"] Adrian Takano Teaching Art on The Beach[/caption] [caption id="attachment_741" align="alignleft" width="300"] Adrian Takano Having a Tough Day at the Office[/caption]               Well we are through for today. I hope you enjoyed our talk with Adrian Takano. What a gift to Vallarta. Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta and my next show. Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on [caption id="attachment_531" align="alignright" width="1000"] Buenos Aires, Arg. Isla Maciel.[/caption] your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come onboard and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. [caption id="attachment_538" align="aligncenter" width="771"]
Salento, Colombia.[/caption] So, thanks to Muralist and Artist and Art Teacher Adrian Takano, check out his murals  at my website  in  the shownotes for episode 18 at  www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.  And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos! [caption id="attachment_541" align="aligncenter" width="655"] Colonia Agua Azul. Río Poo Street[/caption] [caption id="attachment_530" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Rio Cuale Island Mural -Adrian Takano[/caption] [caption id="attachment_532" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Héroes de la Patria PV[/caption] [caption id="attachment_539" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Cuale River. Centro cultural Vallartense.[/caption]  

Jardin de Humo Restaurant in El Tuito, an hour drive from Puerto Vallarta. They specialize in BBQ and smoked meat dishes Plus a bar with atmosphere. Then visit a real dive bar in Cinco de diciembre in Puerto Vallarta, The Gusto Lounge. Meet Sergio Acosta

In this episode we take A Day Trip to San Pancho, a Beach Community North of Puerto Vallarta. Then an interview with Cassandra Shaw, owner of Cassandra Shaw Jewelry in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El [caption id="attachment_196" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week I have a couple of fun things for you, a day trip to San Pancho, a little town north of Puerto Vallarta, and a great guest, Cassandra Shaw of Cassandra Shaw Jewelry on the Southside of town in Puerto Vallarta, but first, let’s see what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, this week the 10^th of October 2017.

Meet and Greet, Tuesday, October 17^th at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse.

[caption id="attachment_1633" align="aligncenter" width="404"] Meet and Greet at Pour Favor[/caption] There will be a Meet and Greet, Tuesday, October 17^th at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse where I will have my microphones at the ready, to capture your stories and suggestions about the things you are doing in paradise. I’ll have my microphones at the ready so come by and let’s gab. By the way, if you have a business that you want to pitch, a service you want to tell my listeners about, come by and give your business or service a pitch. Come on by, this coming Tuesday evening at Pour Favor on Lazaro Cardenas starting at 6:30, going for couple hours I imagine. Come by. It’s not a live feed or anything guys, I take the audio and make them into interviews so if you are really interesting, or if your story is really compelling, you may end up being the featured guest to a particular episode in the future so who knows right? Now I’m only going to be in town for just a couple of days, just enough time to get some very important interviews for you guys. And you know what? I still haven’t told my wife yet. Oh, I’m not leaving without her, in fact I’m taking her along, she just doesn’t know it yet. Now, I know for a fact that she doesn’t listen to my podcast, so she won’t know till I break the news to her Friday morning. At least, I figure that should give her enough time to buy whatever she needs before we fly out of LAX Monday Morning. Fun fun, fun in the sun!

Dia De Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta

Preparations are under way for the day of the Dead Celebrations or Dia de los Muertos, which take place right after the traditional Halloween in the states on the 31^st of October, but in the states as well as in Mexico, Mexicans stretch out the celebrations out a little bit and in Mexico, Día de los Muertos is celebrated from the 31^st to the 2^nd of November. Anyway, there’s lots to be said about the upcoming celebrations throughout the Bajia, and I will be bringing you all of the activities planned for this very festive occasion in Puerto Vallarta. Actually, El Dia De Los Muertos, is the celebration that really kicks off the tourist season in Puerto Vallarta. Now speaking of next week, I will not have an episode of the podcast for you next week due to my planned travels to paradise. You just need to know that I’m not shirking my duties as podcast host,  I’m just going to be busy getting you some of the best interviews and on the ground information you can shake a stick at. Or whatever you shake, stick, whatever. Just go ahead and shake it at it.

A Day Trip to San Pancho

[caption id="attachment_1709" align="aligncenter" width="1250"] San Pancho Map[/caption] A couple of weeks back, I got an email from Polly who wanted me to do an episode on going to San Pancho. Actually, Polly gave me a great review on iTunes, and she made a request, and now Polly, I’m going to grant your wish and take a day trip with you to San Pancho. Actually formerly known as San Francisco, San Pancho is just 4 kilometers north of the hippy town of Sayulita. Sayulita is located about 38 kilometers north of the Puerto Vallarta Airport. Approximately a 45 minute drive. Now I began my day trip at about 2  on a Saturday afternoon. I was on the Southside and looked for a bus to take me to Walmart. Okay, I know what you are thinking, Barry, aren’t we going to San Pancho? Yes, we are going to San Pancho, so instead of me telling you all of the intricacies of bus taking in Puerto Vallarta, let’s review with JR. I have a clip of a conversation I had with him back in January about taking buses in Puerto Vallarta. Let’s see what he says about catching one of those buses from Vallarta, to those beach towns north. JR, Take it away!!!!

Link to JR's Maps 

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Okay, so I hopped on a bus that said Walmart on the windscreen and I told the driver that I wanted the bus to San Pancho. Quiero el bus a San Pancho. Which means, I want the bus to San Pancho. You can probably just say it in English, and the driver will most likely understand, but hey, learn the lingo. Write it down, practice it. So in this case, the driver did drop me off at the location JR talked about, the one at the beginning of the Libramiento. South, actually way south [caption id="attachment_1714" align="aligncenter" width="5312"] Tienda at The Puerto Vallarta Bus Stop South of Walmart[/caption] of Walmart. And he is right, I was able to get on the bus before the crowd did, and pretty much had my choice of seats. So the driver motioned to me when we got to the stop. I made sure I was sitting up front near him so he could give me the hi sign. So this place where you get dropped off has a tienda where you can buy drinks and stuff, and you walk a little south along the sidewalk and you will see busses lining up. Their destinations written on the windshields of the bus. Before you get on the bus, if you aren’t sure, just ask the driver. They will tell you how much to pay, and you pay them there. If you are planning on making several stops along the way, for instance if you want to stop for breakfast in Sayulita, then move on up north to San Pancho for Lunch, you pay in segments. There’s no day pass. Get it? So the busses are comfortable. Not air conditioned, but reclining seats, and the driver will play their favorite tunes as you travel along the coast, then cut across the Point. If you go to the website at www.puertovallartatravelshow,com, you will see the rout, and the towns you pass through on your way up to San Pancho. [caption id="attachment_1745" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Bus to San Pancho[/caption] You hit Bucerias, and just before you get to Cruz de Huanacaxtle, route 200 cuts inland, bypassing the Punta de Mita, and travels through a wooded jungle like [caption id="attachment_1740" align="alignleft" width="1000"] San Francisco/San Pancho Fruit Stand[/caption] area, well, it is a jungle out there, really, and eventually you arrive at the coast, in the town of Sayulita. You can get off here, and like JR said, the bus actually drops you off in the middle of town, so you  can actually get off the bus right there, and start exploring the hippit dippie town of Sayulita. It’s colorful, and gringoized with lots of specialty shops, not just your typical Mexican souvenirs, although you will find that too. Great places to eat, and the surfing is all the rage. Although, use caution, there have been many reports of unclean waters there. Something about too many people and not sufficient facilities to properly treat raw sewage. So ask questions before entering the water, and use caution. But hey….we’re on our way to San Pancho right? We are going to stay on that bus, because we paid to get to San Pancho right? Right. The bus continues up the coast to the next stop which is San Pancho. The Bus Stops alongside the highway, at the intersection of Highway 200 and Avineda Tercer Mundo, or in English, Third World Avenue. Kinda has a lovely ring to it doesn’t it?. Humm.  So the bus lets the passengers off at Third World Avenue where there is a huge Pemex station. You cross the highway, and follow the Third World road right to the beach. Like JR said, the walk is about a mile or so, and it takes you right to the beach. You will pass very colorful shops, hotels, B & B’s, Hostels, and restaurants as you walk down this road, and you will see the homes of the people of the town of San Pancho, on the streets behind these establishments. [caption id="attachment_1736" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] San Pancho[/caption] Now, if you don’t want to walk, just wait around for a taxi to take you into town if you like, but if you are in good enough shape, the walk is totally worth it. The closer you get to the beach, the more restaurants you will find, and shops and stuff, and when you get to the end of the road, it makes a T right into the beach. [caption id="attachment_1737" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] San Pancho, Nayarit[/caption] To your right and left you will find numerous beachfront eateries. Now unlike in Puerto Vallarta, this is a wide beach. Lots of sand. So there’s lots of room at this beach to stretch out. To your left, there is a lagoon, and the beach curves out to a rocky outcropping. To the right, the beach stretches for almost a mile. It’s a big beach, I’m telling you. So food and drink are abundant here at and near the beach. The waves are not the quality of Sayulita, but I’ve heard the water is cleaner to swim in. If you want to see a really cool video of San Pancho from the air, my buddy Dan The Flying Man Dimov has this wonderful YouTube video with him flying along in his Paramotor machine, along the coast in San Pancho. [embed]https://youtu.be/p-KEUtAGW8g[/embed] In fact, I’m going to be interviewing Dan on my visit to Puerto Vallarta next week, and I can’t wait to introduce you to him. He takes people up in the air. Tandem on his glider, so you have to check out the video, and definitely listen to the podcast when I air it in the coming weeks. Dan also has a wonderful video he shot the day of the full solar eclipse, along the coast over the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta. I’ll add that video too to the show notes so check that one out too. I can’t make up my mind which one I like best. You decide. [embed]https://youtu.be/moLff_OiPoI[/embed]   I also have some screenshots thanks to Google Earth, showing the town, the bus drop-off spot and the path you will take into town, down Avenida Tercer Mundo. I just love that! So where do you eat? They have a great Bar-b-Que place called Mr. Ribs San Pancho. I couldn’t help myself, it smelled so good. I had pork ribs and [caption id="attachment_1726" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Mr Ribs[/caption] the fixings. Pretty darn good, and the people watching was great too. Then there is a branch of El Barracuda, run by the same group as in Vallarta. Las Palmas Bar and Grill is the biggest place right on the beach they have lots of loungers for you to sit on and sip an umbrella drink, and watch the people play in the sun, at the beach. There are lots of Mexican families playing at the beach, and of course, tourists too.  Anyway, you won’t go hungry in San Pancho, or San Francisco. Actually, the town is called San Francisco, and the Beach is called San Pancho Beach, but everyone calls the whole place San Pancho, there are literally dozens of places to eat all around you. It’s pretty cool! [caption id="attachment_1729" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] El Barracuda, San Pancho[/caption] I spotted a doughnut lady, and made a beeline for her, and purchased a couple of yummy pastries which I happily munched and headed back up the road, back to highway 200 for my ride back to Vallarta. Once you get to the highway, go to the right and walk about 100 feet to where the busses stop to pick you up, and head back to Walmart, I mean Vallarta. Now bus rides in Puerto Vallarta never are ordinary. Every once in a [caption id="attachment_1746" align="alignright" width="300"] Singer on The Bus[/caption] while, the driver will let someone on the bus who will clear his or her throat and begin a soliloquy, in Spanish of course, and proclaim to their captive audience, we bus riders, their cause, whether it’s a sick family member, maybe they are out of a job and need to feed their family, maybe speak on behalf of a particular cause, and then at the end of their plea, and let me tell you, these guys are really good, I mean, well-spoken and practiced, they will work their way through the bus, hat in hand, collecting pesos from the riders, then, when the bus makes the next stop, they are out the back door of the bus. Sometimes these take longer than a stop or two. I had one where the driver let this guy on, dressed like a clown who literally went on and on for about 15 minutes. Oh my god! But on this ride home, the driver let on this guy you are hearing now. This guy had a jukebox item around his neck, and he sang to the music. He was a pro. He was a little guy, but he sang with such heart. I recorded it for you to listen to. Please indulge me as I play it for you, to get the flavor of the ride, home from San Pancho. [caption id="attachment_1718" align="alignleft" width="300"] Walmart in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1717" align="alignleft" width="300"] Walmart in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] So you go to Walmart or to the end of the line, and either take a cab back to your hotel, or a bus back, if you feel comfortable. Just remember, if you are going to the Southside, look for a bus that says Centro on it and not Pittial. Otherwise, you may go on one of those magical mystery tours that JR talks about in our episode about taking busue in Puerto Vallarta. And if you haven’t listened to that one, you really ought to have a look. Also, I have a copy of JR’s map that shows the bus stops that I talked about here. So, that’s the day-trip to San Pancho. Give yourself at least 5 hours total to take the bus back and forth, to get the flavor of the town, to get a bite to eat and a spot to drink, and maybe, just maybe have an opportunity to be serenaded by this guy. I have a photo of him in the show notes of this episode of the show. [caption id="attachment_1719" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] San Pancho Beach[/caption] Now Let’s get to our interview. [caption id="attachment_1751" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Cassandra Shaw Jewelry[/caption] In my previous life, I was in the jewelry business, before real estate. Like for 36 years, I worked in the industry. I’m a jewelry designer by trade, a GIA trained Graduate Gemologist and a American Gem Society Certified Gemologist. So naturally, I’m attracted to shiny things, and jewelry stores. And as you walk down Basillio Badillo, you will notice a beautiful storefront and behind the glass you will notice stunning incredible pieces of jewelry, and art pieces. You know right away that this is a special place. Well, being a nosy person, I wanted to meet the lovely lady who has her name on the front of the store, Cassandra Shaw. We talked for a little bit, and I knew right [caption id="attachment_1755" align="alignright" width="300"] Bean Pup[/caption] away that you had to meet her. Let’s go to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, and talk with Cassandra Shaw, of Cassandra Shaw Jewelry. [caption id="attachment_1759" align="alignleft" width="300"] Cassandra Shaw Ring[/caption]

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  [caption id="attachment_1758" align="alignleft" width="428"] Cassandra Shaw Necklace[/caption] So now you know Cassandra. Don’t be afraid to go into the store, and explore. I know jewelry stores can be intimidating to enter, but these people are so nice and down to earth. Really check out her place. You will be so glad you did.

Cassandra Shaw Jewelry Website 

Cassandra Shaw Facebook Page

[caption id="attachment_1757" align="alignleft" width="437"] Cassandra Shaw Earrings[/caption]

276 Basilio Badillo, Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Store Phone: 011-52 (322) 22-39-734

Cell Phone: 044(322) 227 1864

  [caption id="attachment_1749" align="alignright" width="1000"] Cassandra Shaw Jewelry Artwork[/caption] Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. [caption id="attachment_1750" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Cassandra Shaw Jewelry Artwork[/caption] And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. [caption id="attachment_1756" align="alignleft" width="437"] Cassandra Shaw Bracelet[/caption] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks to JR for the bus info, and thanks to Cassandra Shaw, You will find links to Cassandra Shaw Jewelry as well as pictures from the store, in the shownotes of  this episode of the show at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com as well as pictures I took along the way on the trip to San Pancho, JR’s map and more.   So thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!              

Travel Advice From Visitors to Puerto Vallarta, Recorded in January of 2019. We talk with listener Steve, David Ostlund from Chef's Pass and Dinelot PV, and listener Denise has great travel tips. Plus Uber threatened by Jalisco Governor and more..

This week I have two Interviews with very special people in Puerto Vallarta. One is Fredy Garcia, You know him as Fredy from Fredy’s Tucan, and the other is Roberto Castellon, the Owner of Roberto’s Puerto Nuevo Superb Seafood, both on the Southside of Puerto Vallarta

  [caption id="attachment_2978" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Fredy's Tucan and Roberto's Superb Seafood[/caption]

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

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That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The [caption id="attachment_2021" align="alignright" width="300"] The Vista Grill, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week I have two interviews with very special people in Puerto Vallarta. One is Fredy Garcia, You know him as Fredy from Fredy’s Tucan, and the other is Roberto Castellon, the owner you know him as the owner of Roberto’s Original Puerto Nuevo Superb Seafood, both on the Southside of Puerto Vallarta, but first, let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta, the 2^nd of May, 2018. [caption id="attachment_3152" align="alignleft" width="300"] Roberto Castellon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2994" align="alignright" width="300"] Fredy Garcia[/caption]

The 14^th annual Altruism Festival in Puerto Vallarta is Here

The Altruism Festival has become a tradition in Puerto Vallarta. Year after year the best restaurants in town join this effort lead by United States Consular Agent Kelly Trainor and the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa taking place this Sunday, May 6th, starting at 6pm in the beachfront garden at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa featuring top 40 restaurants in the bay area offering samples of their best dishes with live music, dancing, entertainment and great company.   All proceeds will be donated to 20 chosen charities and non-profit organizations who need your help. By buying a $400 pesos ticket, you are donating the money to the great causes of these extraordinary non-profits. Each charity will be given the opportunity to host a display at the festival to highlight the great impact they are having on the Puerto Vallarta community. The organizations welcome you to come by to meet them and look forward to receiving your support. Learn about how they work and volunteer opportunities. Tickets, which include food, drinks and entertainment, cost $400 pesos in advance or $500 pesos at the door. Buy your tickets now online, or at Fundación Punta de Mita‘s office to take advantage of the presale discounted price. For more information, details and pictures of previous events please visit: facebook.com/Festival-Internacional-de-Altruismo  

Restaurant week is Coming and it’s Bigger Than Ever

[caption id="attachment_3014" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week 2018[/caption] That’s right folks, it’s getting to be a running joke but Restaurant Week has been expanded for another week, so it goes from May 15^th to June 10. Let’s do the math shall we? May has 30 days, so May 15 to June 10 humm looks like just over 3 weeks. Good math. Bad math, great food. So, during Restaurant week, 59 participating restaurants have a set menu and the meals usually consist of a number of courses Appetizer, main course and desert. Sometimes a special adult beverage. The participating restaurants will offer menus divided into three courses and three price points: 269, 399 and 466 pesos per person, up to 50 percent less than the original menu prices. So if you are in town for Restaurant Month, I mean restaurant week, check out the link in the show notes for this episode and see the participating restaurants, where you want to eat and go for it. It’s a great deal.

Meet and Greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse May 8^th

[caption id="attachment_2942" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Meet and Greet May 8th[/caption] May 8^th will be an open microphone meet and greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor. I’ll be there with JR from 6:30 till 8, or longer, depending on if I have people to talk with. If you are in paradise, stop by and let us know what you are doing. And if you are a business here in Vallarta, come by and let us know what you do. Give us your pitch. So once again, Tuesday, May 8^th at 6:30, Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse on Lazaro Cardenas. They have that upstairs patio bar that’s the bomb. So stop by, see JR and me and blab about what you are doing in Puerto Vallarta. If you’re good, you will hear yourself on one of the podcasts.

Open Microphone in Front of Cuates y Cuetes

[caption id="attachment_3012" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Open Mic at Cuates y Cuetes[/caption] If you can’t make the meet and greet, I’m going to have another open microphone in front of Cuates y Cuetes on Thursday the 10^th at 2 in the afternoon. Just stop by and have a beer and chips and salsa with me and tell our listeners what you are doing in paradise. So you have two chances if you are in town, the 8^th at 6:30 or the 10^th at 2 in the afternoon in front of Cuates y Cuetes. Okay let’s get to the interviews.

Fredy's Tucan, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

[caption id="attachment_2993" align="alignleft" width="300"] Fredy's Tucan, Puerto Vallarta, México[/caption] The first time I came to Puerto Vallarta in 1984, we were staying at the Hotel Playa Los Arcos, right in the heart of the Southside of Vallarta. Things were very different back then. There were no condos, far fewer cars, more mules and donkeys on the streets. It was a crazy time don’t get me wrong. It was the 80’s for goodness sake. I don’t know how, but we ended up spending an inordinate amount of time at the bar at the Tucan. The Tucan was attached to the Hotel Posada de Roger. We weren’t staying at their Posada de Roger, but we had met some Canadian friends who were, so I suppose that’s how we found it in the first place. The hotel was a basic Mexican hotel with rooms facing in to a courtyard and pool area. We did a lot of drinking at the Tucan. Racilla and 7 poppers, shots of tequila, I remember watching lots of sporting events there on the TVs. [caption id="attachment_2994" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Fredy Garcia, Fredy's Tucan, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] And in the mornings, the Tucan would serve one of the best breakfasts too. It was quite a surprise for what I considered a dive bar, but it was one of our favorite little breakfast spots. I have pictures of the old brochure which I will have in the show notes so check out how this place looked in the 80’s. but over the years, as Vallarta changed, so did the Tucan. They put windows all around what was once a very dark place, opened things up, added much needed air-conditioning, and just created a wonderful space where thousands of visitors to Puerto Vallarta, eventually make their way to Fredy’s Tucan.  Mariscos  When you walk up to Fredy’s there is almost always a line but don’t let that deter you, if goes really fast. They have water and coffee for you while you wait, a nice touch, and best of all, when you reserve your table at the door, you are talking to the guy you are going to hear from right now. That’s right, the boss man himself, Fredy Garcia will be there at the door of Fredy’s Tucan, with a big smile on his face. He always recognizes his clients who return year after year to the Mecca of the Vallarta breakfast Restaurant scene, the place where when you sit down, a waiter comes up and plies you with a sweet treat from a pastry tray just to start things off right. Oh my, I’m getting hungry. So, let’s go right now to Basilio Badillo 245, Emiliano Zapata, neighborhood, on the Southside of Puerto Vallarta, and meet Fredy Garcia, you know him as Fredy, from Fredy’s Tucan. [caption id="attachment_3022" align="alignleft" width="300"] Fredy Birthday Picture[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_3021" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Famous Fredy's Rolls To Start Your Perfect Breakfast[/caption]

Fredy's Suggestions

Favorite Restaurants

• La Dulce Vida on the Malecon    Fredy #3 loves the pizza there
• El Brujo, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Mariscos Polo's, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Kensao, Sushi and Bar Puerto Vallarta, México

Favorite Day Trip

• San Sebastian del Oeste in The Summer 
• Bus to Boca and Hike or Panga to Las Animas

[caption id="attachment_3018" align="alignleft" width="300"] Hotel Posada De Roger Courtyard[/caption] Love Fredy and I love his restaurant. Such great memories. I have pictures of his food, the restaurant and the Posada de Roger, in the Show notes so check them out for sure and don’t miss having at least one breakfast at Fredy’s Tucan, while you are in Puerto Vallarta. [caption id="attachment_2996" align="alignnone" width="300"] Posada de Roger[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3019" align="alignright" width="300"] Hotel Posada De Roger[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3020" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Hotel Posada De Roger Pool[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3044" align="alignright" width="169"] 1980 Brochure Hotel Posada De Roger, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_3042" align="alignnone" width="169"] 1980 Brochure Hotel Posada De Roger, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3041" align="alignnone" width="169"] 1980 Brochure Hotel Posada De Roger, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3043" align="alignleft" width="169"] 1980 Brochure Hotel Posada De Roger, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]

Contact Information for Fredy's Tucan, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

• Address: Basilio Badillo 245, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México
• Phone: +52 322 -223- 0778
• Website: http://fredystucan.com/
• Facebook:http s://www.facebook.com/fredystucanpuertovallarta/

Roberto's Original Puerto Nuevo Seafood Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta

[caption id="attachment_2985" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Roberto's Superb Seafood, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] My next guest is a multifaceted man. Roberto Castellon has a restaurant on Basillio Badillo Called Roberto’s Original Puerto Nuevo Superb Seafood. I asked JR to introduce me to Roberto and we walked over to Roberto’s, and he introduced me, and I proceed to go into my spiel about what I do, and how I wanted to interview him about his story and his restaurant, and Roberto stood there very patiently and in the end I asked, Me entiendes? And he said, well Barry, I speak English pretty good. [caption id="attachment_2987" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Roberto's Superb Seafood, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] I look over at JR, and he is just laughing. Thanks dude. So, we set up a time to talk and I came back later that evening. While I waited for Roberto to finish tending to some of his guests, I couldn’t help but notice the care he took, listening to them. All of them by the way, seemed to know him personally. It was like all of these people were friends. Long lost friends in some cases with warm hugs and bug smiles. Like old friends taking off from where they left off last rear. He and his wait staff the same. You could tell this was a very special place. The space itself is not too big, linen tablecloths, cloth napkins, nice stemware, soft music, romantic lighting. Just a lovely space. [caption id="attachment_2988" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Ready to Record at Roberto's Superb Seafood, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] And you are going you see that Roberto’s story, is a very special story. His path took him many places, and it takes us right now, to Basillio Badillo 283 in the Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood on the Southside of Puerto Vallarta, Roberto’s Original Puerto Nuevo Superb Seafood, Roberto Castellon. What a great story and what a nice guy. I’m going to check out his salsa classes when I get into town and for sure, I’m going to come back for a wonderful meal at Roberto’s Original Puerto Nuevo Superb Seafood. You have to try it you guys. I have pictures and links to the restaurant, and the things Roberto talked about in the Show Notes to this episode of the show, so check it out! [caption id="attachment_3153" align="alignright" width="300"] Roberto's Original Puerto Nuevo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3026" align="alignleft" width="300"] Mexican Seafood Enchiladas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3030" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Roberto's Original Puerto Nuevo Superb Seafood Puerto Vallarta, México[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3156" align="alignleft" width="225"] Roberto's Original Puerto Nuevo[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3155" align="alignright" width="300"] Roberto's Original Puerto Nuevo[/caption]

Roberto Castellon's Suggestions

[caption id="attachment_3029" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Shrimp[/caption]

Breakfast:

• Fredy's Tucan, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Dianita, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Serrano's Meat House, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Noah's Cafe Bar, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Lunch:

• Home a Healthy Salad

Favorite Getaway For The Day

• The Mountains
• Up the River Cuale
• Nogalito, Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, México

Advice to a First Time Traveler to Puerto Vallarta

• Don't be afraid. Vallarta is a very safe place
• Don't go to the ends of town at night

For Fun Go Salsa Dancing

• La Bodeguita del Medio

[caption id="attachment_3031" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Roberto's Original Puerto Nuevo Superb Seafood Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]

Contact Information For Roberto's Original Puerto Nuevo Superb Seafood in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

• Address: Basilio Badillo 283, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México
• Phone: +52 322 223 2266
• Website: http://robertospv.com/restaurant.html

[caption id="attachment_3027" align="alignleft" width="300"] Roberto's Original Puerto Nuevo Superb Seafood[/caption] So, this week I gave you breakfast and dinner. How about that? Both places will knock your socks off for a reasonable price. Take my word for it. Okay, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. [caption id="attachment_3028" align="alignright" width="300"] Roberto's Original Puerto Nuevo Superb Seafood[/caption] And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you [caption id="attachment_3036" align="alignright" width="300"] Roberto's Puerto Vallarta Clams[/caption] must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes. [caption id="attachment_2986" align="alignright" width="300"] Roberto's Superb Seafood, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3035" align="alignleft" width="300"] Roberto's Puerto Vallarta[/caption] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. [caption id="attachment_3037" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Roberto's Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3038" align="alignleft" width="300"] Roberto's Puerto Vallarta[/caption] So, thanks to Fredy Garcia from Fredy’s Tucan and thanks to  Roberto Castellon from Roberto’s Suburb Seafood, both on Basillio Badillo, Don’t miss the pictures and the links in the show notes including maps on how to find them, and hey, thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

Ramadas are palapas on the beach where fresh seafood if served family style. Ramada Sabino Ron has been in Boca de Tomates, Puerto Vallarta for over 70 years. It's true Vallarta living.

Real Estate outlook for Puerto Vallarta Mexico 2020 with agents, immigration attorney, builder and home inspector, and local Puerto Vallarta Private schools.

J.R. returns after an absence from the show and we are going to talk about Street Dogs and bugs, then I have two interviews from JR’s Meet and Greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse. One with a couple of listeners Todd and Ginette from Canada, and the other an interview with the owner of Kelly’s Pour Favor, another Canadian Kelly Gauthier, but first, let’s see what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, April 4^th, 2018.

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[caption id="attachment_2779" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cantina[/caption] Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico.   That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, [caption id="attachment_2022" align="alignright" width="300"] Vista Grill on The Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] The El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends!  

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This week I have a really fun show. JR returns after an absence from the show and we are going to talk about street dogs and bugs, then I have two interviews from JR’s Meet and Greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse. One with a couple of listeners Todd and Ginette from Canada, and the other an interview with the owner of Kelly’s Pour Favor, Kelly Gauthier, but first, let’s see what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, April 4^th, 2018.

Spring Break and Pascua in Puerto Vallarta

Spring break continues here in Vallarta as Mexicans celebrate Pascua this week. The week following Easter Sunday is called Pascua, which is the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Pascua marks the release from the sacrifices of Lent. So, your 40 days of giving up tequila shots is over, and you can return to your own old ways of drunkenness and debauchery. And if you are in Vallarta this week, things are settling down from last week’s crowds and party madness. Still very busy this week don’t get me wrong, just not anything like last week. Still party party party, just a great time to be in Puerto Vallarta.

Taking UBER In Puerto Vallarta

Last week I said I would talk to you about taking UBER in Vallarta. Thought I would give you my report about my experiences. First off, I didn’t go all out and hail an Uber the minute I got off the plane, but if you want to do that, you can. You have to get off airport property to be picked up, so you have to cross the bridge over highway 200 with all of your luggage in tow, but you can do it. It’s much cheaper, but do you want to schlep all your belongings out of the terminal, go up the steep ramp to the bridge, then down the equally steep side coming back? In the tropical heat after a long plane ride? Well, to each his or her own I guess. [caption id="attachment_1463" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Bridge at Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1465" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Bridge at Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1464" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Bridge at Puerto Vallarta Airport[/caption] What I used Uber for was when I wanted to get from my Airbnb over in the Downtown area to let’s say, the southside late at night, like 11 or 12 AM, I checked the price which was like 30 or 40 pesos and just had to do it. The driver came almost instantly in a really nice white Nissan Sedan, and picked me up right in front of the condo and dropped me off at Andales. On the way back, I took a cab. So, it’s not like I used it all the time, in fact, just a couple of times but it worked really well.  Just remember the things that we have talked about in the past and that is, don’t put yourself or the Uber driver in danger by hailing them in front of Hotels, Taxi Stands, Streets that dead end into the Malecon and such, these are places where taxis congregate, and you just don’t want to tempt fate. That’s why summoning one from my Airbnb condo was not a problem. No taxi cabs hanging around. Also remember that although Uber drivers do cross state lines from Jalisco into Nayarit, they can only drop off in Nuevo Vallarta, they can’t pick up. So you will be taking a taxi home, not an Uber if you have crossed state lines. So next time you go to PV, make sure you have the Uber app downloaded on your phone and get your credit card all hooked up, and do it. You don’t need pesos, it’s cashless so no need to have proper change you know, It does come in handy for sure.

J.R.'s Meet and Greet at Pour Favor Time Change

Just a reminder that the clocks sprang forward on Sunday so that means that JR’s Tuesday evening Meet and Greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor [caption id="attachment_2796" align="aligncenter" width="763"] J.R in P.V.[/caption] Saloon and Cookhouse is now at 6:30 and not 5:30. So make a note, if you want to see JR in all his glory, and you have questions for him, you can always catch him there at Pour Favor Tuesdays. Just stop by, have a drink, buy him one, listen to some rock and roll and have fun.

J.R.'s 78th Birthday at Que Pasa April 22nd

Speaking of JR, his birthday bash is coming up this month April 22 at Que Pasa, starting at 5 in the afternoon. Sylvie and the Zippers will be [caption id="attachment_2773" align="alignright" width="651"] JR's Birthday Party[/caption]     playing, JR’s turning 78 you guys! I can’t believe it! Anyway, there is new ownership at Que Pasa and I can’t wait to get down there and see how he is running the place. Maybe he’ll talk with me who knows. But if you are in town, go wish JR a Happy 78^th birthday. Buy him some drinks, bring him gifts, cash, whatever you have. I have information and the flyer to the party in the show notes of this episode so check it out and get down to Que Pasa and dance and drink and celebrate with my buddy JR. Okay, let’s get on with the show.

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J.R in PV About Ants and Stray Dogs in Puerto Vallarta

[caption id="attachment_2782" align="alignright" width="300"] Coco the Dog, King of Olas Altas[/caption] When I come to PV, one of the first things I do, is hook up with JR and have a drink at the Thirsty Cougar, or Bar La Playa and talk about my plans for my visit. JR is my go to guy when I need some great ideas for interviews as you know. And he is always there to introduce me to people I want to interview, but don’t know well enough.  So we usually catch up on local gossip, coordinate an outing or two, and then touch base along the way. I was hanging at his place and we started to talk about stray dogs and bugs in Puerto Vallarta, and I didn’t have my recorder with me. I hate it when that happens. So, I asked him to hold that thought till I got home. I hooked up with him the other day, and we talked about little ants, and stray dogs and famous Street dogs in town, so let’s get to Puerto Vallarta Mexico and talk with the birthday boy himself, John Russell, JR in PV.

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[caption id="attachment_2783" align="alignnone" width="300"] Scooby Doo Alaska Diner[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2812" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] My Favorite Vallarta Stray Dog[/caption] All right, I have pictures of Scooby do and Coco the dog in the Show Notes for this episode. Funny, the two dogs look like they could definitely be related. Now for the recipe for the Borax and sugar solution for the sugar ants Wiki how says… Mix 1/2 C sugar, 1 1/2 Tbsp Borax, and 1.5 C warm water. Soak cotton balls in the mixture, and put them out near the mess of ants. The sugar attracts the ants, and they'll take the Borax with it back to their home. If you have small children or pets, be sure that you keep them away from the Borax, and always wash your hands after using. Note: Thanks to several commenters who add that: If your ants don’t seem to be attracted to sugar, try mixing in some peanut butter instead. They may have a savory tooth rather than a sweet tooth! Just like people, insects are all different… I have a link to the recipe in the show notes. https://www.mashupmom.com/yes-borax-got-rid-of-the-ants/

Listeners Todd and Ginette From Alberta Canada

Next up, I always join JR when I’m in town for his Meet and Greet, and piggyback on his event and invite listeners to let me know what they are [caption id="attachment_2768" align="alignright" width="480"] Todd and Ginette on a PV Bus[/caption] doing in Paradise. I even offered t shirts this time. Well, I had just set up microphones and a band was warming up when two listeners came in and introduced themselves, they were Todd and Ginette from Alberta Canada and I think we were both well the three of us were equally excited to be meeting one another. I gave them t shirts, and almost immediately Todd disappears and reappears with the t-shirt on. I love that guy! Anyway, I asked them if they wanted to tell us what they were doing in Vallarta and they said yes! So let’s hear from listeners Todd and Ginette from Pour Favor Saloon and cookhouse in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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So I have all the tips from Todd and Ginette in the shownotes and she also emailed me her favorite coffee places. They are…. La Bodeguita del cafe Calle Panama 117A col. 5 de 322 223 8040 cell. Labodeguitadelcafe.com.mx Dee's Coffee Southside of Puerto Vallarta Page in the Sun Southside of Puerto Vallarta Check them out in the show notes. El Nogalito Puerto Vallarta Community Center Project [caption id="attachment_2774" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] El Nogalito Project Website[/caption] Places They Have Stayed:

• Riu, Nuevo Vallarta
• Royal Decameron, Bucerias
• Garza Blanca, Puerto Vallarta
• They Love the Cinco de Diciembre Neighborhood

Favorite Places to Eat

• La Cigale French Bistro
• Kelly's Pour Favor
• El Rio BBQ, Paso Ancho
• Pepe's Taco, Puerto Vallarta
• All the Taco Stands  Favorite is Tacos La Hormiga Next to Guadalajara Farmacia and Near the Pier
• Or just beer and a bag of cookies on the beach!

Advice to First Time Visitors: Stay in Puerto Vallarta, not Nuevo Vallarta [caption id="attachment_2809" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Tacos La Hormiga, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2810" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Tacos La Hormiga[/caption]

Kelly Gauthier of Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse

[caption id="attachment_2793" align="alignright" width="221"] Kelly Gauthier[/caption] Now the next interview is with the owner and chief bottle washer at JR’s favorite Meet and Greet location, Kelly Gauthier. Kelly was a real surprise. She has a heart of gold as you will find out. She loved Vallarta so much, she set out to improve on a place that was already there, and transform it into a cozy place that would be your home away from home, your family in a strange land, and a place where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner, get live music and even have a great view overlooking Lazaro Cardenas. It has a rooftop patio with bar, and music, and great seating, well you just have to see it, and you just have to hear from Kelly so let’s go to the new second story patio bar at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse, on the Southside of Puerto Vallarta and meet Kelly Gauthier! [caption id="attachment_2802" align="aligncenter" width="844"] Vallartainfo.com[/caption]

Address for Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse

• Lázaro Cárdenas 245, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
• Phone 52-322-107-1252
• Kelly's Pour Favor Facebook Page

Kitchen Specialties are

• Ribs
• Meatloaf
• Fish and Chips
• Enchilada Dip
• Canadian Breakfast with eggs, bacon and pan fries for 59 pesos

Kelly's Favorite Places

• Beach Bar La Coretta, Puerto Vallarta
• No Way Jose, Puerto Vallarta
• Barcelona Tapas, Puerto Vallarta

Advice For a First Time Visitor to Puerto Vallarta

• Don't stay in an all inclusive

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La Trez Cuartoz at Kelly's Pour Favor

Produced by Bob McCuaig

[caption id="attachment_2775" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse[/caption] That should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. [caption id="attachment_2780" align="alignright" width="300"] Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2784" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. [caption id="attachment_2786" align="alignright" width="300"] Upstairs Lounge at Pour Favor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2788" align="alignleft" width="300"] Upstairs Lounge at Pour Favor[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2787" align="alignright" width="300"] Upstairs Lounge at Pour Favor[/caption] And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes. [caption id="attachment_2776" align="alignright" width="300"] Daily Special Board at Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2772" align="alignright" width="293"] Mural at Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2777" align="alignright" width="300"] Menu Board at Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2770" align="alignright" width="231"] Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]   And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. [caption id="attachment_2792" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Stairway to Upper Deck[/caption] So, thanks to JR, and Ginette and Todd, and to Kelly Gauthier. Stop by and have a meal, a drink, catch JR at a Tuesday Meet and Greet, catch a live band every night! La Trez Cuartoz Tuesdays to top off the meet and greet. Man o man! And that upstairs patio. I love it up there. It’s way cool. [caption id="attachment_2791" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The Street Below Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse[/caption] I have pictures of it in the show notes and I have links to Kelly’s and maps and links to all the things that Kelly, Ginette and Todd talked about too so check it out!   And hey, thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos! [caption id="attachment_2794" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Kelly Gauthier[/caption]

A Stolen Paradise, The True Story About the Making of the Night of the Iguana.

An Interview with Author Howard Johns

Next, I have added a new page to the website and I’m very excited about this, it has all of the best Webcams in Puerto Vallarta. Some of these cameras are great for watching a sunset right from your Barcalounger at home so go to www.puertovallartatravelshow.com and click the webcam tab and catch your Puerto Vallarta sunset today and if you have a favorite webcam that I have missed, just send me a link and I will add it for you. The more the merrier right?

Click Here to Learn To Count to 100 in Spanish  

The Characters

These 7 Color Photos Used with Permission From the Author

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That was a fun interview wasn’t it? I can’t wait for the book to come out. Waiting, Waiting, Waiting… For more information about Howard Johns, you will find his Bio and links to his website at the bottom of this blog post. 

New Federal Taxi Rates From the Airport to Your Hotel Accomidation Destination

ABOUT HOWARD JOHNS

TELEVISION APPEARANCES

PALM SPRINGS LIFE MAGAZINE

PREVIOUS ACCLAIM FOR HOWARD JOHNS

Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta Along the Bahia de Banderas begins around the first week of December. We interview Astrid Frisch Jordan of Ecotours de Mexico, Puerto Vallarta and find out about the humpback whale migration to the bay. Also, Revolution Day Celebrations in Puerto Vallarta, listeners questions answered and more.

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    Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. [caption id="attachment_196" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! Today we are going to be talking about whale watching in Puerto Vallarta with Astrid Frisch Jordan from Ecotours de Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, [caption id="attachment_1982" align="alignright" width="200"] Ecotours de Mexico[/caption] but first, let’s see what’s happening this week, the 22^nd day of November, 2017.

Revolution Day Celebrations in Puerto Vallarta

[caption id="attachment_1959" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Revolution Day, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Puerto Vallarta, as well as All of Mexico Celebrates Revolution Day The 3^rd Monday of every November This holiday celebrates the beginning of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. The holiday itself commemorates the day, November 20th of 1910, when Madero denounced President Díaz, declared himself president of Mexico and called for a national insurrection. The History of the Mexican Revolution [caption id="attachment_1987" align="alignleft" width="223"] General Porfirio Diaz[/caption] I got this information from a website called office holidays.com and I have a link to it in my show notes. If you want to know about Mexican, Pilipino, Mozambiqueian, holidays, they have them listed. Someone went through all that trouble so check that out. Anyway, a little history about Revolution Day for you all, and by the way, take note of the names you are hearing here. Names of many of the streets you will find not only in Downtown and on the Southside of Vallarta, but in almost every town and village in Mexico it seems. But here we go…. For most of Mexico's developing history, a small minority of the people were in control of most of the country's power and wealth, while the [caption id="attachment_1960" align="alignright" width="300"] Revolution Day, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] majority of the population worked in poverty. As the rift between the poor and rich grew under the leadership of The President, General Porfirio Díaz, who was the hero of the battle of Pueblo, the holiday celebrated on cinco de mayo. Well Diaz really was a repressive dictator who ruled over Mexico for almost 30 years, from 1884 to 1911. The poor were brutally treated during that period of time.  Opposition of Díaz did surface, when Francisco I. Madero, educated in Europe and at the University of California, Dude went to Cal Berkley, go figure, anyway, Madero led a series of strikes throughout the Mexico. Díaz was pressured into holding an election in 1910, in which Madero was able to gather a significant number of the votes. Although Díaz was at one time a strong supporter of the one-term limit, he seemed to have changed his mind and had Madero imprisoned, feeling that the people of Mexico just weren't ready for democracy. [caption id="attachment_1962" align="alignright" width="247"] Francisco I. Madero[/caption] Once Madero was released from prison, he continued his battle against Díaz in an attempt to have him overthrown. During this time, several other Mexican folk heroes began to emerge, including the well-known Pancho Villa in the north, and the peasant Emiliano Zapata in the south, who were able to harass the Mexican army and wrest control of their respective regions. Díaz was unable to control the spread of the insurgence and resigned in May, 1911, with the signing of the Treaty of Ciudad Juárez, after which he fled to France. Madero was elected president, but was opposed by Emiliano Zapata who didn't have time for the orderly implementation of Madero's planned land reforms. So in November of 1911,  Zapata denounced Madero as president and took the position for himself. He controlled the state of Morelos, where he chased out the estate owners and divided their lands to the peasants. Later, in 1919, Zapata was assassinated by Jesus Guajardo acting under orders from General Pablo Gonzalez. But that’s another story. [caption id="attachment_1988" align="alignleft" width="276"] Benito Juarez[/caption] Unfortunately, during this time the country split into many different factions, and bands of guerillas roamed across the country destroying and burning down many large haciendas and ranchos. Madero was later taken prisoner and executed, and the entire country was thrown into a state of disorder for several years, meanwhile Pancho Villa was rampaging through the north, and different factions fought for presidential control. [caption id="attachment_1963" align="alignleft" width="218"] Venustiano Carranza[/caption] Eventually, Venustiano Carranza rose to the presidency, and organized an important convention whose outcome was the Constitution of 1917, which is still in effect today. Carranza made land reform an important part of the constitution which resulted in the ejido, or farm cooperative program that redistributed much of the country's land from the wealthy land holders to the peasants. The ejidos are still in place today and comprise nearly half of all the farmland in Mexico as well as much of the land surrounding the Puerto Vallarta area. So how do they celebrate Revolution Day in Puerto Vallarta? They close the schools and make it a holiday of course with parades including military processions, school children, social clubs, everyone gets into the action. So if you ever find yourself in Vallarta this time of year, just another holiday to celebrate, that’s all! [caption id="attachment_1989" align="alignright" width="284"] Emiliano Zapata[/caption] Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe Speaking of Holidays and celebrations, Coming up Next week we are going to be talking about the upcoming 13-day pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral. Traditionally it’s 12, but in Vallarta, they do 13, so stay tuned for that, and if you are in town the pilgrimage begins on November the 30th and extends then for 13 days culminating on the 12th of December. [caption id="attachment_1974" align="aligncenter" width="2988"] Inglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe[/caption] I was checking my Twitter feed the other day and say that I missed a few tweets from listeners David and Lucia Garcia, from Miami Florida who were visiting Vallarta with their two young daughters. I’m sending them a microphone to hear about their adventures with children. Something I haven’t done yet, hear from you families who come to paradise on vacation. Looking at their photos, they did a lot and look like they really had a great time. We are going to hear from them in a week or two so thanks David and Lucia, for agreeing to come on and share with the listeners your experiences in paradise with your kids.   It's Thanksgiving time and if you happen to find yourself in Puerto Vallarta for Thanksgiving, you will not have any problems finding the traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. Restaurants all over town are more than happy to accommodate all the tourists and expats who crave their carved bird with all the tastes of home. Of course, you can have that American grub, I’m sticking to the regular menu thank you very much! I can get turkey any time. Happy Hour Board [caption id="attachment_1975" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] JR's Happy Hour Board[/caption] JR has Revitalized his Happy Hour Board,…. Have a look at it by clicking on the link, and get happy! Really Happy! http://vallartainfo.com/hhb/ Last week we talked about Skips questions about buses, and I wanted to get to his other questions. I asked JR for some help here so here goes… Skip writes...I have been to Rhythms of the Night in Las Caletas. I see from a map that this is in the Yelapa/Las Animas beach area. Is this a private property or can a person take a panga there as well? JR answers..Officially every beach is public, (up to 50M from high water), but Las Caletas is controlled by Vallarta Adventures, all the infrastructure is theirs. So if you kayak in, no bathrooms for you. Skip writes...I love to hike and my brother in law and I  will be doing the Boca de Tomatlan-Las Animas hike that you video archived. Can a person hike to Las Caletas or Yelapa from Boca/ Las Animas? [caption id="attachment_1976" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Map Las Animas to Playa Quimixto[/caption] JR answers...Well Archie, John Huston’s chef, lived in Quimixto and, I think, sometimes hiked a trail, west to Caletas, but probably took a panga. Now Skip,  there is a trail that goes from Las Animas to Playa Quimixto. It's a good, easy trail and it will take you another hour or so. Lots of people hike to the falls from the beach from there. Just remember that many tourists have found that beach too, and lots of tours go there. From there, so you could hike there and then take a panga the rest of the way to las Caletas. and finally Skip writes...Somebody told me they rented horses and took them to Yelapa from Boca, but that was in a bar and alcohol may have been a factor in the accuracy of the aforementioned claim. JR answers...The horse story is BS. By the way, a Great bar on the way on the Boca - Las Animas hike, see my map. Okay skip, I hope that answers your questions. I can't wait to hear back from you about it that hike if you happen to take it that is. Okay let’s get to our guest.

Ecotours de Mexico

[caption id="attachment_1950" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Ecotours de Mexico, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] The first time I saw a whale in the Bahia de Banderas was 30 years ago. I was enjoying daiquiris with my buddy Chuck and his family, in this tower overlooking the ocean at the marina Vallarta, and I saw this huge whale, breach, just came right up out of the water. I couldn’t believe it! It wasn’t the alcohol either. [caption id="attachment_1969" align="alignleft" width="685"] Astrid Frisch Jordan[/caption] I don’t know if you remember my friend Eduardo Solarzano, he is my photographer for the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. He is available for his photography services you know. You can hear our podcast where we talk about restaurants and his services. [caption id="attachment_277" align="alignright" width="300"] Eduardo Solorzano. Photographer for the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show[/caption] Anyway, Eduardo told me about Astrid and Ecotours de Puerto Vallarta. Said I need to talk to her about the many tours they offer, but most of all, the whale watching tours she has, so I checked out their website and low and behold, they offer some terrific tour packages as well as the whale watching, and Astrid is a biologist, really knows her stuff and when you hear our conversation, you will find out that they do more than tours, they do important research too. Reall cool, so lets go right now to Marina Vallarta, to the offices of Ecotours de Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, and visit with Astrid Frisch Jordan.

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ECOBAC - ECOLOGÍA Y CONSERVACIÓN DE LAS BALLENAS

• Non profit Research ECOBAC PHOTO IDENTIFICATION of the Humpback Whale

Tours with Ecotours de Mexico Vallarta

Favorite Places to Eat

Dinner or Lunch

• El Barracuda, Puerto Vallarta
• Cuetos near the stadium
  Ocho Tostadas 

  Dinner

• El Arrayan
• Vitea, Puerto Vallarta

Breakfast

• Memos Pancake House 
• Fredy's Tucán 

 Favorite Getaway

• San Sebastián Del Oeste
• El Tuito
• Vallarta Botanical Garden:  Greatest Pizza
• Cruz de Huanacaxtle

 Banderas Bay Humpback Whale Disentanglement Network

ECOBAC WHALE FISHING NET DISENTANGLEMENT

CONSERVATION PROJECT

 

Support the Organization to Rescue Whales from Fishing Nets

 

DONATE

Contact Ecotours de Mexico Vallarta

• www.ecotoursvallarta.com
• Ecotours de Mexico Vallarta Facebook
• Ecotours de Mexico Vallarta Twitter

Astrid is a real pro. It was a delight to have met her and as I said, this company is doing more than business, they are doing research that benefits the whales. This research takes lots of time and effort, but they do it so they can give back, and I really like that. So thanks Astrid for what you do for these wonderful creatures! [caption id="attachment_1979" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Map Ecotours de Mexico[/caption]  

ECOTOURS DE MÉXICO, our office hours are:

Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

PHONE : + 52 (322) 20 921 95 / 22 266 06 / 22 331 30

What’s app 322 131 8474

EMAIL: info@ecotoursvallarta.com

Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message just like Skip did. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you [caption id="attachment_1956" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ecotours de Mexico Puerto Vallarta[/caption] must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes. [caption id="attachment_1982" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Ecotours de Mexico[/caption] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right.       [caption id="attachment_1957" align="alignnone" width="300"] Wild Dolphins[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1968" align="alignright" width="576"] Astrid Ecotours de Mexico[/caption]   So, thanks to Astrid Frisch from Ecotours de Mexico Puerto Vallarta. I think she was fabulous. This is a fantastic group. I have some great pictures in the show notes of  this episode of the show at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com. Thanks to JR for your answers and thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!                        

Sandee's Project is designed to rescue dog rescuers in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Then an interview with the manager of Casa Traditional Restaurant near the famous church in downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

A Day Hike From Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas Beach

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  Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be to introducing you to [caption id="attachment_194" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into The Vista Grill. That’s the Vista Grill that used to be up on the hill overlooking the city?  Well now it has a new vista and that is right on the beach where you get the same Vista Grill Menu, and the fantastic Vista Grill service and it’s right there on the beach with a dramatic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course at La Palapa you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. ! It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! Today we have a special show but first, what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 15^th of August, 2017. It’s hot and Humid in paradise and if check out the show notes to this episode, you will find a video I got from Puerto Vallarta News and you can see what I’m talking about when I talk about the wild, blow your mind crazy thunder and lightning that accompany these tropical rainstorms in the summer in Vallarta. Check it out. And if you have had a chance to check out the Cuates y Cuetes webcam, you’ll see some great lightning storms in the late afternoons. The Cuates y Cuetes cam is back in action and good to go. It has been unpredictable of late but they seem to have ironed out their issues. Gosh, I wish I could take up a collection from all you guys and buy these guys a super duper HD cam that would shoot in color and be all bitchen and cool and stuff. I mean, wouldn’t that be great. Set them up [caption id="attachment_57" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Puerto Vallarta Web Cams[/caption] with a great strong signal and we could just sit by our laptops and tablets phones, and get our Puerto Vallarta Fix until we return again in person that is. Now the webcam at Langostinos, the one that swivels around at all hours of the day and night takes approximately 1 and a half minutes to make the full rotation. Problem with that webcam is that it’s kinda herkey - jerkey. It sort of dances around and spends way too much time pointing into the restaurant than it used to. The old cam was fixed and shooting out towards the Los Muertos Pier, and it was the best for a sure sunset. But that has changed. Oh well. Guess we ought to be grateful for what we do have. You can find over 12 different webcams stationed all around the Bajia de Banderas at puertovallartatravelshow.com, or pvtravelshow.com for short at the top of the site click the webcam ta and check out what’s going on, on the ground In Puerto Vallarta this summer. Let me tell you. There’s lot’s going on in Vallarta this summer. A hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas Beach. [caption id="attachment_1314" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Click Map[/caption] A couple of you listeners have expressed your desire to hear more about day trips and excursions outside of Puerto Vallarta so I thought today we could talk about taking hike. A hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas Beach. This trip is going to take us south of Puerto Vallarta for a bus ride, a hike, a boat ride back from Las Animas to Boca, and then a bus ride home to Vallarta. You can do the whole thing and even more, or you can do just some of this trip and still have a great time so even if a vigorous hike isn’t in the cards for you, this episode still includes you too because I’m going to tell you how everyone here can have a good time doing all, or even part of this journey. So, let’s get started.

What You Will Need

• Good Hiking Shoes
• Cotton Clothing
• A Broad Rimmed Hat
• Sunglasses
• Insect Repellant DEET
• Sunblock
• A Towel
• Plenty of Bottled Water
• Bathing Suit Change of Underwear
• Camera
• Money/Pesos for bus/boat/food

Video Of The Hike

So first of all, let’s talk about the hike itself. If walking up and down stairs isn’t your thing, you aren’t going to like this hike. Period. Don’t even attempt it. You will [caption id="attachment_1291" align="aligncenter" width="608"] Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas Trail[/caption] need to be physically fit, not decathlon fit, but you should be someone who gets regular vigorous exercise, if that’s you then you can do this hike. The difficulty also is directly related to the weather conditions and the time of year you are in Vallarta. For example, I did this hike with my wife and twin brother and his wife last October, and well, it didn’t end well. The tropical heat and humidity was just too much for my hiking buddies, and the hike was even a challenge for me, well, maybe I’ll tell you that story in a little bit, but if I forget to get back to that tale, you can read all about it on my website just click the PV Stories tab and scroll down to the story I call “Mutiny on The Playa”.  Maybe I’ll remember to get back to that but back to the hike. The hike, if you are in reasonably good shape will take you anywhere from an hour and a half with short stops for water and rest, up to 2 ½ - 3 hours at a leisurely pace. [caption id="attachment_710" align="aligncenter" width="800"] A Hike From Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas Beach, or Mutiny on la Playa[/caption] Now if you are staying in town, you should have no problem finding the bus stop. If you’re coming from Nuevo or the Hotel Zone, take a cab into town or a bus if you are savvy enough  to get yourself to the corner of Constitution and Basillio Badillo. The bus stop is on the South East side of the street you will see a couple of orange and white buses lined up that say Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan on them, and you will see people lining [caption id="attachment_1316" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Map of the Mismaloya /Boca de Tomatlan Bus Stop[/caption] up to get on these buses. These buses leave in approximately 15 minute intervals. Now a warning to you all, if you go early in the morning, you are likely to be [caption id="attachment_1331" align="alignright" width="665"] Bus Stop For Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlan[/caption] competing with many a Mexican on his or her way to work out of the city. My suggestion would be to go after 9 in the morning, but if you are an early riser, you can try out the local flavor. You pick.  The bus ride is going to set you back 8 pesos so be ready for that. Remember, the driver will give you change; just don’t give him a 5oo peso note, or a 200 peso note for that matter either. The best advice I can give is to find a seat on the right side of the bus. That way, you will have a wonderful view of the coastline as you make your way south towards Boca de Tomatlan. The bus will be stopping all along the route. Keep in mind buses will stop, if they can, almost anywhere along the road, and by the way if you find yourself out along the road and need to have a bus stop for you, make sure you’re standing where the bus can stop safely, and point to the ground in front of you, while looking at the driver. According to JR, the bus will stop. Anyway, these buses fill up pretty fast as they make their way along the coast to Mismaloya. They are picking folks up from the hotels, and condos and resorts along highway 200 south, the Carraterra a Barra de Navidad. They stop at Mismaloya, about 30 minutes from PV, in front of the Barcelo Resort, then they move on down the [caption id="attachment_1311" align="alignright" width="300"] Boats at Boca de Tomatlan[/caption] road another 10 minutes to Boca de Tomatlan where the bus will park and let everyone off. When you are coming back, it’s right here that you will find that bus when you head back up north to town. Now once you gather all your belongings, you follow the road down a fairly steep street, all the way down to the new Malecon built along the mouth of the river, the Boca. You’re going to encounter  launcha guys, whanting to know if you want a ride to one of the beaches. These guys are there to whisk riders south of here to Las Animas, Yelapa and other coves and beaches along the coast. So let’s say you aren’t in the mood to hike or you can’t physically handle the hike, you can just have a meal at one of the beachside establishments in Boca, or you can negotiate a price to have the boat take you to Las Animas or Yelapa a little further south or any numberof covesand beaches along the coast beyond and before Las Animas. So you can just hop on a Panga and skip the walk, or you can have a bite to eat, then take that panga ride or you can just head back up the hill, find that Mismaloya bus and take her back to Vallarta, having actually been somewhere other than your hotel. See, I have something here for everyone like I promised. [caption id="attachment_1285" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Foot Bridge Over the River[/caption]     But hey, you are a brave and sturdy soul, you’re going to take that hike with me right? So let’s go ahead with the trek. By the way, if you just want to go on the hike with me from your barkalounger, I recorded the whole length of the walk, the entire hour and a half plus of the walk and you can find it in the shownotes to this episode of the show, or you can find it by clicking on the Video tab at the top of my website. First things first, whip out your bug repellant and apply it liberally so you don’t get eaten by mosquitos or black flies. You should consider stopping in one of the new bathrooms they built on the new Malecon there in Boca de Tomatlan. Take care of business because, there’s not really any place along the trail where you will get that chance to go potty again till you get to Las Animas, and believe me, that new bathroom on the new malecon in Boca [caption id="attachment_1283" align="alignright" width="300"] Boca de Tomatlan Malecon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1286" align="alignleft" width="300"] You Walk Right Past People's Homes Right on the Trail[/caption] is nice and clean. You have to pay a nice person at the door I think 5 or 6 pesos to get entrance, complete with a few sheets of toilet paper, but you get a sparkling clean toilet and bathroom to use. Not so much in Las Animas, So take care of business, make sure you have your water and you walk up the river a short distance until you see a bridge crossing the river. Along the way, to your left you will see where they are doing lots of building. They are building shops and what they hope to become a nice shopping area along the Malecon there. There is a sign post at the bridge with a number of colorful signs pointing across the bridge to Las Animas and Colomitos. There are usually some horses tied up near the bridge. You follow the signs across the bridge and you take a right, and start walking. The trail [caption id="attachment_1328" align="aligncenter" width="741"] Sign Post at the Foot Bridge[/caption] then proceeds to follow the bank of the river, working it’s way up as you walk up steps built into the path, actually you walk right past the front doors of houses built along the Boca. I kinda feel a little funny walking past the houses here because you get the feeling that you are just walking through their front yards and their front porches. It just feels a little weird, but to them, they are used to it. The path is marked pretty well but it’s a good idea to pay close attention as to where you’re going. It’s not hard to make a wrong turn, I mean, eventually, if you do make a wrong turn you will figure it out pretty quickly. Just backtrack and you will be just fine. This part of the hike along the mouth of the river really takes some time. Eventually you will reach a platform built for hikers to take in the sights of the boca and the beach you left behind. You can watch the pangas coming and going in and out of the Boca from this vantage point. It’s not a bad place to sit down and have a sandwich if you brought one. Have a drink, take some pictures, then head back up the trail.  As you get closer to the mouth of the Boca, that sounds stupid. Boca means mouth in Spanish. Okay so as you head up to the mouth of the mouth, never mind, you take the trail up inland cutting through the jungle, hiking up and down steps and stairs, the steepest parts even have built-in handrails to help us hikers climb those steep stairs [caption id="attachment_1266" align="alignright" width="300"] Steep Stairs[/caption] easier. Actually, it’s a pretty nice trail. Now the paths, which for the most part, depending on the time of year are pretty well marked, sometimes seem to disappear and you might need to stop and make sure you didn’t make the wrong turn. But just in case you do happen to slip up, every now and then you will encounter a rock or signpost marked Los Animas or Colomitos to help keep you on track. The Trail finally descends pretty steeply down to the first beach, Colomitos beach, home to the famous Ocean Grill Restaurant. This beach is beautiful. It’s not too big though and if you happen to hit this place on a busy hiking day, it may feel even a little tight. Over to your right as you descend to the beach, you’re going to see the Ocean Grill built into the cliffs. There’s also a raft, disguised as an island bobbing around out in front of the restaurant. It’s not for you. It’s for the folks eating in the restaurant so if you’re going to go for a swim, stay off. And just a warning to those of you Aquatians out there who can’t pass up a dip in the ocean; if you plan on continuing with your hike from here, do yourself a favor and change out of your wet bathing attire and dry off and put on dry clothes, before proceeding on your hike. You will get chaffed something awful if you don’t. Just a little warning to you from ma Kessler here. Bring a bathing suit if you plan on getting in the surf boys and girls. [caption id="attachment_1272" align="alignright" width="300"] Colomitos Beach[/caption] Now I need to tell you about the Ocean Grill. For starters, if you’re thinking hey I hiked in here, I think I’ll just have a bite to eat at the restaurant. Well gotta warn ya now, it aint happening. They won’t feed or water you here folks unless you have a reservation No reservation,  sa cha! Sorry Charlie. By the way, in case you are wondering, it’s pretty difficult to get a same day reservation at the Ocean Grill. Sometimes you need to plan an entire week out f you’re coming in high season. Check out their website if you don’t believe me. In fact; All reservations are made on line where they require a deposit. When you get on-line you get a choice of three seating times. You have the option of taking one of their private Pangas from Boca de Tomatlan to the Ocean Grille, or you can take that strenuous walk that I just described to you. If you do take the hike, make sure you have plenty of time to make that walk before serving time. Just saying! Maybe a 40-45 minute hike to Colomitos Beach. Anyway, a couple of items about the Ocean Grill, the owner has a Great Dane named Wilson. Wilson spends his days on the beach with the guests, and I have to say, that I never have had a chance to meet the grand Dane of the Ocean Grill, but I’m sure the 2 foot high dump I sidestepped on the beach undoubtedly belonged to Mr. Wilson. What a dog!   [caption id="attachment_1268" align="alignleft" width="300"] Colomitos Beach[/caption] The food at the Ocean Grill is excellent as are the tropical drinks they serve. So a trip to The Ocean Grill is an adventure all to itself and when I get a chance, I intend on doing a podcast from the Ocean Grill this winter. So, you could make that reservation a few days before the hike and walk in to the Ocean Grill, Eat and continue on, or just take their boat back to Boca after a swim in the cove and a bob on the artificial island. Again, you have choices and chances to cut the hike short, or continue along the trail. Food for thought. Once you have had enough of Colomitos beach, you look for the path leading up the other side of the playa, you cross the little stream and climb up the rocks to some stairs carved into the side of the cliff, and its back into the jungle for you. This part of the walk is pretty strenuous. Lots of steps and stairs leading up from the beach, then some dirt paths alternating with stone steps and stairs, and  funny looking wooden slat bridges that look kind of suspicious, but they are sturdy. I’ve taken them several times with the same result. I lived to tell the tale. Just watch your footing that’s all. Anyway the trail works it’s way down to another beach, this one bigger and broader. [caption id="attachment_1269" align="aligncenter" width="1184"] Colomitos Beach and the Ocean Grill[/caption] I guess I can tell you that story, the one about the hike with my wife twin and his wife now. Last October, I invited my bro and his wife Jill to Puerto Vallarta. Neither had ever been so I insisted they come along with us and we would treat. So I suggested we take this hike and they all seemed to be in. [caption id="attachment_1274" align="alignright" width="300"] Nice Vistas Along the Trail[/caption] Remember, it was October and it is HOT and HUMID. 91 degrees and it feels like 105, and the humidity, the worst! By the time we hit the Ocean Grille at Playa Colomitos, there are grumblings from my fellow travelers who begin to ask…are we there yet? Oh no! Now I’m really beginning to feel really bad about this. We are supposed to be out for a good time and I am beginning to believe that they think that we are on the Bataan Death March. “Can’t we just eat here?” asks my wife, gesturing to the Ocean Grille with its cute raft like island bobbing out front. “No, you have to make a reservation in advance to get in.” I explain. “The idea was to hike to Las Animas.” According to my recollection, the hardest part of the walk was still ahead of us and I had to break to news to them that we still had a long way to go. We begin to hike up the stairs from down on the beach, and continued into the jungle, then as I described earlier, down to next beach where we found the Catamaran Bora Bora, anchored with all of her partygoers and snorkelers ‘a partyin and snorkelin and lounging around the “secluded” beach. It is there where the mutiny took place. Gary took the initiative. He spotted the guy in charge of the landing party of the Bora Bora, and made a bee-line to him. “How far to Las Animas from here?” “About a 45 minute walk or so.” he is told. “How can we get a boat ride out of here? How much will it cost?” Gary asks. “That depends on the captain. Not sure, maybe 60 pesos each? Maybe 500 pesos total? I will keep an eye out and flag one down for you.” My brother asks, what’s your name? ”  “My name is Mr. Panda!” he proclaims. “Okay Mr. Panda, Gracias!” [caption id="attachment_1270" align="alignright" width="300"] Colomitos Cove and The Ocean Grill[/caption] You can’t imagine how terribly I felt then. I really wanted to finish the hike. I knew that we were already past the hardest part of the trip but I knew I could never convince these hearty travelers that they could make it. Alas, it was no use, they were spent and I could tell that they were going no further. I resigned to make the best of the bad situation and we cooled off in the ocean and waited for Mr. Panda to do his magic and whistle in a panga to pick up the tired gringos and deliver them to a palapa on a beach with an umbrella drink or cervesa, a bowl of chips and guacamole and a cavalcade of beach vendor selling everything from pies to plaster-of-Paris busts of Montezuma and lion’s heads and stuff and junk. And within 10 minutes as a result of a whistle and a wave from Mr. Panda, we had a boat slide up on the sand, parting the partiers just a bit while I negotiated the extraction. I asked the boatman if he could take us the rest of the way to Las Animas, and then wait for us for an hour and a half, then deliver us back to Boca for 500 pesos. He agreed and we all scrambled onto his launch and off we went, warm breeze blowing in our faces. Things were looking up for our party of four. [caption id="attachment_1254" align="alignright" width="300"] La Troza Beach Resort[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1255" align="alignleft" width="776"] La Troza Beach Resort on The Trail to Las Animas[/caption] He took us to Las Animas where we ate at a nice place where we were seated under umbrellas at a comfortable table. By then the mutineers were beginning to get the color back in their cheeks and they were slightly forgiving of moi, their evil taskmaster.  I apologized and promised to never make them go on a hike again. So that was in the heat of the off season, but this time of year, in mid-May, the weather was perfect. The humidity was way down and the weather was in the low to mid 80’s. It was considerably dryer in May than it was in October with all the rain. That was the most suprising part of the hike. How dry the vegetation was this time of year. Let’s face it, by May, Vallarta has been mostly dry since the end of October, so that’s dry. So there, a lesson to you and another chance to change up your itinerary should the hike prove to be too much for you. You can always stand on a beach, and summon a panga to extract you. Just don’t stand on some rocks and summon the poor fella, find a nice, soft sandy beach for him to slide up on. [caption id="attachment_1249" align="alignleft" width="300"] Mike's Beach Club Las Animas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1248" align="alignleft" width="300"] Mike's Beach Club Las Animas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1247" align="alignright" width="300"] Las Animas Beach[/caption]   Anyway, the rest of the trail flows alternatively into the jungle and along the sandy beaches. There are a few resorts and private homes you will walk past. Beautiful white sandy beaches and blue, blue ocean. You will climb up the path past a really, nice bar, the Hotelito Mio where you can stop, take a table and sit and sip a cold one before moving along a few hundred more yards south to Las Animas Beach. All along this long beach there are different beachfront establishments with lounge chairs set up, tables under palapas. Great places to sit, eat relax, play in the water, stroll down the beach. Lounge in a hammock. [caption id="attachment_1261" align="alignright" width="300"] Bar at Hotelito Mio[/caption] This place, depending on the season and the day of the week can be pretty crowded. For fewer crowds, always go on a weekday. Once you have had your fill, you can turn around and hike back, or you and do like I do, and walk over to the pier, walk to the end, line up to the right side of the pier and hop in a lancha with a bunch of your new friends, and hang on tight for your return ride, along the coast and back to Boca. Now here’s the thing, here’s where you are going to feel slightly bad because get this, that two hour hike you just took to Las Animas just took that panga ride less than 5 minutes! Less than 5 minutes! Uggh!! I actually have a video of that ride back right here in the show notes for this episode. So I have video of the 1 ½ hour trip by land, and then that 5 minute ride back by sea for you to check out. It’s cool to be able to retrace the hike from the water. But just 5 minutes? Sheesh! As you exit the boat, hand the pilot 60 pesos, and step off the boat onto the dock. From there, hit the bathroom one more time and head up the road, back up to the highway where you more than likely will see a bus waiting to fill up for the ride back to Vallarta. Hand over your 8 pesos and have a seat on the bus, this time, on the left side so you have that great view of the ocean, Los Arcos, the dramatic coastline, all the way back to Basillio Badillo and Constitution. Home Sweet Vallarta! [caption id="attachment_1312" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Barry & Debra at Boca de Tomatlan[/caption]   So that is the hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas Beach. A hike that you can do in any number of ways depending on your abilities. So let’s review

• The hike takes about 2 hours without stops but you will definitely want to stop and enjoy some of the beaches and views and maybe a refreshment along the way.
• At a minimum take water, towels, sunscreen, bug spray and a camera and wear good walking or hiking shoes.
• Catch the bus to Boca de Tomatlan from the stop in front of the OXXO at the corner of Basillo Badillo and Constitucion. About 8 ½ pesos.
• Once in Boca walk down the hill from the bus into town. You can buy drinks and snacks here for the hike and take a look around town.
• Make your way to the river and footbridge at the foot of town. There will be a post with a bunch of signs; one will point to Las Animas.
• The Panga ride to Boca back from Las Animas is approximately 60 pesos.
• The bus back to town is another 8 ½ pesos.

[caption id="attachment_1260" align="alignleft" width="1126"] Hotelito Mio[/caption]                   So do the whole hike, just part of it, or just come on the website and check out my videos and pictures, and feel what it’s like to do that hike. Just get out there, and have fun amigos. Okay, that should do it for this week’s episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show.                                         Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. [caption id="attachment_1262" align="alignright" width="300"] Hotelito Mio[/caption] And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So,  thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!    

Jose, The Muffin Man on The Malecon in Puerto Vallarta tells us about his job. Then an interview with Jose Luis Castellon Ramos, Known as The Most Honest Bandito on The Beach. He sells tours and has a great story. Also an interview with listener Ray D'Ascenzi from Chicago.

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listening to [caption id="attachment_2017" align="alignright" width="300"] Vista Grill on The Beach Romantic Dinner[/caption] is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends!         This week, I have three people to share with you. Two interviews from the beach in front of Cuates y Cuetes, and one guy who works along the beach that I want you to meet, if you haven’t met him already, but first, let’s talk a little about my visit to paradise. The Airbnb I chose is the same one I used last January. It’s in the El Cero neighborhood, just above Hacienda San Angel, Richard Burton's old

Video of Airbnb $36.00 US per night

digs, and around the block from Casa Kimberly, Elizabeth Taylor’s Villa. From here, I can drop into a number of different neighborhoods which is why I like it. It’s pretty quiet, but here’s the thing, it’s on a really steep hill so I don’t recommend it to those with mobility issues. I’ll have pictures and I’ll make a video too so look for it in the show notes, but if not yet, soon. Hey, I just got back from Mexico. So much to do at home. [caption id="attachment_2213" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Rooftop View Airbnb #2 Under $40 per night[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2214" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Airbnb #2 Under $40 per night[/caption]   Then, I moved to another Airbnb for the last three days of the trip, and I liked it too so I’ll see what I can dig up to share it with you too. It was just down the street from the other, totally different type of place, so I will get them into the show notes too.

Parque de Los Azulejos

[caption id="attachment_2207" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Tile Park PV[/caption] I also stopped by Lazaro Cardenas Park to check out the progress on Tile Park PV, Parque de Los Azulejos,and it is looking so cool! I purchased a tile, and if you haven’t, do it! Also you can participate in workshops, you can make a donation, you can buy a bench. Do it. Be part of Puerto Vallarta History. There’s a table set up every day in the park, and Nancy Page will be happy to help you out. Check out the progress in the pictures in the show notes for this episode and make your mark in Lazaro Cardenas Park! [caption id="attachment_2209" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Tile Park PV[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2208" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Tile Park PV[/caption]   Okay let’s get to the news of the last week or two and see what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta Mexico in January, 2018.

Three Kings Day in Puerto Vallarta

January 6th was Three Kings Day in Mexico, or in Spanish, Día de Reyes. What the heck is Día de Reyes? It celebrates the visit of the Magi, the three kings to Jesus in the manger, after following the light of a star to the Christ child, and they showered him with gifts. The first recorded Baby Shower in History you know that? Me neither, I just made it up. Just couldn’t help myself, sorry. According to the Wikipedia Page, some of the popular customs include ….include singing, chalking the door, having one's house blessed, consuming Three Kings Cake, a cake with a plastic baby Jesus baked inside or placed on the bottom somehow. And if you happen to be the one who gets it in your cake, you will have certain privileges and obligations. Like to see the dentist for that cracked tooth. But I digress oh yeah, where was ,I okay other customs include Winter swimming, Burrr as well as attending church services. It is customary for Christians in many localities to remove their Christmas decorations on Three Kings Eve (Twelfth Night) although those in other Christian countries historically remove them on Candlemas, the conclusion of the Christmas Season. According to the first tradition, those who fail to remember to remove their Christmas decorations on Three Kings Eve must leave them untouched until Candlemas, which falls on February 2^nd which is the second opportunity to remove them; failure to observe this custom is considered inauspicious. You know, somebody’s got to talk to my neighbor I’ll tell you. He’s positively inauspicious. Okay just a couple quick announcements.. JR asked me to remind you that it’s high season in Puerto Vallarta, and if you are looking to book a tour, through him of course, please try to book a couple of days early. Especially on the really popular ones like Rhythms of the Night. In fact, when you read the descriptions of the tours, he writes plainly if they book up fast, if they are popular, you know? So, book early, and book often with JR. He really appreciates your business and I have links to his website all over my website, or just why don’t you go to Vallartainfo.com. and check out all his pages. He has many great things including Maps that you should be printing out, he has the Happy Hour Board, he has the local bands entertainment schedule so much more, so just check it out, and book early, not last minute. [caption id="attachment_1975" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] JR's Happy Hour Board[/caption] I’ve been doing lots of interviews and I’m pretty sure you are going to like this coming season. I did a day trip to El Tuito and Mayto and Tehuamixtle that I may have to break up into two episodes cuz I met this cab driver, Javier from Mayto who has a great story. You will hear from him, and you will learn all about El Tuito and Mayto and Tehuamixtle from my interviewees in the Town of El Tuito where they are having celebrations right now. I have some letters and emails from you guys that I would like to share with you too, but I’m going to need to put that off for later too. There’s just not enough time to get it all in today because I want to get to the three interviews. The First interview you will hear is from a guy who has been selling his delicious pastries on the Malecon and on the beach for over 20 years. He is adored by many. His name is Jose, and he is known as The Muffin Man. [caption id="attachment_2193" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Jose, The Muffin Man[/caption] Jose always has a broad smile on his face and recognizes his clients who come visit him every year! He makes muffins of Banana, coconut, pineapple, Pina colada .Apple turnovers, strawberry cream pastries too. His brownies to die for. He makes these puff pastry gems, sandwiches with ham and cheese and jalapeno, Poblano chilis! So many to choose from! [caption id="attachment_2194" align="alignright" width="300"] Jose, The Muffin Man on The Malecon[/caption] Let’s talk to this man right now, Jose, the muffin man!

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You can find Jose in front of the Sea Monkey, right in front of the Vista Del Sol Condos. I have a map and like he said, he starts there and camps out from 8:30 to 10, then he walks the beach, all the way down to the end of Los Muertos, then back again. So, you have no excuse to miss him. I buy at least one more than I can eat, and always save it for later. Just sayin. Check out the pictures I have of Jose, the muffin man. [caption id="attachment_2204" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Muffin Man Map[/caption]   The second person you are going to hear from is a real character. His name is also Jose, Jose Luis Castellon Ramos and he is known as The Most Honest Bandito on the Beach…for now. Hey, that’s how it reads on his business card, and this guy is a real card. [caption id="attachment_2191" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Jose Luis Castellon Ramos[/caption] Jose was introduced by listener Cheryl who has a great story to tell too. But she brings up Jose and sits him down across the table from me and we had a conversation about what he does. So let’s go and hear from Jose Luis Castellon Ramos, The Honest Bandito …..   What did I tell you guys? A real character.

Jose's Information

Joseluicn@hotmail.com

Cell # 044-322-140-3926

The next interview is from a listener, Ray ---- and Ray came up with a big group who sat down at two tables next to us, and he sat down right in front of me, and he proceeded to tell me his Puerto Vallarta Story. And it’s a real good one. Both of these guys have good advice and very good stories, so lets go back to Los Muertos Beach, next to the Los Muertos Pier, in front to Cuates y Cuetes, with our toes in the sand, and the Coronas flowing….. Thank you, Ray,! Thanks for listening and coming out it the open microphone, it means the world to me. After the interview I had to get a picture of Ray, and all of his wife’s family. He was the only gringo in the house. I have pictures of both Jose and Ray, and Jose’s contact information if you are thinking about jumping out of a plane. Just make sure you have travelers insurance with the return of human remains writer attached. Just saying. Ha [caption id="attachment_2190" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Listener Ray D' Ascenzi's Family[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2189" align="alignright" width="300"] Listener Ray D'Ascenzi[/caption]   Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks to Jose, the Muffin Man, also to Jose Luis Ramos Castellon, and to you Ray, you have a great story man. I have pictures and links to Jose’ information in the shownotes, as well as links to the places we talked about, in the show notes at, www.puertovallartatravelshow.com, and Thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!  

Have you Ever Thought it Would be Fun to Sail a Sailboat from the West Coast of The United States to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? I interview two Adventurers, Captain Kirk and Heidi Hackler who with Their Two cats, Sailed to Marina Vallarta and now Live Aboard Their Sailboat, Due West, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

[caption id="attachment_3049" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Sailing a Sailboat From Seattle Washington to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with Captain Kirk and Heidi[/caption]

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listening to is [caption id="attachment_2017" align="alignright" width="300"] Vista Grill on The Beach Romantic Dinner[/caption] performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week I have a couple of adventurers who sailed their sailboat from Seattle Washington to Puerto Vallarta, and are now living in Marina Vallarta, but first, let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta, the 9th of May, 2018.  

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Down Vallarta BMX Bike Race

This podcast is coming to you from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where I am sitting in an Airbnb that is way up the mountainside, right above downtown Vallarta. The views from this condo are amazing, but you have to be part Mountain goat if you want to stay here. Luckily, I’m one of those goats, wait, that doesn’t sound right. Okay let me rephrase that. Never mind, you get it.

I don’t mind stairs too much but there are 51 steps, straight up to the condo. It’s on a street called Arroyo Del Pedregoso, it’s a street that’s too narrow for a taxi to make it up more than 100 feet up it. Then I walk up the street, which at night can be a little spooky, but the neighborhood is

actually very nice, and it’s right below the cross, that famous cross on the mount above Vallarta. And yes, the Down Vallarta BMX Bike Race,

[caption id="attachment_3080" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Rooftop Sunset in Puerto Vallarta From the Airbnb[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3079" align="alignright" width="225"] Arroyo del Pedregoso[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3071" align="alignright" width="225"] 51 Steps Up To The Airbnb[/caption]

exhibition is going to go right past the condo, and I’m going to film the goings on so I will bring you that to you next week, and have them in the blogpost and in the show notes for this show. I will have pictures of the Airbnb in the show notes for this episode of the show, Pics from the rooftop of the condo, and of that hike I take up and down those steps from the street, up to my condo. Have a look and tell me that you wouldn’t have a time hauling your luggage up them. Kinda makes you think twice about that, honey I’m just going to run down to the corner tienda for beer and ice. Then, next week my lovely wife will come into town and join me for a whole 4 days to celebrate our 30^th wedding anniversary a little early and I’m definitely going to find a different place, so I don’t get blamed for wrecking her knees, wearing her out, being cheap, like $32 a night cheap, and I’m pretty sure she would be a little creeped out walking up that narrow alley late at night, so I’ll let you guys know where I land. I’ll take pics of course and give you a full review of the place I’m in right now, next week so stay tuned!

[caption id="attachment_3074" align="alignright" width="300"] Top of The Steps, Nice Place[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3076" align="alignnone" width="225"] Inside the Airbnb Bathroom[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3077" align="alignleft" width="300"] Inside the Airbnb[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3073" align="alignleft" width="225"] 51 Steps Up To The Airbnb[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_3075" align="alignright" width="300"] Inside the Airbnb[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3081" align="alignleft" width="225"] Arroyo del Pedregoso[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3087" align="alignright" width="225"] Arroyo del Pedregoso[/caption]

The Weather is Warming Up

The weather is warming up, and the humidity is beginning to ramp up, but I’m a Southern Californian, and I can take the heat. Not bad really.

Great Meet and Greet at Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse!

Yesterday we had the Meet and Greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse, and we had quite a group there as well as some great [caption id="attachment_2942" align="alignright" width="300"] Meet and Greet May 8th[/caption] interviews on the rooftop patio at Kelly’s while the band Tequila Rush, played downstairs. That’s my friend, and friend of the show Steven Tenny’s band. I have an episode featuring Steven in the catalog, so google his name, and Puerto Vallarta, you will find it. So I’ll be bringing you those interviews next week, so again, stay tuned.

Date of the Open Microphone at Cuates y Cuetes  has Been Changed

Tomorrow is May the 10 and in Mexico, it’s Mother’s Day, and guess what, they are closing for Mother’s Day at Cuates y Cuetes, so we need to change the day for the open Microphone from Thursday the 10^th, to Friday the 11^th. So Open Microphone at Cuates y Cuetes, Friday, not Thursday from 2 till 4. Come join me for some beer, chips, guacamole and tell me what the heck you are doing in paradise. So, you if you’re in town. Stop on by! It’s going to be a busy week for me. I have lots of great interviews to do, and I’ve already gotten some real gems for you, so I want to get to the interview right away this week.

The Story of Captain Kirk and Heidi and Sailing Vessel Due West

Last January, I wandered down to the Marina Vallarta on a Thursday evening to experience the Evening Farmer’s Market, and wow its [caption id="attachment_3054" align="alignright" width="214"] Kirk & Heidi Leaving Seattle-Aug 2015[/caption] huge. The vendors line the marina on both sides of the walkway. There must have been, well, hundreds of vendors there. Some of them were the usual stuff you see in Mexico, and then there were the extremely unusual vendors, and I talked with a bunch of those people, recorded the and I’m going to bring you those interviews later in the year, when the Marina Vallarta Farmers market ramps up again in high season, but while I was walking around with my microphone, I ran into a couple who wanted to know what I was doing, and when I told them, they told me that they live on their sailboat that they sailed down from Seattle Washington, and I said hold on, we need to talk. I love sailing, and at home, I belong to a sailing club, The Fairwind Yacht Club, and we sail out of Channel Islands Harbor, in Port Hueneme where we are fortunate in Southern California, there is the Channel Island Marine National Park, an archipelago, a chain of islands just 11 miles off the coast. It’s so cool there, lots of dolphins and whales almost all year round. So yes, I have to admit, I have a soft spot for sailors, wait, that doesn’t sound right either does it? Well, I have lways wondered what it would be like to sail down to Puerto Vallarta from the States, haven’t you?  So, we arranged to meet on their sailboat the following Sunday evening to do the interview and bring you their story. [caption id="attachment_3055" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Sailing Adventures of Sailing Vessel Due West[/caption] So without any further to do, let’s meet these two adventurers and their two cats. By the way, throughout the interview you will hear the tinkle [caption id="attachment_3056" align="alignright" width="300"] Tosh & Tikka, Boat Cats[/caption] of a bell, that’s the cat. So, let’s go right now to Marina Vallarta, and go below deck into the cozy cabin aboard the Sailing Vessel, Due West ad chat with Captain Kirk & Heidi Hackler and cats Tosh & Tikka.

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    Weren’t they a great couple? I’m so glad they stopped me on the Marina that Thursday night. What a story. So you may be wondering if Captain Kirk and Heidi have sailed on to their next port right? Let me read to you from their latest blogpost…. Dated May 1, 2018 OK, we're getting a little gun-shy about making plans! As you've heard us say before, our plans are written in sand at low tide. But it seems that as soon as we write down any so-called plans, things start to go sideways on us. And this spring was no different. If you read our last post, we were planning to race Due West in Banderas Bay Regatta, and then head back up to the Sea of Cortez for a few months this spring. But the week before the regatta, just as MEXORC (another regatta) was happening here in the bay, Kirk found himself back in the hospital again due to an intestinal infection combined with electrolyte imbalance. No bueno! While it was a significant ordeal at the time, thankfully he's made another full recovery and we've learned a LOT about our own physiology, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the meantime. We've also learned about the MTHFR gene mutation (that may have played a part in causing Kirk's stroke last year), and that as we age the body doesn't always absorb all the nutrients it used to. Add to it all, that as soils become depleted of minerals many foods are much less nutrient rich than they used to be. Heidi wrote about all this on her Happy Well Lifestyle blog, which you can read here: Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency: Are You Deficient? If a holistic health coach and Capitán Kirk can be deficient, anyone can be. So we hope our experience and this article can help some of you. As you'll learn from Heidi's recent articles, we found that we're both deficient in several key nutrients--vitamins and minerals, plus protein. So along with taking supplements to help get our nutrient numbers back up more quickly we've had to become omnivores again. This dietary change hasn't been easy on us after being vegetarian/vegan for 30 years (Heidi) and 45 years (Kirk). Happily Kirk is thriving on eating meat and says he feels 10-years younger in just a few weeks! The jury is still out for Heidi, but she's sticking with it for now. As Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world", and we have a lot of change left to affect in this lifetime. So although we both became vegetarians for ethical reasons, if we need to eat some meat to help us get healthy again, then that's what we'll do...for now. These health setbacks along with continued engine issues has meant we won't be making another trip to the Sea of Cortez this spring after all. After the new timing belt was installed, and the freshwater and saltwater pumps were rebuilt and re-installed, the engine started right up. Yay!!.... Oh, wait... there's no water coming out of the exhaust?! Uh oh... And so when Kirk and our trusty engine mechanic Omar (and his assistant Tosh!) took another look, they found that our camshaft was broken--in three places!?! Something as strong as a camshaft should not break, especially not into three pieces! There is evidence to suggest that it was a faulty casting and was likely bad from the get-go, 28 years ago! So we're now working with Perkins UK, on getting a new camshaft. Until that happens, Due West is sitting in her slip, Jonesing to get out sailing again soon!! Thankfully Puerto Vallarta isn't such a bad place to be stuck... So, the adventurers are still in Puerto Vallarta. Huummm. That’s okay, I’d try to do the same thing on purpose. Link to Kirk and Heidi's Blog SV Due West

Captain Kirk and Heidi's Favorite Restaurants

Breakfast

• La Tostaderia Restaurant Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 
• Yogi Bar, Marina Vallarta

Lunch and Dinner

• Ocho Tostadas, Marina Vallarta Fish and Shrimp Tacos and Guacamole and Salsa
• La Terrazza di Roma, Marina Vallarta, Mexico
• Planeta Vegetariano, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Food Park PV Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

  [caption id="attachment_3053" align="alignright" width="300"] Due West-Sail[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3052" align="alignright" width="300"] Due West-Sail[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3051" align="alignright" width="300"] Bashing[/caption] You can read the entire post in their blog it’s called Due West Adventures, and you will find pictures of the great places they talked about in the Sea of Cortez, all along the and all along the journey. It’s really quite good. So, check them out. I have pictures of Captain Kirk and Heidi and links to their blog in the show notes, so check them out! Follow along and see if they can escape from the grip of Puerto Vallarta. It’s pretty strong, but hey, these adventurers need their next adventure, so best wishes to both of them, and my sincere wish, is for them to be able to finally hoist anchor and set sail to their next chapter in their adventure. [caption id="attachment_3061" align="alignleft" width="300"] Due West hauled Out Post Hurricane[/caption] Okay, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. [caption id="attachment_3069" align="alignright" width="300"] Sea Of Cortez fishing camp & pelican[/caption] Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you [caption id="attachment_3059" align="alignleft" width="300"] Due West Anchored San Carlos[/caption] must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes. [caption id="attachment_3058" align="alignright" width="300"] Beauty-at-Sea[/caption] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. [caption id="attachment_3067" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Sail-cats-on-deck[/caption] So, thanks  Captain Kirk & Heidi Hackler, Don’t miss the pictures and the links in the show notes subscribe to their blog and follow their adventures, and hey, thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

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A conversation with owner of Tunnel Road BBQ in Puerto Vallarta, Jimmy Plouff. Also we talk about the proposed hydroelectric Dam on The Rio Horcones, in Cabo Corrientes, above Boca de Tomatlan.

Huaracheria Faviola has been making handmade Huaraches in Puerto Vallarta Since the 1960’s. Huaraches Custom Made in Three Days at Huaracheria Fabiola Puerto Vallarta

Open microphone Meet and Greet Podcast at Nacho Daddy in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Learn to Dance the Salsa or The Tango in a Puerto Vallarta Nightclub with Dance Instructor Israel Andalon.

Israel also gives hiking tours. Hike to a Beach or Waterfall During the Day and Dance the Tango at Night with Israel Andalon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Vallarta Today is The Newspaper of The Bay in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We meet the 13 year old editor of the paper Maya Mercedes, and her dad Clark

The Hotel Mayto Paradise Club is Located Just South of Puerto Vallarta,  in Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco Mexico

A Meet and Greet for The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show at Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse. Meet Marty Juel from Indiana. His Lions Club is bringing an eyeglass exchange to the Lions Club of Puerto Vallarta.

Then we talk with Ian Tait From East Vancouver British Columbia. He has been coming to Puerto Vallarta since 1972. Both Marty and Ian tell us about their favorite Restaurants, and things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The [caption id="attachment_2017" align="alignright" width="300"] Vista Grill on The Beach Romantic Dinner[/caption] El Dorado Beach Club, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week I have a couple of listeners who came to the Meet and Greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse, both lovers of Puerto Vallarta, but first, let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta, the 14^th of May 2018.  

Restaurant Week PV May 15th till June 10th 2018

As I mentioned last week, restaurant week begins today May 15thth and goes all the way to June 10^th this year.

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From Vallarta Lifestyles

Vallarta Lifestyles Publishing Group established Restaurant Week in 2005 through an annual festival that takes place every year from May 15 – June 10. Restaurant Week features many of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit’s most coveted restaurants. Participating establishments offer innovative three-course menus, with three options available for each course. Since the prices are often discounted by up to 50%, dining out during Restaurant Week is not only more fun, but also much more affordable. Participating restaurants can choose to offer their special, Restaurant Week menu at $269, $399 or $466 pesos per person, tips and beverages not included. I have a link in the show notes for the directory of participating restaurants from Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine. https://restaurantweekpv.com/en/participantes Each participating restaurant has a restaurant week banner hanging outside so they are easy to find.

Down Vallarta 2018

[caption id="attachment_3097" align="alignright" width="300"] Getting Ready for Down Vallarta 2018[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3102" align="alignright" width="300"] Getting Ready for Down Vallarta 2018[/caption] The Down Vallarta BMX bike race took place on Sunday and I have pictures of the event and of the construction of the ramps, the trucks filled with dirt, and some pics of the event itself that I shot from the roof of the condo in the sky, the Airbnb I stayed in for $32.00 a night. I got some pretty good shots from there so check them out, and yes, it was a great spot to watch the action both Saturday for the trial runs, and Sunday for the real thing. [caption id="attachment_3099" align="alignright" width="300"] Getting Ready for Down Vallarta 2018[/caption] I was talking with the MC of the event a couple days earlier, and he told me the wrong time of the start, and listener Bill and wife were coming up to join me, but alas, I gave them the wrong start time and they just couldn’t get through, so sorry Bill, I still have beers chilling up here for you. [caption id="attachment_3108" align="alignright" width="283"] Down Vallarta BMX 2018 From my Airbnb in The Sky[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3110" align="alignright" width="300"] Down Vallarta BMX 2018 From my Airbnb in The Sky[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3109" align="alignleft" width="300"] Down Vallarta BMX 2018 From my Airbnb in The Sky[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3111" align="alignright" width="300"] Down Vallarta BMX 2018 From my Airbnb in The Sky[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3113" align="alignright" width="197"] Down Vallarta BMX 2018 From my Airbnb in The Sky[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3112" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Down Vallarta BMX 2018 From my Airbnb in The Sky[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3107" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Winner of the Event![/caption]

New Airbnb on The Beach

[caption id="attachment_3121" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Airbnb on The Beach[/caption]

And speaking of condo in the sky, my wife arrives tonight and I’m not going to make her climb the stairway to heaven, originally I had reserved this place up on Arroyo del Pedregoso for the first 10 days of the trip knowing that if I thought it would be a good fit for Debbie, I could extend the stay, but knowing that there were other choices out there, cheap enough for me, yet, good enough for her. So I hit the Airbnb site pretty hard and I found yet another place with no reviews, but it was described as being on Playa Camarones, which the picture clearly showed, and it [caption id="attachment_3122" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Airbnb on The Beach[/caption] looked like a pretty nice place from the pictures of course, and the guy was giving the first 5 to reserve a 20% discount, so I reserved the place for $191 for the 3 days so like, $63 a night. I know, splurging Barry? Well, yes. It’s going to be out 30^th wedding anniversary, so yeah. Anyway, if you haven’t used Airbnb, they don’t tell you the exact address of the place or even the street name until after you commit to it. You are shown the approximate location of the place, usually, I mean, some of these listings, the owner tells you where it is. But anyway, I pay for the place and guess where it is, above the Barracuda! So, I’m like, rushing to see what the hours of the place are, and they don’t open till 12 noon and they close early on Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday till midnight so it shouldn’t be too bad. I’ll have some more time to wander through that neighborhood in the Cinco de Diciembre Neighborhood. Of course I’ll take pictures and stuff and junk, and get back to you on the Condo with a review.

Puerto Vallarta’s 100 Year Anniversary

They are gearing up for the 100^th anniversary of the Municipality, The City of Puerto Vallarta, coming up May 31^st. The town is all abuzz with excitement as the date approaches. Things are very busy right now with restaurant week and the people already in town for the event. I’ll bring you more in the next show.

Screenshots of ATM in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Remember I had a listener ask about the ATM machines, how they are a little intimidating, well I took screen shots of the entire process, and I have the pics in the show notes for this episode, describing the whole thing with arrows and stuff and junk. Check them out. [caption id="attachment_3123" align="alignleft" width="300"] Enter Your Pin Number and Push Continuar[/caption]           [caption id="attachment_3124" align="alignnone" width="300"] Select Cash Withdrawal[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3126" align="alignleft" width="300"] Select Savings or Checking[/caption]         [caption id="attachment_3125" align="alignnone" width="300"] Do You Agree to Pay 31.32 pesos for the Service? About $1.60 US[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3127" align="alignleft" width="300"] Press Accept[/caption]         [caption id="attachment_3128" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sure You Want To Do It? Continue[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3130" align="alignnone" width="300"] Getting Ready To Pay You Pesos[/caption]           Okay, I’m in paradise, that’s enough of that, let’s get on with the interviews.

Meet and Greet Interviews at Kelly's Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse

I invited listeners to come join me and JR at Kelly’s Pour Favor Cookhouse and Saloon last Tuesday, and there were lots of people there, a nice crowd. I plied you with offers of t-shirts and the chance to pitch your business, to tell us what you are doing in paradise, you know the usual, and two listeners stepped up to the plate. The first is Marty Juel, from Indiana, and the second is Ian Tait. [caption id="attachment_3117" align="alignright" width="300"] Ian Tait[/caption] Steve Tenny and his band Tequila rush sent us upstairs to the Patio Lounge, and I set up the microphones, and we had a little chat. Let’s get to that right now…. [caption id="attachment_3116" align="alignleft" width="300"] Marty and Jeanine Juel at the Meet and Greet[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_3134" align="alignleft" width="300"] Lions Club in Puerto Vallarta[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_3136" align="alignright" width="225"] Lions Club in Puerto Vallarta[/caption]         [caption id="attachment_3141" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lions Club Puerto Vallarta From Inside[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3142" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Lions Club Puerto Vallarta From Inside[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3143" align="alignright" width="300"] Lions Club Puerto Vallarta From Inside[/caption] I have links to that Eyeglass Program. What a great opportunity to get involved in helping out right here in Puerto Vallarta. And good on you Lions Club. I have pictures of the outside, and Marty is sending me pics of the inside of the place. I always wanted to know about that place. Hey, maybe you might have plans to rent out a large facility while in town. Check out the pics for sure. And Ian, love his voice, and he has the greatest attitude. Both these guys are so much fun, and really, just typical of the kinds of people you meet in paradise. There’s tons of people who spend lots of time here in bars and on the beach, who are full of it. Information in mean. Thanks guys. [caption id="attachment_3138" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling Program[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3137" align="alignleft" width="300"] Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling Program[/caption] Okay, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes. [caption id="attachment_3146" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Lions Club Eyeglass Mission[/caption]   And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. [caption id="attachment_3147" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Lions Club Eyeglass Mission[/caption] So, thanks to Marty Juel and Ian Tait for coming down to Kelly’s Pour Favor for the meet and greet and sitting for an interview. Remember to check out the eyeglass exchange that the Lyons do. It’s all there in the show notes for this episode, and hey, thanks to all of you for listening all [caption id="attachment_3148" align="alignright" width="200"] Lions Club Eyeglass Mission[/caption] the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!          

Marty Juel

• Indiana Lions Club, District 25-G
• Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling Program

Places Marty Stayed

• The Melia Vallarta
• Playa Los Arcos, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Plaza Mar, Puerto Vallarta, México

Places to Visit in Puerto Vallarta

• The Puerto Vallarta Zoo
• Vallarta Botanical Garden

Places Marty Likes to Eat

• Bravos, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Fredy’s Tucan, Puerto Vallarta, México
• No Way Jose Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Ian Tait's Favorite Picks

Day Trip Bus to Bucerías

Breakfast

• Serrano's Meat House, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Ándales Puerto Vallarta, México
• Wild and Hungry Cougar Puerto Vallarta, Mexico     65 peso specials

Dinner

• Langostinos, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico ask for a Jorge
• Karen’s Place in Bucerias

Corazón de Niña is a home that provides a nurturing family environment for at-risk girls and boys of all ages in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Melissa Canez, the Co-Founder of Corazón de Niña,  has found her calling, helping these young people by providing a loving, caring  home for these kids so that they can make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others. Listen to the story!

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. [caption id="attachment_2316" align="aligncenter" width="307"] Corazón de Niña[/caption] That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The [caption id="attachment_2002" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week I have a very special guest, her name is Melissa Canez and She runs a place called Corazon de Nina, here in Puerto Vallarta and her story will rock your world, but before we get to that, let’s see what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, The 7^th of February 2018.

Carnaval PV is Coming

CARNAVAL PV de Puerto Vallarta 2016 - Mardi Gras Puerto Vallarta from Tim Longpre on Vimeo. From their Facebook Page.. Carnaval PV CELEBRATES PV’S 100TH BIRTHDAY Gather your masks and friends and get ready for Carnaval PV. On February 13th, the annual parade celebrating Mardi Gras will begin at 8pm in the hotel zone and proceed through the world-famous Malecon to Los Muertos Pier. Incredible floats, colorful costumes, towering stilt walkers, street performers and dancers are all part of the festivities in Puerto Vallarta, and of course get your hands ready to catch some beads. Register ONLINE! [caption id="attachment_2309" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Map of Carnival PV Parade Route[/caption] Businesses, organizations, schools and individuals who wish to take part in this year’s family-friendly parade can register online …and I have the information and the links in the show notes with a video from last year’s celebrations, so you can get a feel for what Carnaval PV is all about. If you are I town, don’t miss the parade! https://www.facebook.com/events/2215750825317382/

ARTESANAL FAIR

Also, if you are in town, and you haven’t had enough shopping, you won’t want to miss the ARTESANAL FAIR featuring traditional rugs, clothing, mole, ice cream, pottery, brass, jewelry, baskets, and more. You will find it on the main highway north of Vallarta, across from Soriana, just before Walmart. The Fair runs for three weekends and ends February 20^th. So, shop till you drop guys!

Review of Valllartainfo.com

[caption id="attachment_82" align="aligncenter" width="653"] www.vallartainfo.com[/caption] You know that every week I ask you to reach out to me and let me know if you take one of JR’s tours on Vallartainfo.com. I encourage all of you to check out his site and reserve a tour right through him, right? Well Shawn wrote a review that he has allowed me to share with you guys and here it is… A review of a zip line tour I did recently last week!!! First of all I want to say that I booked through vallartainfo.com, a site run by an expat that I know a lot here know personally.... the prices were by far the best I had seen anywhere, my payment went through online seamlessly and it was nice to get quick personal responses to all my questions...!!! Now ...I did the “canopy river tour ...” way up high in the mountain above Rio Cuale...I enjoyed the zip lines just as much as I did the lines at the [caption id="attachment_1896" align="alignright" width="300"] John Russell, JR[/caption] El Eden one (up at old predator set) which I did years previous! The views from the HUGE palapa restaurant were incredible.... amazing views of the Cuale and the massive El Jorrulo suspension bridge from the zip lines....at certain points you can even see the ocean!!! The guides of course were incredible!!! Now the part that made this zip line tour extra special for me....I have never rode an animal of any sort in my life... and upon learning that I would be riding a mule back up the steep mountain at end of tour, well I was a little scared....especially the trail so steep and high up, and me being 6’1” and 230 lbs....I feared for the poor mule..... was I ever in for a treat, what a marvelous , Smart, and incredibly powerful animal.... I cant say enough about the mule but WoW!!! The mule ride may have been as equally thrilling for me as the zip lines!!!! Anyways, I would give this tour a 9 out of 10....(only reason no 10 out of 10 is the price for all the photos they took was in my opinion very pricey) as this seems to be the case with most tours, why can’t they all just drop price 20-30 % and I bet they sell double...anyways....to summarize....Canopy River tour was incredible and booking it online through vallartainfo.com was my best bang for the buck and thanks a ton JR for all the help with questions!!! [caption id="attachment_2242" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Jorullo Bridge[/caption] Thanks Shawn, great review and I just love that place. Great call. Okay, last week I promised another Sean that I would get to the story about my crazy flight from Puerto Vallarta to Tijuana back in 1985. So, I coaxed my wife Debbie to come on with me and recall the experience. So without further ado, here is that story….

Listen to The Conversation with Debbie Kessler

There. Isn’t it nice to hear more that Where are we going? Ha! You know, she doesn’t listen to the show. I wonder if she will listen to this one. We’ll see. Let’s get on with the show, shall we? Yes please! Corazón de Niña, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico [caption id="attachment_2323" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Corazón de Niña Students at Los Arcos[/caption] In the first episode of The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show, I promised you I would introduce you to Puerto Vallarta Charities. And I can’t say that I’ve done a great job of that. I have introduced you to people who give to charities, but I haven’t featured any on the show per se. And there are many deserving charities in Puerto Vallarta let me tell you. I did lots of research in choosing a charity that not only was deserving of your attention, but you know me, I love a good story, and the story you are about to hear, will blow your mind. Now, I don’t want to say too much here. I will let Melissa tell you her story, but the work that she does will amaze you. [caption id="attachment_2306" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Corazón de Niña[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2305" align="alignright" width="300"] Melissa Canez[/caption] I took a cab to Corazon de Nina. I always chat up the taxi drivers. I usually tell them what I do. Most of them have no idea what a podcast is, so I start there with the explanation, and you never know, I may get a great interview from the driver like I did with my taxi driver from El Tuito to Mayto. I told this taxi driver about the place we were going, and about what Melissa did there. I told him it was a Casa de Hogar, an orphanage. And when we drove up in front of the pink colored building with beautiful wrought Iron bars on the windows and doors. I could hear the driver whistling softly under his breath. Casa de Hogar he asked the man in front. “Si”, was the response. He shook his head. “Bonita” he exclaimed. I paid the man and walked to the door where I was asked to wait by the guard while he checked to make sure I was expected. I was directed to Melissa’s office where I set up my recording equipment and had the most remarkable conversation with a true angel on Earth. Let’s go to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, San Luis Potosi #355, in the Primero de Mayo neighborhood, let me introduce you to this remarkable person, Melissa Canez of Corazon de Nina. What a woman yes? Wow! So, remember what Melissa said, check with them to see what they might be in need of before you come to Puerto Vallarta. Go to their open house and, get yourself pledged up for a monthly donation to this great charity. I have all the links to Corazon de Nina in the show notes, I have some great pictures of the kids and Melissa and Juan. Really folks, check out this place and tell your friends.

Contact Information for Corazon de Nina

Website

http://www.fundacioncorazon.mx/

Melissa Canez:    President and Co-Founder Juan Meza:          Co-founder

Office:           (322)  224  9209

Cell:              (322)  180  8086    or    (322)  888 1999

Email:           admin@corazondenina.mx

Address:

[caption id="attachment_2321" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Corazon de Nina Graduates[/caption] That should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. [caption id="attachment_2318" align="alignnone" width="327"] CANTANDO CHICO[/caption] And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. So, thanks again to Melissa Canez of Corazon de Nina. Check out their contact info in the show notes of this episode of the show at puertovallartatravelshow.com. Make sure you make time to visit them when you are in Vallarta. And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

Isabel Manore is the owner of Casa Isabel.  We talk about her Boutique Hotel on the Hill Overlooking Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. [caption id="attachment_2608" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Casa Isabel Mobile Fun![/caption] That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The [caption id="attachment_2021" align="alignright" width="300"] The Vista Grill, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] El Dorado Restaurant, and at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into the ever so romantic Vista Grill with those dramatic views of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors. Of course, at La Palapa you can enjoy that same view of the Los Muertos Pier all day long for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! This week, I’m going to introduce you Isabel Manore, from the beautiful Casa Isabel, the big Yellow House on The Hill overlooking Puerto Vallarta, but first, let’s see what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 7th of March, 2018.  

Corazon de Nina Garden Party and Silent Auction

[caption id="attachment_2540" align="aligncenter" width="566"] Poster Corazon de Nina Garden Party[/caption] As I mentioned last week, my buddy Cecil sent me an invite to the Garden Party and silent auction called Artists for Orphans, and it will be this Sunday, March 11^th from 2 to 5 in the afternoon at Hacienda de Carlotta 388 Lazaro Cardenas,  on the South Side of Puerto Vallarta. Tickets are only 500 pesos, that’s about $28.00 US, and there will be tapas, and other food, Piel Canela will be playing and it’s a great opportunity to meet some of the pillars of the community, some of the local folks, hobnob with some really fascinating people. You will even have a chance to meet Melissa Canez, the lady of the house at Corazon de Nina. It should be a fun time so if you are in town, it will be three hours well worth your time. Meet new people. Party like a local! Sounds like fun. Don’t miss it. You can buy tickets at Cassandra Shaw Jewelry, 276 Basillo Badillo and Corazon de Nina Thrift Store, Bay 8 in the Marina. Thanks Cecil, for the volunteer work you do at Corazon de Nina. One of these days, I’m gonna get you on the show, so look out Cecil! Thanks again buddy!

Fundraiser for Parque de Azulejos

Nancy Page, my buddy at Tile Park PV, Parque de los Azulejos sent me info regarding a fundraiser for that project that I am just so excited about, Natasha Moraga’s bid to tile Lazaro Cardenas Park. They too are having a fundraiser, it’s a live auction, it’s a silent auction, it’s a benefit for this great cause at Mantamar Beach Club, Bar and Grill, Wednesday, March 21^st starting at 7:30, there is a VIP reception starting at 6:30, and if you want to be a VIP, contact them. There will be entertainment by Amy Armstrong, Geo y Luis, Hedda Lettuce, Kim Kuzma, Miss Conception and others. [caption id="attachment_2568" align="aligncenter" width="552"] El Parque de Los Azulejos[/caption] Tickets are available at their table at the Olas Altas Farmers Market, or go to their website at info@tileparkpv.com. I have pictures of the progress that they have made at the park, and it looks amazing. I even purchased a tile last time I was in town, so if you can make it to the event, and you are in town the 21^st of March, go. If you can’t make it to the event, make sure you take some time while you are in town to stop by the table set up in the park, and visit with Nancy Page, leave her a donation, buy a tile, sign up for a workshop. Just help, and at the same time, make your mark, in the park, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Here’s an event you won’t want to miss, it’s the

 National Championship of Stand-Up Paddle and Paddleboard 2018

The article in Visitvallarta.com, that’s the Puerto Vallarta Department of Tourism Website, it reads… 2018 Stand-Up Paddle and Paddleboard national championship will be held next March 14th – 18th in Camarones Beach and Quimixto. It will be organized by Jalisco’s Surfing Association of and will be endorsed by The Mexican Surfing Federation.  Tournament winners will be striving for a place at the national pre-selection toward the World Association Surfing Championship and the Pan American Games both to be held at the end of 2018 in Lima, Peru. Learn more about this new sport and support the athletes at the opening ceremony joining the parade in which the teams will depart from the seahorse to the arches of the Malecón. For more information please visit  www.facebook.com/ASEJSURF Who knew. Stand Up paddle boarding is a sport? Humm rates up there with I don’t know…singing in the shower?  Whatever.

What Can You Do in Puerto Vallarta in a Day?

I had a coworker come up to me the other day and she says, I understand you know a lot about Puerto Vallarta. I’m going to be arriving there Tuesday on a cruise ship. What should I do? Well, that got me thinking about the first show where I promised I would do an episode for the one-day visitors. Those of you who are coming to Puerto Vallarta for a few hours. So, I put on my thinking cap, and I planned out a day for her and her traveling companions on the ship. And I’ll wait for her to come home in a couple of days and see what they did and how they liked it. Then, I’ll do a show dedicated to a one day visit to paradise with all sorts of options, and degrees of physical abilities. I’m going to have a great time bringing that to you in a couple of weeks, so stay tuned for that. [caption id="attachment_2611" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Casa Isabel Room 2[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2612" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Casa Isabel Room 3[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2613" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Casa Isabel Room 11[/caption]

Casa Isabel in Puerto Vallarta, México. The Yellow House on The Hill

All right, let’s get to the show and to our interview. [caption id="attachment_2573" align="aligncenter" width="981"] Casa Isabel, Puerto Vallarta, México[/caption] If you stand on Los Muertos Beach and look up at the beautiful homes and condos in the hills overlooking the southside of Puerto Vallarta, you will notice a beautiful, multi-tiered yellow Villa. That yellow house is Casa Isabel. Isabel Manroe is the owner. She is a beautiful woman, always with a lovely smile. Always, with a broad rimmed hat, her trademark. You can see Isabel around town in her special car which looks like a taxi, always, surrounded and attended to by her doting companions. Her Mexican Family. The people who run Casa Isabel. I’ve seen these men in action, her family, and they care for Isabel so much. And she, for them, as you will hear. [caption id="attachment_2572" align="aligncenter" width="836"] Casa Isabel, Puerto Vallarta, México[/caption] I had just returned from my day trip to El Tuito and Mayto, when I got a text from JR, who asked if I could meet him at Casa Isabel for drinks and maybe an opportunity to interview Isabel, who was having dinner with friends at her restaurant. So, I told him to meet me at Kelly’s Pour Favor, and we would take a cab up the hill to Casa Isabel. [caption id="attachment_2574" align="alignleft" width="397"] Isabel Manore, of Casa Isabel[/caption] So I showered and grabbed my recording equipment, and headed out the door down to Kelly’s, then JR and I in the the cab to Casa Isabel. It was funny and I’m just remembering this, but on the steep road up to the Casa, we came nose to nose with a propane gas truck who was backing up the hill. This was a really steep hill and I gotta tell you, that guy backed the truck up that hill like a champ. Even the taxi driver was impressed. We were greeted by the staff who opened our doors and welcomed us to Casa Isabel and ushered us upstairs. Casa Isabel is a beautiful place. You need to be able to do stairs. The restaurant and bar area have stunning views of the city, the bay and the mountains. You can see, if you time it right, around 9:30 every night, and I did see, the firework show off the Marigalante down on the Malecon from there.   So, if you are sitting eating dinner at one of the linen covered tables on the rail, with that great view, or sitting at the bar, sipping on an adult beverage. You can get that show. Albeit short, a great unforgettable sight. [caption id="attachment_2584" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Fireworks From the Bar at Casa Isabel[/caption] The place is multi leveled, like I said, with rooms that Isabel will describe to us soon, but these rooms have the same remarkable views of the city, as the restaurant. There is a pool, a hot tub, or two. I have pictures. [caption id="attachment_2585" align="alignleft" width="300"] Infinity Spa Overlooking Puerto Vallarta at Casa Isabel[/caption] I also have pictures for you to look at in the show notes of the firework show as seen from the bar, where I was sitting with JR waiting for Isabel, to excuse herself from her friends, take herself away from her fabulous meal, and she came over, and sat down, and we had a talk, about her Toy Box as she calls it. About the place where she lives, The Yellow House on the hill, Casa Isabel, lets meet Isabel Manore.

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Contact Information for Casa Isabel

[caption id="attachment_2596" align="aligncenter" width="721"] Casa Isabel Boutique Hotel Bar and Grill[/caption]

          [caption id="attachment_2586" align="aligncenter" width="768"] Puerto Vallarta at Casa Isabel[/caption]   Oh Isabel, you are an amazing woman. So full of life, So, so much fun! Like I said, you can see Isabel around town, dancing with her entourage. [caption id="attachment_2600" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Casa Isabel Room 7[/caption] Always with a smile on her lips, always with that trademark hat. And you know what, Isabel has that way about her. And when you and she are talking, she makes you feel like you are the only person in the room. [caption id="attachment_2582" align="alignleft" width="576"] Casa Isabel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Thank you, Isabel. I can’t wait to come back to Puerto Vallarta, and enjoy another enchanting, memorable evening at the restaurant. Listening to the lovely live music, breathing in the smells coming from the kitchen, and feeling the breeze flow through lovely Casa Isabel with the city below, all a sparkle in lights and sounds of Vallarta. I have all the contact information for Casa Isabel in the show notes for this episode of the show, so check it out. Go for dinner, or happy hour. Stay in one of her 14 rooms. And tell Isabel, that you heard her, on the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. She will get a kick out of that. Allright.   That should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. [caption id="attachment_2606" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Casa Isabel, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes. [caption id="attachment_2591" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Casa Isabel Room 13[/caption] And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven't been to my website, you really need to have a look there.  I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven't already all-right? All right. [caption id="attachment_2576" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Casa Isabel[/caption] So, thanks to Isabel Manore, the lady of the house at Casa Isabel. Check out the pictures and her contact info in the show notes of this episode [caption id="attachment_2605" align="alignleft" width="300"] Casa Isabel Room 9[/caption] of the show at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com. Or better yet, get on over to Casa Isabel the next time you are in Puerto Vallarta and have a drink, watch the sunset, have dinner or stay in one of her lovely rooms and then wake up to that wonderful view of the town of Puerto Vallarta, all spread out in front of you. You can see yourself doing that right? I sure can. I’d have to pinch myself, that’s for sure. [caption id="attachment_2587" align="alignright" width="300"] Casa Isabel[/caption] Once again just go to my site and see the pictures. You will know what I’m talking about. And hey, thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

Stefan and Ada have a YouTube video channel called Living Simply in Mexico, about living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

This week I talk with wedding planner Karen Blair of Karen's Place in Bucerias. Karen has been planning weddings in Bucerias for 18 years. We talk about how she helps brides have the perfect wedding planning from thousands of miles away.

An Interview with Adalberto Garcia Perez, owner of Mi Cafe, Cafe and Deli in Puerto Vallarta. Also Mario Rosete, the Watchmaker on the Bridge on the Southside of PV and Uber coming to Vallarta.

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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be to introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico. That music you were just listing to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, The El Dorado [caption id="attachment_195" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta Mexico[/caption] Restaurant, and now, at night for dinner The El Dorado transforms into The Vista Grill. That’s the Vista Grill that used to be up on the hill. Well now it has a new vista and that is right on the beach where you get the same Vista Grill Menu, and the fantastic Vista Grill service and what’s best, is it’s right there on the beach with a dramatic view of the Los Muertos Pier. You’ll recognize the pier with its stunning sail like structure, all lit up at night with beautiful colors. You can enjoy dinner under the stars, with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. ! It’s so romantic, it’s so Puerto Vallarta my friends! Today we have a special show but first, what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 27th of June, 2017. [caption id="attachment_49" align="alignleft" width="300"] Cuates y Cuetes Webcam Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] The rains have arrived as I said last week, and this Sunday was a real gully washer. There was a brilliant lightning storm lasting at least 3 hours. I watched some of the storm on the Cuates y Cuetes webcam,  right from my smartphone on my webcam page from my website at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com, but I have to tell you, that camera has been touch and go the last week or so. I did get a great show Sunday night on my cellphone however. Those of you who are planning a trip this summer should be aware of the distinct possibility of rain late in the afternoon [caption id="attachment_884" align="alignright" width="300"] Cuates y Cuetes Map[/caption] till late evenings. Not a cold rain, but a warm downpour most likely. During the day, it’s unlikely you will see rain so go ahead and make plans to go out and sightsee, but remember we are getting into the hot and muggy season in the tropics. As I said last week, things are greening up in paradise.

Watch this PV Sunset Below From the Cuates y Cuetes Web Cam

[caption id="attachment_878" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Tell Us Your Taxi Story in Puerto Vallarta[/caption]

Uber in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Last week we were talking about the distinct possibility of Uber coming into Puerto Vallarta, and guess what, mark your calendars folks because as of today, Uber is operating in Puerto Vallarta. Now I just went to the Uber website for Vallarta, and I have the link to it in the show notes for this episode of the show, episode 25, and they are up and running. Last week we also discussed the opposition of this Uber invasion by the taxi unions and well, there are like 3,000 or 4,000 taxi drivers here in Vallarta and they have vowed to fight the introduction of Uber drivers here. I asked you last week to give me your taxi stories and I have collected some really good thoughts from you guys. I need to start by saying that I have always liked the taxi service in Vallarta and when I first heard about the Uber deal I thought to myself, why? Why in Vallarta? It will never work. But I have gotten input from both sides so let’s see what you all think of these. Dan Chun says I love those taxis. Hard to think why I would want to Uber in PV. My story: first trip to PV, staying in Southside. Wanted to take daughter to zoo. It was 10 in the [caption id="attachment_809" align="alignright" width="233"] UBER in Puerto Vallarta[/caption] morning and I Looked around for old driver in old car (presuming he needed the fare most). 'yes, yes' so my ..17 yr. old Daughter,  wife and I jump in. Drive about half block and he pulls up behind few taxis and starts talking to them - another driver walks back and after a bit of discussion, decide it is the 'zoological' that we want to go to. (my charades of animals probably didn't help). Later that night we are walking the Malecon and discovered why he was confused when we see the 'Zoo' night club. So that was a very positive experience. Now another note from my friend Helen. Helen has lived here a long time and she writes… As a full timer here and fluent in Spanish, what puts me off is that I can never get the same price for the same ride. Have to negotiate all the time and it’s not a question of 20 pesos, can vary from 60 to 100 pesos difference from one cab to another. Also when you are downtown, much easier to get a cab at night than when you live in Colonia’s further away from Centro. Try and get a cab at 1.00 am in Versalles, nearly impossible and when you do it's very expensive. Some of the cabs are dirty and some taxistas when they see you negotiate the price just miff you off. Also seen taxis past buy a pregnant Mexican woman to get tourists customer just down the street, then I was really miffed. Welcome Uber! Same price, no discrimination, no hassling! Okay so here is a local who welcomes Uber. Here’s another story from Pat and she says….. I spend my winter in PV, my friends visiting from a cruise ship for the day wanted to return to the ship from the flea market at Rio Quale the taxi wanted $10 US and would not budge or take pesos thinking none of us knew any better because of the destination, we walked away but the next 2 taxis wanted the same $US, and got quite belligerent when we argued. Rip off tourist! I personally bus it, if I can, and avoid taking a taxi because every ride to the same place is a hassle over the price.....welcome Uber! My Buddy David Ostlund writes.. Carry with you a zone map of the current rates (rates recently changed). Do not negotiate with the taxi when you get in. Know where you are going and how much it costs. Make sure you have exact change to pay according to the zone you are going to and give the driver that amount (and tip if you feel that you [caption id="attachment_139" align="alignright" width="300"] Chef's Pass Food Tours Puerto Vallarta,[/caption] need to do that). Do not ask questions. Don't negotiate. Get in. Get out. Pay the rate. If they "fight," take a photo of the cab number and show them the rate map. Done. They'll leave mad, but nobody got ripped off or stiffed. Recently I had to go to the airport which is $150 from where I stay (It's a scam but I deal with it). I made the mistake of only having a $500 on me and asked if the driver had change for $500 and confirmed the rate was $150. I gave him the $500 and he gave me $200 back, keeping an extra $150. He said that it took him longer than expected, and I said we had agreed on the price. I tried to reach for my $150 and he pulled it away. I walked around to the driver door and sat in the driver seat. He threw the $150 on the curb. Later I realized it was a driver who has pulled this me before. I won't forget his face the next time. So I’m not sure if David will welcome Uber or not. By the way, I have an interview with David who is the man in charge of Chef’s Pass Puerto Vallarta and you can hear him talk about his ties to Puerto Vallarta in an earlier episode of the show. My buddy Connie writes … Will only use the taxis in Pv love them. The one night we had an older guy and he sung for us on the trip, what an amazing voice. Another time in the evening the driver said such a beautiful evening let me take you to a beautiful spot to see the lights of the city. This is why we love PV and the people and the taxi drivers - they are the best. Never had a bad experience. Wow Connie, that is a great experience. And Bill Nicholas writes… Been going to PV for years no bad experience with cabs just never agreed with prices from the airport. I talked with my friend Eduardo who says that the guys he hangs with the technology are really looking forward to Uber, and the Taxi Drivers and their families are not happy at all. We will see as the saga continues. Let me say this one thing. I understand both sides, but for you first timers out there, I don’t want this discussion to make you fearful of taking cabs. The taxis are safe and if you follow those rules that David was talking about, you will be okay. If you prefer to use Uber, stay tuned, I will keep you posted. [caption id="attachment_904" align="aligncenter" width="1014"] Uber Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]

Click This Link to Uber Puerto Vallerta

Let’s get on with the show.

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[caption id="attachment_876" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Mi Cafe, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]

Mario The Watchmaker on The Bridge

[caption id="attachment_925" align="aligncenter" width="840"] Red X Marks The Office of The Watchmaker on the Bridge[/caption] My first interview is with Mario Rosete, the watchmaker on the bridge I call him. [caption id="attachment_879" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Mario, The Watchmaker on the Bridge in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] I am intrigued by Mario because he does what I used to do for like 35 years of my life. I, like many other real estate agent had a career before real estate and I was [caption id="attachment_882" align="alignright" width="300"] Mario, The Watchmaker on the Bridge in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Price List[/caption] in the jewelry business for 36 years of my life. I am a gemologist, and a jewelry designer by trade and I used to change batteries in watches every day when I was in the business, from Cartier’s and Movado’s, to Seiko and Timex watches, I did all that stuff so naturally, I was attracted to Mario. He has been in the same spot on the bridge on the North Bound 200, Insurgents,  just on the south side of the bridge. He sits on a stool with his sign showing his prices for his services. Let’s go to the bridge over the Rio Cuale, and meet Mario Rosete, the watchmaker with the nicest digs. Okay, that was a lot of Spanish but what he said in a nutshell is, for 50 pesos, which is about $2,75 US, he will change out your dead watch battery. If you lose the pin out of your watch band and the band is falling off or if you want your watch band sized to fit your arm, 40 pesos or about $2.25 US. If you have a watch movement that is not working, he will change out your old quartz movement with a new one for 250-350 pesos which is about between $14 US and $20 US. He can clean your mechanical watch and oil it for about the same price. [caption id="attachment_927" align="alignright" width="300"] The Office of The Watchmaker on the Bridge Courtesy of Google Earth[/caption] I have Mario’s information and picture in my show notes along with directions on how to find him. It’s Murphy’s Law, when you go on vacation, your watch battery is going to die. [caption id="attachment_880" align="alignright" width="300"] Mario, The Watchmaker on the Insurgentes Bridge in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_881" align="alignnone" width="300"] Mario, The Watchmaker on the Bridge in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Go see Mario and tell him that you heard him on the show. He will get a kick out of that for sure.  

Mi Cafe Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

My next interview is with a really interesting guy, Adalberto Garcia Perez. Adalberto is the owner of Mi Café, Café and Deli in the Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood [caption id="attachment_883" align="alignright" width="204"] Adalberto Garcia Perez, Mi Cafe, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] in Puerto Vallarta. I Love Mi Cafe. I love the neighborhood is’s in. Real old time Puerto Vallarta. It is mixed among remodeled Vallarta Style homes and others in need of a face lift. All seem to mix and exist seemingly here. On the corner of Naranjo and Francisco Madera, about 7 blocks from the beach so it’s up in the neighborhoods. The place is big, but for some reason, it’s not easy to see. Funny. The restaurant has a very good vibe. It’s open, had comfortable seating. Music, usually jazz or something lite playing softly in the background. A nice place to have a coffee, a meal, a snack, and although the make some great sandwiches, I love their French Toast. It tastes like a cinnamon roll. It is so darn good. I’m drooling just thinking about it right now. In an earlier episode of the show, when I was interviewing Gary Beck from the Vallarta Restaurant Guide, he mentioned Mi Café as one of his top restaurants for lunch. So a recommendation from Gary Beck no less.  Let’s go to Mi Café in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and talk with Adalberto Garcia Perez. [caption id="attachment_888" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Mi Cafe Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Thank you Adalberto. Now this guy is the real deal. I think he is the hardest working restaurant owner I know. He is a real hands on guy and he’s right, he is a quiet, [caption id="attachment_890" align="alignnone" width="300"] French Toast at Mi Cafe Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_891" align="alignright" width="300"] Huevos Rancheros at Mi Cafe Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] private guy, but don’t let that fool you, he is passionate about what he does and his approach is a little different than some restaurateurs who shower you with compliments and this and that. He lets his food speak for itself. Check out Mi Café. I have all the links as well as directions to the restaurant. Let me know if you agree with me and Gary that this is a great place for Breakfast or lunch or just a coffee. Again check out the show notes for this episode, number 25 of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. I’ll have the links for Mi Café, Uber and the pictures and directions to Mario the Watchmaker on the bridge right there.

Mi Cafe Website Facebook Page

Instagram @ Micafepv

Contact Info.

Address: Francisco I. Madero 505, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico Hours: Open Monday-Saturday  8AM–4PM Phone: +52 322 222 1584

[caption id="attachment_895" align="aligncenter" width="1002"] Mi Cafe Map, Puerto Vallarta[/caption]   That should do it for this week’s episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. [caption id="attachment_888" align="alignright" width="1000"] Mi Cafe Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_886" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Mi Cafe Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_885" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Mi Cafe Restaurant, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico and other surprises and Puerto Vallarta Travel tips and ideas.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come onboard and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. So, thanks to Adalberto Garcia Perez, check out the links to Mi Café at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com episode 25. And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!  

There are so many things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Within minutes you can be having an adventure. Brad and Tami Salzwedel from Wisconsin join me on the show and share with us their Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips.

Listen to The Podcast!

Hello fellow travelers and welcome to The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am so happy to be introducing you to my favorite place on the planet, I sure would like to make it your favorite vacation destination and that is Puerto Vallarta Mexico! I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, every episode I look forward to doing this podcast just so I can listen to Alberto Perez sing The Somba de Puerto Vallarta. Really!  Alberto is the owner of the La Palapa [caption id="attachment_196" align="alignright" width="300"] La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Group of restaurants in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. You will find La Palapa, the Vista Grill and the El Dorado restaurants on the Southside of the Rio Cuale, right on the beach just south of the famous Los Muertos Pier. The one that looks like a sail? Yeah that’s the one. Get on down to La Palapa and Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner, toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so Puerto Vallarta mis amigos. Come on down, Really. The people of Puerto Vallarta Await you Mis Amigos. Today I have two really great guest to share with you but first, let’s look at what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, The 1^st of May, 2017. The City is all abuzz with a downhill BMX bike exhibition. It’s called Down Puerto Vallarta 2017. And what it is is a downhill race, slalom from the Cross way up above the town of Puerto Vallarta, and these BMX style bicylles ridden by the best bike riders in the world, go down stairs, off road, then back down stairs, cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta with banks, jumps and all types of thrills for the hundreds of spectators watching along the route. The race ended on the Malecon at the Rotunda Del Mar Statues. This was really cool and it’s just another sign that Puerto Vallarta is on the map, when it comes to international events coming to town. It was two days of competition and lots of preparation building ramps and banks and marking the path. Then there were the street closures and such but…it was Great for Puerto Vallarta. I have all kinds of links and YouTube videos of the event right on my website at puertovallartatravelshow.com. Check it out! [embed]https://youtu.be/hQ9Pzbzazpw[/embed]

Restaurant week is coming, May 15 to the 31st

It’s a great time to sample menus from the best in Puerto Vallarta for a very reasonable price. I will be joining Gary Beck and Gary’s Groupies on the 15^th at Barcelona Tapas. I’m really looking forward to talking with all the groupies and Bill Carballo, the owner of Barcelona Tapas at this event.  That will be a fun time and I promise to report back to all of you. Hopefully with some good audio.

Meet-Up With Open Microphone

Finally, I plan on announcing the date and location of the open microphone meetup this coming Friday May 12^th or Saturday May 13^th , But stay tuned for that announcement. I’ll make it on next Sunday’s show. Speaking about next Sunday’s show. Originally I had promised you a talk about Reicilla  with JR, and than an interview with Edwin Garcia at Una Familia, but I need some photos and a couple of other items before I air that show, so that will wait till Late Sunday Evening the 7^th of May. The same show I make the announcement about the meetup. So this week, I have two people you are going to really like, Tami and Brad Salzwedel from Sauk City Wisconsin.  Brad sent me an email and said he had experiences and stories to share with all of you about his and Tami’s travels to Puerto Vallarta over the last 24 years. I brought them on because they have had a wide range of experiences and I think we can all learn a lot from this couple so let’s go to Sauk City Wisconsin, and talk with Tami and Brad.

Listen To The Podcast!

I have all of the links to the places we talked about at the website in the show notes for this episode of the show, episode 17 at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com. [caption id="attachment_488" align="alignright" width="300"] Eating Crickets in El Pittial[/caption] Cool YouTube videos and even the one with Brad eating Crickets. Check them out. Brad and Tami started off coming to Puerto Vallarta with their 6 year old child so they used the All Inclusive Resorts because they had activities for kids and adults too. Baby sitting was also available so they could feel assured their son was safe with a sitter while they hit the town. They stayed at the........

• Holiday SunSpree and that is out of business.
• For 4 years they stayed at the Melia Vallarta Resort in the Marina Vallarta area.
• They Stayed at the Tropicana Hotel Puerto Vallarta
• Suites Nadia Puerto Vallarta
• Emperador Hotel and Suites Puerto Vallarta
• Visit The Supermarket  Ley  Be Sure to tip the baggers at the markets.
• Caesars Restaurant Xylophone players Puerto Vallarta

[embed]https://youtu.be/9ZUaeJebxIc[/embed]

Brad and Tami have for some time been unable to scuba dive and snorkel due to physical limitations. The scuba tanks are heavy and arthritis has taken it's toll over the years so they have currently limited themselves to less strenuous activities, but are willing to share their past experiences with all of us.

• Diving and Snorkeling around Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta
• Marietas Islands, Puerto Vallarta
• Las Carmelitas Puerto Vallarta  Best View Restaurant

Watch Brad Eat Crickets in Pittial

[embed]https://youtu.be/1VFkV51VYAQ[/embed]

• Surfing in Sayulita and San Pancho
• Boca de Tomates, Nayarit
• Hired a Guide to San Sebastian, Jalisco
• Montebello Italian Restaurant San Sebastian del Oeste 
• Cantina Crawl with JR in Real Cantinas Organized through Trip Adviser Puerto Vallarta Forum
• Ocean Grill Restaurant

[embed]https://youtu.be/6stQIX0FgyI[/embed]

• Buy Trip Insurance
• Bars
• The Zoo
• Andeles, Puerto Vallarta
• 3rd floor at Cheeky Monkey. Cheap beer and Marfaritas
• Casa Isabel, Puerto Vallarta
• Sr. Fox's Cafe' Roma
• Sunday Brunch ....
• Lindo Mar, Puerto Vallarta
• Memo's Pancake House, Puerto Vallarta
• Si Senor, Puerto Vallarta
• Tip to All Visitors...
• "Relax and don't be in a hurry"
• Don't Forget Your Pen on the Plane to fill out your Immigration Form FMM.

Well we are through for today. I hope you enjoyed our talk with Brad and Tami Saltzwedel all about their experiences in Puerto Vallarta.  Next week stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico and other surprises and Puerto Vallarta Travel tips and ideas.  Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me, Just like Tami and Brad did, by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message. And just like that, Brad and Tami are on the show. That could be you too. So don’t be shy, send me an email.  And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. So, thanks to Brad and Tami. Check out all the great places they talked about at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com episode 17. And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!

An interview with Javier Nino, a fine aritst in Puerto Vallarta. Also a visit to Choco Museo Puerto Vallarta. News and more.

eats I’ll be taking you to a cute traditional Mexican restaurant in the Cinco de Diciembre neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta Called Gorditas Rienllos Lolita. They have great food and a really cute story about the day the circus came to Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico is Open for tourism to US travelers during the pandemic. They follow proper protocols to protect vacationers.

An interview with Astrid Van Dam, Owner of Superior Tours Vallarta, a Transportation Tour Company serving Vallarta and all of Mexico. Custom tours, airport pick-up, day trips north and south of Vallarta.

Restaurant Le Bistro in Puerto Vallarta is a stunningly beautiful French bistro on the Isla Cuale. Dine in elegance riverside to live music at this classic restaurant restored with care by Grupo La Palapa. Also an interview with volunteers Lisa and Billy, at RISE, a children's shelter in Puerto Vallarta. 

Also the story of Juan Diego.

Puerto Vallarta with Aventuras Quetzal Guide Eduardo Nava Leads Day Hikes and Overnight Backpack Trips in Mismaloya and around The Bahia de Banderas Lessons on Using Google Maps to Explore Puerto Vallarta

This week a Meet and Greet at Kelly's Pour Favor in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I interview Samantha Alpern of Glod Leaf Smoke Shop, celebrating their 6th year in Vallarta, Bob McQuaig, Dwight Wilson and more Vallarta friends. Listen to the podcast for great travel and restaurant tips for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The Seahorse Cucina Bar and Lounge, Italian Cuisine in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Has A wonderful Sunset View Chef Raul Garcia De Alba Trained Many Chefs For The Il Fornaio Restaurant Group in California