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Puerto Vallarta Travel Show Podcast


This is an interactive show where I invite my listeners to give their thoughts and opinions about all things Puerto Vallarta, including all of the Bahia de Banderas. From Sayulita north, to Cabo Corrientes to the south. I interview the movers and the shakers in town, from restaurateurs, to Resort owners and hotel managers. I interview local artists, local personalities, wedding planners, tour operators, expats, shop owners, you name it! Join my friends and me as we take you on a trip down south of the border. Discover the magic of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!

May 25, 2018

Jim Demetro is One of Puerto Vallarta's Most Prolific Sculptors. He has Created works in Bronze such as Vallarta Dancers, The Washer Woman and Ándale Bernardo The Burro Project. For Puerto Vallarta's 100 Year Celebration, Jim Demetro will Unveil His Latest Creation, a Bronze Called The Fishermen.

 

Puerto Vallarta Celebrates Pride Week, Restaurant week, and prepares for the 100 Year Centennial Celebration coming up May 31st, 2018.

[caption id="attachment_3178" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Jim Demetro, Sculptor, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]

Listen to The Podcast

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 The La Palapa, [caption id="attachment_2022" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Vista Grill on The Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] 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, and last week I had the most marvelous breakfast at La Palapa, we both had their killer eggs Benedict, it’s got a crab cake base instead of the usual muffin, served with perfectly cooked potatoes on the plate, Debbie and I just gobbled them up.  seated with our toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It was so romantic, it was so Puerto Vallarta my friends!

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This week, I have a real special guest, sculptor Jim Demetro, creator of some of Vallarta’s most iconic bronzes is going to talk about his works, and his latest creation, but first, let’s see what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, May 23, 2018.

Pride Week Puerto Vallarta

From the Facebook Page at Vallarta Pride... For the fifth consecutive year, from May 20 to 27, 2018, Puerto Vallarta will welcome the largest LGBT Pride event in the region: Vallarta Pride. [caption id="attachment_3187" align="alignright" width="226"] Vallarta Pride[/caption] Associations, companies and the entire LGBT community have joined together again to organize this event that celebrates the lifestyle diversity of our city in a 7-day festival that will offer arts and culture events, concerts, entertainment, films, fun, lots of partying and our fabulous Pride Parade. Our main events have a small donation and are non-profit to once again show the world the best of our accepting and vibrant community. It is that level of acceptance which has made Puerto Vallarta recognized worldwide as an LGBT mecca, hosting national and international gay visitors and creating a sophisticated culture that is an important artistic, professional, altruistic and economic contributor to the community. This cultural heritage was adopted by the Vallarta Pride Organizing Committee, which works in conjunction with public and private partnerships and to make our city a player on the world stage of LGBT celebrations. Vallarta Pride works towards a future without discrimination where we all have equal rights under fair and equal law. We believe we can achieve this through the LGBT events that inspire, commemorate and celebrate our community. So, I have links to the events planned through the  27th of May here in the show notes. So, if you are in town, you may want to check out the goings on check out the page. https://www.facebook.com/orgullovallartapride/

Restaurant Week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

[caption id="attachment_3184" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Restaurant Week Puerto Vallarta 2018[/caption] Restaurant week continues through June 10th. Again, I have links to the participating restaurants in the show notes from Vallarta Lifestyles. Take advantage of the special deals and menus of some of the finest restaurants in town. https://vallartalifestyles.com/restaurant-week-2018-beats-record-participating-restaurants

Vallarta the Site of Demonstrations to Legalize Pot

And from the How did I miss This Last Week File....

From the Vallarta Tribune Dated May 14th... Thousands of people demonstrated last Saturday in several cities of Mexico including Puerto Vallarta to demand a change in the legislation to allow the recreational use of marijuana, as well as the acceptance of this plant for therapeutic use. The march, a local manifestation of the worldwide Global Marijuana March, an event that has been held annually in over 800 cities and 70 countries since 1999, took place in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Merida, Monterrey, Tijuana and Puerto Vallarta. In Puerto Vallarta about 40 demonstrators marched along the main streets and malecon on Saturday afternoon. Local Gold Leaf Smoke Shop Owner Samara Alpern says, “I think it’s great that the city gave activists such positive support. In Merida there were reports of harassment by police. I’m thankful that in Vallarta there were no such problems. It was wonderful to see both national and foreign residents demonstrating together at the march. “ Woah, just 40? I Guess the other 10,000 were too stoned to move. https://www.vallartatribune.com/thousands-demonstrate-in-mexico-demanding-legalization-of-marijuana-use/ Kim Martin, owner of Myskova Swimwear showed her support as the demonstrators passed by her malecon shop. It’s something that hits close to home for Kim, whose father uses Medical Marijuana (in Canada) for his ailments “I believe that legalizing it would help control violence and help many people that are unaware how beneficial it is for many health issues. I don’t believe it’s for youngsters, I don’t even smoke it actually, but have been meaning to start! And definitely will in my old age. Growing it in Canada is my dad’s passion!” In June 2017, a decree legalizing marijuana for therapeutic use throughout Mexico was published in the Official Journal of the Federation, and although the government said it would regulate medicinal use, it has not yet done so. So how about that? Puerto Vallarta is looking to make recreational pot legal. Now, I don’t recommend foreigners hitting the streets in Mexico and getting involved in politics, that is a good way to get your ass kicked out of the country for good. Maybe that’s a question for one of my abogado buddies. I’ll ask next week, but how about that. Mexico looking to emulate California, Colorado and go green? Stay tuned! I have a link to the Vallarta Tribune Article in the Show notes in case you haven’t had enough.

Stay Next Door to JR at Casa Jaz, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

[caption id="attachment_3198" align="aligncenter" width="848"] Casa Jaz, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3199" align="alignleft" width="225"] Balcony at Casa Jaz, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3197" align="alignleft" width="300"] View From Casa Jaz, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3195" align="alignright" width="300"] Bedroom Casa Jaz, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3194" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Kitchen Casa Jaz, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3202" align="alignleft" width="225"] Casa Jaz, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3196" align="alignleft" width="300"] Upper Deck at Casa Jaz, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] My Buddy David O., the guy who runs Chef's Pass, Puerto Vallarta, has taken a condo in JR's building, and turned it into a lovely vacation rental. If you're looking for an inexpensive, cute apartment in a gated complex to rent for three days or more, he is subleasing his apartment in El Caloso [caption id="attachment_3193" align="alignleft" width="300"] Casa Jaz, Puerto Vallarta[/caption] (Next to the awesome J.R.). It's just two blocks east of Emiliano Zapata on the other side of the Rio Cuale/Lazaro Cardenas bridge. It’s a nice neighbourhood with great neighbours in the complex. Ha! JR that is.  Check out the listing here and let me know if you have questions. https://www.vrbo.com/1256119?unitId=1807083&arrivalDate=07%2F12%2F2018&departureDate=07%2F16%2F2018

Puerto Vallarta Celebrates 100 Years as a Municipality May 31, 2018

Puerto Vallarta Celebrates the 100 Year Centennial next week, and I will have all the events for you next week, next Wednesday, the day of the event, the 31st of May, so stay tuned for that. But speaking of the 100 year celebration, let’s Segway into our interview shall we??

Jim Demetro, Sculptor, Creator of Some of Puerto Vallarta's Most Well Known Bronzes

I first met our guest Jim Demetro, back in January of 2017. At the end of the Malecon Sculpture tour put on by Gary Thompson of Galeria [caption id="attachment_3160" align="alignright" width="300"] Jim Demetro, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] Pacifico, Gary give tours of the Bronze Sculptures along the famous Malecon, the sea wall sidewalk in Downtown Vallarta. If you haven’t heard that episode just type in Gary Thompson Malecon Sculpture Tour in the search bar at the bottom of any page on the website, and you will find that particular podcast.  So, at the end of the tour, the group returns to Galeria Pacifico and enjoys a drink of beer or soda, and Gary has Jim tell his story about his projects, then takes up a collection for Biblioteca Los Mangos, the Central library town. [caption id="attachment_3164" align="alignleft" width="300"] Galeria Demetro[/caption] Well, Jim has a big surprise coming up for the 100-year centennial celebration coming at the end of the month, on May 31st, so I thought it only fitting that I bring on this very interesting man, and introduce him to you and let him tell you about what’s happening, and about what he does that’s so [caption id="attachment_3177" align="alignright" width="247"] The Fishermen, Jim Demetro[/caption] important here in paradise. So, let’s go right now to Lazaro Cardenas, right across from Lazaro Cardenas Park, Parque de los Azulejos, and let’s talk with this very talented sculptor, Jim Demetro. [caption id="attachment_3161" align="alignleft" width="225"] The Washer Woman[/caption]

Contact Information For Demetro Galeria in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Listen to The Podcast

Jim Demetro's First Sculpture in Vallarta
Vallarta Dancers
 
Washer Woman
Molina De Agua
 
Burro Project
Set up above Oscars
 
The Fishermen
On The Malecón next to the Los Arcos Hotel.
 

Favorite Breakfasts

Dinner

 

Advice to First Time Visitors

  • Get to Zona Romántica
  • Get out of Nuevo Vallarta
  • Walk the town
  • Enjoy The Artwork
  • Lots of Great Galleries

Thank you, Jim,! Wow, He and his wife are such nice people and his new gallery is pretty cool. I have pictures of the gallery, and of the wash Lady [caption id="attachment_3162" align="alignright" width="300"] The Washer Woman[/caption] who modeled for his sculpture near the Molina de Agua. I love the story about her first elevator ride, and about her not wanting to be famous. Precious right? I also have pictures of Jim, and of that new sculpture, The Fishermen too. I have links to all the things Jim talked about as well as maps to show where the Gallery is located, his website and links for taking his art classes. [caption id="attachment_3166" align="alignleft" width="300"] Sculpting Class with Jim Demetro[/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 [caption id="attachment_3175" align="alignright" width="300"] Bailarines de Vallarta[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3163" align="alignleft" width="300"] Galeria Demetro[/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_3165" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Galeria Demetro[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3174" align="alignright" width="300"] Ándale Bernardo[/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_3173" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Washer Woman[/caption] So, thanks to Jim Demetro for coming on and telling us about the process of creating his bronzes, and about his newest work of art. Look for it next time you are in the vicinity of the Los Arcos Hotel. It just might be [caption id="attachment_3172" align="alignright" width="300"] Galeria Demetro[/caption] there, those Fishermen.  And hey, if you have the time and the initiative, you may want to consider taking sculpting lessons from this icon of the Vallarta Art Scene. I have links in the show notes that will take you to his classes. It’s all right there in the show notes for this episode. All right and hey, thanks to [caption id="attachment_3171" align="alignright" width="225"] Galeria Demetro[/caption] 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!