Robina Oliver is an American Expat who Sells Women’s Swimwear in Downtown Puerto Vallarta. She sells Plus Size Ladies Swimsuits to locals and Tourists.  She has great Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips too.

Plus, and interview with Edgar Rene Luna Chan, Known Locally in Puerto Vallarta as Rambo.

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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 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, I have two very special guests to introduce you to. The first you will hear form is Edgar Rene Luna Chang, who some Vallarta regulars know as Rambo, and the second, is Robina Oliver, owner of a place called La Sirena Reina, Quality Swimwear for Women located near the Municipal Market in Puerto Vallarta, but first, let’s see what’s happening in Puerto Vallarta this week, the 12^th of July 2018.

The Rains Have Arrived in Puerto Vallarta

Weather reports are pretty boring, so I will just say that the rains have arrived in Vallarta, finally, and all is well with the world. Rain meaning gully washers in the late afternoons, early evening here in Vallarta. Lots of humidity, temps in the low 90’s. Oh boy.

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Will Travelers Insurance Cover Parasailing Accidents?

Speaking of weather, I did say weather reports were boring, didn’t I? Well, remember we were talking about the parasailing accident last week

where a woman’s tow line snapped loose from the boat and she has a 45-minute odyssey where she finally crash landed at the Puerto Vallarta Airport. Well, I had been wondering that if she had purchased travelers’ insurance, would she have been covered. And if you recall last week, I had reached out to Michael Keller of Guardian Insurance Mexico, but it was too late to get an answer on such short notice. Well Michael did get back to me and he told me that had she purchased the policy that I usually get when I come down to Mexico, she would have been covered. He said that the policy covers “amateur sports and dangerous hobbies. It would not have covered professional sports injuries however.”

So, let that be a lesson to you, don’t forget what could be the most important purchase you make while planning your Mexican Vacation, travelers insurance. It’s cheap enough, and costs no more than $40-$70, depending on the length of your stay. Now always check your policy, not all policies are alike from company to company.

And if you haven’t heard the interviews I had with Michael Keller and with Pamela Thompson-Web of Healthcare Resources PV, you should have a listen to both of them, just so you can understand the importance of buying travelers insurance before you leave for Mexico.

Now, there was one time where I had forgotten, and I didn’t realize it till I arrived in Vallarta, and was unpacking, and it was no problem contacting Michael, and he set me up with coverage, while I was in Vallarta. It took effect the following day, so I would have not been able to take advantage of some of the items like lost luggage, but at least I was covered for the rest of my stay, so if you do forget, and then remember while you are in Mexico, you can buy the coverage, just don’t get hurt till you are covered. I have links to both of those podcast episodes in the show notes of this episode if you are interested in listening to them.

Fundraiser For R.I.S.E. Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, at Warique

Warique is having a fundraiser for R.I.S.E. Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, which is an orphanage of sorts, more like a home for children here in Puerto Vallarta. Let me read from their news release…

The Biggest and Most Exciting Summer Benefit of 2018!  R.I.S.E. and Warique Restaurant invites you to a reception on July 19th, 2018 between the hours

of 6PM and 10PM. Benefit will support continuing education for the children of R.I.S.E. (Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza) in Puerto Vallarta. All proceeds from the event will go to education funds for the children of R.I.S.E. Tickets are available at Warique Restaurant for only $400MXN! Beer/Wine and delicious Food included! Exciting Raffles, Great Door Prizes and Unusual 50/50 Prizes! Join us to support this amazing cause and meet the awesome children from R.I.S.E.

So let me tell you a little about RISE, from their website…

The REFUGIO INFANTIL SANTA ESPERANZA (Children’s Shelter of Hope), also known as RISE has given children in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, hope for a better life. RISE is a NON-PROFIT shelter for babies and children up to the age of 14 who have been turned over to us by DIF, a Mexican government organization that protects the rights of children..

Link to the R.I.S.E. Website http://www.risepv.org/

One day soon I’ll be taking you there for sure.

So if you happen to be in town on July 19^th, go to Warique and lay down your 400 pesos, that’s about $20 US, and enjoy some beer, and wine, and appies, and meet some really fine people while you are at it, oh, and donate to a fine cause as well. So, if you are in town, try to make it.

Thanks for Your Five Star Reviews in iTunes

I got another 5 star review in iTunes this week and it reads…

Brings life to the things we experience

in iTunes by Lucy + Joey from Canada on July 6, 2018

Having visited Mexico 40+ times over many years, in recent years my husband and I vacationed two years in a row on the South Side of Puerto Vallarta and realized that we’d found our spot. A chance meeting with some dog owning New Yorkers at an ice cream shop on our second visit sealed our fate. They had just purchased a new condo and were singing its praises. The next thing you know, we had toured their unit and then the whole building and had placed an offer to buy a condo of our own. The launch of the Puerto Vallarta travel show was perfectly timed to coincide with the realization that we would soon be spending much more time in the area. Having this podcast is like having the audio portion of a museum tour: without it, you are just looking at things and having no idea what is behind them. Kudos to Barry Kessler for his wonderful work on this podcast. I never miss an episode!

Wow, thank you Lucy and Joey! What more can I say, thank you for listening and thanks for that 5-star review. Those really help me, they really do, and all those kind words encourage me to continue on this journey. So thank you.

Okay, let’s get on with the show.

Edgar Rene Luna Chang, Rambo the Dancer on The Malecon

If you have spent some time along the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, which is the walkway or boardwalk along the shoreline, and if you have been there at night, or at the Margarita Grill in the early evenings, you may have seen, or you will see, if you haven’t already, my next guest. His name is Edgar Rene Luna Chang, and he is known by many as Rambo.

And when you first see Edgar, it can be sort of a shocking experience. When I first saw him, I didn’t know what to make of him. He was shirtless, with white long pants, tennis shoes, and really, nothing else besides a fanny pack and a belt. He has scaring it the top of his head, his back, and if you look close, or shake his hand, you will notice that his thumbs are intact, but his fingers on both hands are, basically scared up stubs. Edgar has a shock of grey and black hair, kind of like in a mohawk style, he is trim, very fit, very athletic and full of energy.

And you will see Edgar, Dancing. That’s what he does. He will stand in front of one of the loud nightclubs on the Malecon, you know the three I’m

talking about, Mandala, The Zoo, and La Vaca, if you don’t know about these are three nightclubs, they are right next door to each other, each one of them is wide open facing the ocean, with music blasting till the wee hours, often till 5 in the morning.

Anyway, you will see Edgar, standing on a bench, dancing, doing calisthenics, and having a good time, oblivious to all, and everything around him. He really gets into it. You can see him like I said, also in front of the Margarita Grill on Basilio Badillo and Pino Suarez earlier in the evenings, before those loud clubs get rocking on the Malecon.

I always wanted to talk with him and bring him on the show, but didn’t know if he could speak English or not. So one day, just after sunset, I was walking from Casa Isabel, where I watched said sunset as I enjoyed a brew or two at the bar, and I was walking down to the beach, I ran into Edgar, dancing across from The Margarita Grill, and asked him how his English was. I was surprised to find his English was very good. He explained to me how he had spent some time in San Diego, California as a laborer, and that’s where he learned his English. I asked him if he would talk with me and he cheerfully agreed to talk with me. So without further ado, lets get right down to the corner of Basilio Badillo and Pino Suarez, across the street from the Margarita Grill, and let’s meet my new friend in Vallarta, and now yours, Edgar Rene Luna Chan, Rambo…

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Wow, what a story. When you see his scars from being electrocuted, you can imagine the incredible jolt and arc, running through his body and exiting through the top of his head, his back and his eight fingers. It must have been a horrific sight to behold. And those months in a Guadalajara Hospital, wow.

And I know why they call him Rambo, it’s because he’s fit and shirtless and never gives up. He’s always in motion.

Edgar is so happy to be alive. Here is a man, who really loves life. He’s homeless, sleeps on floors, he has no form of income, instead, he depends on the kindness of others to get through his days and nights. He’s not bitter, he’s not angry, and by all accounts, he should be, but he’s not. Such a free spirit, and a kind gentle man.

So, next time you see Edgar, say hello, and call him Edgar instead of Rambo. Tip him for dancing. Maybe ask him if he needs anything. He’s a proud guy, so he may hesitate, but I guarantee, he will be very appreciative. He will. I have pictures of Edgar, in the show notes so check them out and look for him the next time you are in Vallarta.

La Sirena Reina, Quality Swimwear for Women in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Now my next guest is a recommendation from you listeners out there, her name is Robina Oliver, and Robina owns a Lady’s Swimwear Shop called La Sirena Reina which translates to the Mermaid Queen.

Now look guys, I know what you are thinking, “how do I fast forward this podcast, I’m not interested in lady’s swimwear”, but not so fast. This is going to be more than that because we will be talking about ladys swimsuits of course, but but I ask Robina about clothes for you guys as well and one of the reasons I have Robina on, is because she is full of great Vallarta information.

La Sirena Reina is small and easy to miss. It’s located near the Municipal Market downtown, across from the Electra Bank Building, the place I recommend if you have dollars to exchange to Pesos, and by the way, if you do go there to exchange your dollars, Canadian or US, bring your passport for that by the way.

The shop clean, is air conditioned and packed full of swimwear and wraps and more. But more importantly, Robina is there.

So, without any further ado, let me take you to Calle Juárez 174, Centro Puerto Vallarta, and let’s meet Robina Oliver, owner of La Sirena Reina, Quality Swimwear for women.

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Thank you, Robina! I really like her, and I know you will too. And guys, now you know how to make your lady happy while in paradise, buy her a swimsuit from Robina’s Place.

And by the way, right now she is having an incredible summer sale and clearance. The clearance is all summer through end of August. So if you are intown, you really need a swimsuit, it’s freeking hot out there! Go see Robina at La Sirena Reina. You will be so glad you did.

Her hours are Monday to Friday 11am to 5pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Now Robina closes La Sirena Reina for the month of September, It’s a little slow in September but she gets right back to work the first of October. And by the way, this coming season will be her 12^th year in business in Puerto Vallarta. Not just a flash in the pan folks. Am I right? Sure I am.

Information For La Sirena Reina

• Address: Calle Juárez 174, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
• Website: lasirenareina.com
• Phone Number: +52 322 223 5978
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM  Monday – Friday

Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Suggestions From Robina Oliver

Breakfast

• Fredy’s Tucan, Puerto Vallarta, México
• The Pancake House, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Los Alcatraces in Fluvial Neighborhood Near Costco
• Tacos Y Arrieros Tan’ Tan
• Munchin Doughnuts in Fluvial, Puerto Vallarta

Lunch and Dinner

• Joe Jacks Fish Shack, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico     Ginger Mojitos, Burgers, Thai Salad,
• Bravos, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Siam Cocina Thai, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Pezlimon, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico     Pork Belly and Fish Cheek Tacos, Rose Petal Ice Cream,

Hole-in-the-wall

• El Banquito, Puerto Vallarta   3 Tacos de Birria for 35 pesos
• Best Tacos Soyaos Puerto Vallarta, Mexico at  Francisco Villa near Los Muertos Pizza
• Moranda, Past the Stadium before the Fire Station in Puerto Vallarta

Advice for First Time Visitors

Make Use of Vallarta Facebook Groups

Shopping

• Luisas, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Sucesos, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico  Hand Painted Dresses
• Lemongrass, Puerto Vallarta Bali and Indonesia
• D’Paola, Puerto Vallarta, México
• Paula Boop, Seamstress in Puerto Vallarta
• Men’s Shirts Guayaberas shirts. Gallerias in Puerto Vallarta

Pics of El Banquito

Day Trips in Puerto

• Road to Punta de Mita Destiladeras, Nayarit, Jalisco

• La Cruz Market, Nayarit, Jalisco
• Ada Sailing Day Cruise, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico  is only $120.00 US Great Value!

 

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.

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 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 you Edgar Rene Luna Shan, when you see him dancing on the Malecon in front of the three nightclubs, or across from the Margarita Grill, say hello, give him a tip, pose with him for a picture, call him Edgar instead of Rambo and see his face light up. And thanks to you Robina Oliver, you have a fantastic store, small, but packed full of fantastic merchandise, beautiful swimsuits and colorful wraps. Stop by her place, buy a suit, and ask her for Vallarta advice, she is the best! I have pictures of her place and links to the places we both talked about in the show notes for this episode, so check them out.  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!