This Week we Visit The Reinas Bar in Puerto Vallarta, a Neighborhood Gay Bar,  located on The South-side of Town

I Have an Interview with Marco Van Groeningen, the Owner of This Unusual Bar That Pays it’s Respects to The Queens of The World, and the Queens of Vallarta

Pride Week in Vallarta

Restaurant Week 2019 Puerto Vallarta

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 listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta’s Oldest Restaurant on the famous Los Muertos Beach, and The El Dorado Restaurant and Beach Club right next door so you can enjoy that fantastic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors, or during the day in its grand splendor for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with our 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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It’s pride week in Puerto Vallarta so I thought I would introduce you to Marco Van Groeningen, the owner of The Reina Bar, The Queen’s Bar, which is a friendly little neighborhood Gay bar in the Emiliano Zapata Colonia of the Southside. But before we get to Marco, let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta Mexico the 26^th of May, 2019.

First of all, I want to thank you for your patience, it’s been a long absence for me. Probably longer than I’ve ever been away. So, what happened? I got sick the week before leaving for Vallarta, I had a chest cold that lasted about 4 days, and I had intended on posting an episode, the one about Brunches in paradise on the 11^th, but I just couldn’t get out of bed to do more than take care of my real estate transactions, I had 4 escrows and was getting my notes in order for my wife to take over my files while I was away. All while being good and taking massive amounts of vitamin C and water. It worked, but the episode never got recorded. Then when I got to the Airbnb, the internet sucked for one, then it was too noisy from all the construction, that I couldn’t record the audio without the tap tap tap or the grinding from all the construction. It was hard to produce.

But once again, my lovely wife decided to stay at home and work and take care of the three dogs and the horse and the house, I just love her. But hey, she did make me work for a half day while I was in paradise. I needed to prepare a listing presentation for her, which she converted of course into a new listing. Ah the wonders of modern technology. And a wonderful partner I might add. Thanks Debbie.

The Month of May is Busy in Puerto Vallarta

During the show’s absence over the last couple of weeks we have had the president of Mexico AMLO come to visit Vallarta, Soccer tournaments, a firework extravaganza for a week, in fact every time I would turn around something was going on. The high schools are having their grad nights. There was the BMX Down Vallarta once again, the third edition I believe. So, May has been busy in Puerto Vallarta and this is the very end of pride week, so before I get to pride week, let me tell you a little about my 10 days in paradise if you don’t mind, and do some splainin.

Use World Nomads Travel Insurance

Before I left I got a message from listener Trish, asking about who I use for travel insurance. I used to recommend the policy that they had at Guardian Insurance Mexico, but they don’t offer the plan I liked. In fact, it was way too expensive, so I’ve been using a company called World Nomads, and thank goodness I’ve never had to use it or make a claim, now I’m jinxed guys. Great job Barry! The rates are good, they have good reviews and they are reasonable. I paid $69 for the ten-day coverage, and it covers everything including med-e vac and repatriation. In case the misses wants my body back that is. So yes, thank you Trish for reminding me to tell you about the change, and I have a link in the show notes, or just google World Nomads and go to town. Don’t leave for Mexico, without it.

Remember Don’t Stop in The Shark Tank at The Puerto Vallarta Airport

The trip from LA to Puerto Vallarta takes approximately 3 hours, and I was ready for time to write. This time the plane was packed, and I had a very interesting guy sitting next to me. But he liked to talk. It was

his first time coming to Vallarta, so I gave him the talk about the “Shark Tank” in the Airport where the sharks await your arrival after clearing customs. I warned him they were timeshare salespeople and that he needed to ignore them. I really think the airlines should warn you too. But they won’t because they want to keep having the opportunity of using the airport.

I asked if he called his bank about using his credit cards and he said no. He really needed my show before he got on the plane, I’m telling you. Needless to say I got no writing done and the flight went by pretty quickly.

I remembered the last time I came to Vallarta after landing at the Puerto Vallarta Airport, I looked out the window and noticed the ground crew was searched before they went into the hold of the plane to load the baggage, then searched again on the way out of the hold. Just an observation and I looked for that again on Monday the 13^th, when I landed. It immediately remedied me of an interview I did about two years ago with a guy who worked at the airport. I never aired the interview because he was working on a video project that he never finished, and it was associated with the interview but getting back on track for a moment here, he did mention baggage handlers in Puerto Vallarta seemed to have the nicest jewelry, Cars, cash handbags and so on. He said these baggage guys had the best jobs. Totally changed the way I pack when I come to paradise. Of course, there have been numerous stings in some US airports where the same shenanigans was happening, however, this should be a reminder to all of you that the things you pack as carry-on, should be the important, and expensive stuff. With the exception of liquids in the carry-on, anything of value should be with you, and not in your checked luggage. And we already know don’t we, that the jewelry we wear is cheap, inexpensive non-flashy accessories right? At any rate, it was interesting to see the baggage handlers being searched. Brought back memories of that interview that never aired. Kinda like a tree, falling in the forest….uh…no.

So, speaking of the shark tank, I had the funniest thing happen to me. After I get the green light at customs, I’m walking through the shark tank, did I tell you what the shark tank is in this episode? It’s a place that you never want to stop and chat up a friendly Mexican with a margarita in his or her hand. It’s a timeshare place set up right in the International airport, and every visitor to Puerto Vallarta, should the fly in of course, is subjected to a gauntlet of folks trying to make a living on you. Keep walking. That’s what I tell each and every one of you. Tell them you have a condo in Olas Altas. That usually shuts them up. And I did use that one but it was really weird. This guy kept saying hey sir wait, wait, please, sir.. and he actually follow me clear out of the shark tank and all the way to the taxi ticket counter by the exit doors, and he says please, I’m a big fan. Can I get your picture? And I’ like, okay, the timeshare dude thinks I’m Bill Murray. So of course, I took a selfie with him. That was fun, Scamming the scammer.

So, I get a ride to the Airbnb apartment and the key has been left for me by the host in a key safe next to the door. So, I get to the room and it’s pretty good I guess. There were ants running around looking for food, so it was obvious the previous tenant had been eating and maybe even leaving the trash in the apartment for more than a day. Well, I fixed that. I found a broom and swept the entire place out, a couple of times, and that seemed to keep them out.

My Cheap Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta May 2019

I never keep even crumbs out in the trash can. Always in the refrigerator. Wrappers, In the fridge and it keeps the ants away. The place was big enough with two bedrooms with queen beds. Comfortable beds. The internet sucked. I needed to use my phone as a hot-spot, but I couldn’t upload my work. The first morning I woke up to construction all around me. Right outside the bedroom window they are building a new 5 floor condo. They start at 7 but they are dragging material around at 6. They go to 6 too, so I think I told myself the last time I stayed on the south-side it was too noisy in the mornings, and I moved to the beach or to downtown and Cinco de Diciembre north Vallarta. But, what else can I tell you about this place? The bathroom floor was dirty when I dot there, the legs of the bed were termite infested, however. It’s not like they were interested in eating me. I had a few of them fly and land on me while I was lying in bed but they were interested in the wood, not me.

I liked the central location of the Airbnb, and if it weren’t for the 53 steps from the bottom floor to the penthouse where I lived, I might think of staying there again. Um…maybe not. I took a video and I embedded it into the show notes of this episode . Have a look and tell me if you would stay there for $32 a night including cleaning fees and taxes.

The weather right now in Vallarta is wonderful. Cool evenings and mornings, heats up in the afternoon, but not unbearable and cool breezes. So, there is the local weather report.

Restaurant Week Puerto Vallarta 2019 May 15th – June 10th

Restaurant Week is eagerly anticipated by locals and gourmet foodies from around the world, who plan an annual vacation in Puerto Vallarta specifically for this delicious festival. In addition to other important festivities that take place during the month of May, such as the anniversary of Puerto Vallarta’s foundation as a city and as a municipality, Restaurant Week has become an important event that encourages visitors to choose the month of May as an attractive time of year to explore Banderas Bay.

Let’s go to Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine online and read…

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 $289, $399 or $466 pesos per person, tips and beverages not included.

So, there you have it. If you want to sample some of those places that may be a little steep for the bank account, maybe you can take advantage of the special menu and special Vallarta restaurants that are participating. You can go on-line and check who is participating, but you can also look for the special banners in front of those participating restaurants as well. Remember Restaurant Week is going on right now till the 10th of June, so check it out, and I have a link to the whole shebang in the show notes at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com , so check over there.

https://restaurantweekpv.com/en/home

Los Horcones River without Limits on Facebook

A few weeks back we talked with a friend in Cabo Corrientes about the attempt to dam a section of the Rio Horcones, the river that runs past the Botanical Garden, past Chico’s Paradise, and empties into the Pacific Ocean via the Boca, the mouth of the river Horcones Boca, mouth de of Tomatlan . Boca de Tomatlan.

And I was wondering if they had a Facebook Page and they do, it’s called Los Horcones River without Limits, on Facebook. So go and like the page to get all their information as things develop, as well as information as how to help stop the planned hydroelectric dam. I spoke with many of my friends on the ground who oppose the project for all kinds of reasons most importantly environmental reasons, and I will be keeping you posted as the battle continues. Neither side has given in yet.

Okay, let’s get to Pride Week.

Pride Week in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

In Puerto Vallarta Pride week was celebrated this year from May 19th through the 26th.  Vallarta celebrates with events both private and public. But the most celebrated event is the Parade that goes from the Sheratan Hotel all the way to the Parque Lazaro Cardenas. Tile Park, and then from there, the party spills into the streets of the Southside where stages are set up in the streets, on Lazaro Cardenas, Olas Altas, and it’s party, party party with everyone dressing up. Everyone partying and dancing and just having a great time.

I will have pictures of Pride week in the show notes. Everyone seems to be participating including the local Police. Tourists line the streets and take pictures and cheer on their favorites. It’s a real fun time for the straight folks too I’ve got to say.

So I get to talk to lots of people. That’s what I do when I come here right? Well I was interviewing a lady, her name is Deborah Donick about her animal rescue support project called Sandees Project, and I’ll bring Deborah to you real soon, like after brunch okay? So, I’m talking to Deborah and she askes me if I’ve interviewed Marco at Reinas Bar, a gay bar in the romantic zone. And I said no. But I had considered checking it out before. I asked her why she thought this would be a good interview, and she said to me. Well, I think Marco has in interesting story and he is a very hard worker. You should talk with him. So, I thought why not. It’s Pride Week, right?

Reinas Bar, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

A couple of nights later I found myself sitting across the street from the Reinas Bar. I was having a

wonderful arriero. Arrieros are made with three meats on a handmade large corn tortilla about the size of a typical flour tortilla with melted cheese. It’s so good.  Add salsa and go to town. I was at the Taqueria Tuito, the little stand at the very end of the row of taco stands on Lazaro Cardenas alongside the Farmacia Guadalajara.  And I’m looking over at the Reina bar and decide to go in and see what’s happening. I’m a straight guy, and I have so many gay friends that I didn’t and don’t feel weird walking in. It’s not like I was the only guy there, quite the opposite. I fit right in. The bar was full of guys age 50 and up. Some younger guys, a couple of ladies too. I sat at the bar next to a couple of guys wo looked to be in their mid to late-70’s on one side, a younger single man to my right.

I ordered a lemonade and sat back and looked around. The walls had photos of the Queens of England and from around the world. Princess Di and The Current Queen Elizabeth were prominent I must say. Crowns, Tiaras, all sorts and sizes, chandeliers,  British Royal swag and knickknacks. The room itself with royal red walls, maybe 10 tables of 4 and the bar make up the Queens Bar.

The music was not too loud, permitting the many conversations taking place around the room. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. I struck up a conversation with the older of guys pair to my left and we three came to the conclusion that we were nearly neighbors at one time in the San Fernando Valley where they owned a florist shop. Go figure.

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I asked the bar tender if Marco was in, and he pointed to a guy standing next to him. This is Marco he said.

I introduced myself and asked if he had time to talk, and he said come back tomorrow around 8. He would be busy and might have to excuse himself to greet someone or help the staff, but I told him I edit, so take as many breaks as you need, and I’ll make you sound good. So, he trusted me, how about that!

Marco is from that group of Dutch travelers that Astrid Van Dam from Superior Tours Vallarta talked about. All those Dutch tourists who used to flock to Vallarta, that is  till the bogus Swine Flue Pandemic that never happened hit Vallarta and destroyed tourism for some time, and Astrid explained about how that put an end to the flights from Amsterdam to Puerto Vallarta. Ah, the economic hit-men…but that subject is for another episode now isn’t it?

Well, I came back, grabbed a chair at an empty table right in the middle of the Reinas Bar. And when Marco was ready, he sat down and warned me that if someone walked in, he would need to get up, and greet them and make sure they were settled in and comfortable. I told him he was in charge and to stop and start as he needed. So let’s go right now to Lazaro Cardenas 361 in the Emiliano Zapata

Neighborhood across the street from The Taco Stands alongside Farmacia Guadalajara, and let’s meet Marco Van Groeningen, owner of Reinas Bar, Puerto Vallarta, The Queens Bar.

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Long live the Reinas Bar. I just love the Dutch. I love the accent. I really love Marco too. What a great guy. He was a real surprise, wasn’t he?

Contact Information For Reinas Bar Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

• Facebook Reinas Bar
• Address: Lazaro Cardenas 361 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48380
• Phone: +52 322 205 0433
• Hours: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM

I have great respect for Marco. He’s a wonderful, thoughtful guy, and he has a great place. I have pictures of the Reinas Bar as well as pictures of Marco and his staff. Also a map that will take you right to the front door of Reinas Bar so check out the show-notes all right?

Reinas Bar Used to Bar Frida before they moved

Fundraiser

• Cinder Sinterklaas Gives Shoes to Cheryl’s Shoe-box

Favorite Breakfasts

• Casa Kimberly and La Capella

Dinner

• Bar San Lucas Next Door

Advice for a Gay Visitor

• Respect the Mexican Families, no Overt Sexual Conduct in Public

Day Trip

• Yelapa

Weekend Trip

• Talpa de Allende
• Sayulita
• El Tuito

 

Okay that should do it for this week.

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, 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.

Ans thanks to you Marco Van Groeningen, Thanks for talking with us about your lovely Reinas Bar, the Queen’s Bar, don’t be afraid to check out the place next time you are in paradise. 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!