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 Federico Lopez Casco, is the Medicine Man of Puerto Vallarta. Freddy  is the Pharmacist from the famous Farmacia Olas Altas, right in the middle of the South Side of 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 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_2003" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] 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! And I just wanted to thank the folks at La Palapa for letting me conduct a couple of interviews while I was down this time. One was with three great guys that have a band called La Trez Cuartoz, and they have a great story. I’m going to have them on next week. This week, I have a special guest, The Medicine Mane of Puerto Vallarta, Federico Lopez Casco, Freddy the Pharmacist from the famous Farmacia Olas Altas, But first what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta the 24^th of January 2018.  

The 5^th edition of The Ceviche and Aguachile Festival

....will be held this Sunday, January 28^th from 12 to 7PM. The organizer of the festival, Edgar Cisneros tells us that in this fifth edition there will be a total of 10 local restaurants, 2 craft breweries (Molusko, from Puerto Vallarta and from the Magical Town of San Sebastian del Oeste, a beer called Nebula. Also artisanal ice cream with shaved Ice and fresh fruit waters, and to  liven up the day the folkloric ballet "Tradiciones" directed by Alexis Jimón. Also will be there will be a troupe of Polynesian dancers doing Demos with the girls from the school "Lani Ale Kau Iluna" and some other singers and groups. And a planned release the "doves" to liven up the event. The event is expected to draw more than a thousand people -between local people and tourists. [caption id="attachment_2232" align="aligncenter" width="541"] Ceviche y Aguachile Festival in Puerto Vallarta[/caption] During the seven hours of the event it is expected that more than 350 kilograms of fish and shellfish, will be consumed, which is expected to generate an average economic income of just over $ 250,000 thousand pesos.  Which will go right into the local economy. The festival is also associated with a noble cause, since a meal will be offered to the children cared for in the Santa Esperanza Children's Shelter, with the generous donation of fish and shellfish by the participating restaurants. Remember that the Festival of Ceviche and Aguachile takes place twice a year: during the last weekend of January and then in July. “ We are waiting for you to enjoy delicious ceviche’s and aguachiles on Sunday, January 28 at the Lázaro Cárdenas park in Puerto Vallarta. And again, that will be at Lazaro Cardenas Park from 12-7. Sounds like lots of fun. Check out the video I have in the show notes.  

Gary Thompson is now holding an Evening Free Sculpture Tour

Every Thursday evening, Gary Thompson of Galeria Pacifico that by the way just celebrated 30 years in Puerto Vallarta now has this new tour [caption id="attachment_2233" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Evening Malecon Sculpture Tour[/caption] to keep folks out of the blazing midday sun and instead, enjoy the sun setting along the Malecon as you learn about the sculptures and the artists only the way Gary can tell it. He is marvelous. The tour begins at 6 pm at Gary’s Gallery on Aldama Street downtown, covers all the sculptures heading south until you end up at Vallarta’s newest Galeria Demetro. Jim Demetro is the sculptor who created many of Vallarta’s sculptures. The Vallarta Dancers, the Washerwoman on the beach side of Molino de Agua condominiums and Bernardo the Burro in the park directly across from his Gallery. There is always wine to sip on while you peruse the eclectic art on the walls. Jim’s latest project is “The Fisherman” and you can help build it! As with all Jim’s projects that have been gifted to the City, there’s a wonderful story behind the idea. Check it out and double check to see that he is doing the tour. I’m not sure how long he plans to do the Thursday thing.

Bella Napoli Changes It’s Name to L’ angelo di Napoli

A few months back I introduced you to Ali and Agostino from Bella Napoli, Italian Restaurant. Remember, the singing Italian Restaurateur? Well, Bella Napoli has been forced to change its name because another company trademarked the name for a string of franchises. Anyway, Ali and Agostino were told they would have to pay a percentage of the business to use the name so instead of having to fight it forever in court, they changed the name so now it’s L’angolo di Napoli. Remember, the same great people, the same great food. Same location on Calle Morelos 128 on the north side of the south bound bridge at Santander Bank. So now you know, if you happen to have trouble finding it. I made changes on my blogpost, so we are up to date. Go have some Pizza and Pasta for goodness sake. Hey, they had a baby too so congratulazioni Ali and Agostino! Congratulazioni my friends! [caption id="attachment_2234" align="aligncenter" width="394"] Ali and Agostino[/caption] We did some pretty cool things in Puerto Vallarta this time around.

Brunch at The Canopy River Mountain Top Restaurant

[caption id="attachment_2243" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] JR on The Jorullo Bridge[/caption] JR and I went to Brunch at Canopy River and checked out the Jorullo Bridge. Such a beautiful view. You can actually see the ocean from there. Such a beautiful setting. Great band of Mariachis, and a wide selection of Mexican food. Chilliquelles, menudo, rice beans chorizo, all types of fresh fruits and salads, hand made tortillas, pancakes, tacos, juices. Hands down the best deal on the planet. The view alone will blow your socks off. [caption id="attachment_2238" align="alignnone" width="300"] Brunch at Canopy River[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2240" align="alignright" width="300"] Brunch at Canopy River[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2239" align="alignnone" width="300"] Brunch at Canopy River[/caption] And did I mention the view is great? 180 pesos for breakfast. Cheap but if you drink alcohol, be ready to get charged more. So, stick with milk and Juice. [caption id="attachment_2236" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Brunch at Canopy River[/caption] You can get there by truck, like a friend with a pickup. Or you can have them pick you up from their offices, one in Nuevo, one in the Hotel zone, and if you are in town, there’s one at Insurgents and Manuel Dieguez, and that’s where me and JR caught it.  Check out the pictures and see JR’s smiling face. [caption id="attachment_2235" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Brunch at Canopy River[/caption] I also wanted to thank the folks at Cuates y Cuetes for allowing me to record quite a few interviews at a 4 top table. You know, it’s rude to take up an entire table, but I always had at least one person sitting and eating and drinking with me so it was all good. They really took care of me and my guests. So thanks! And the owner and I had a conversation, on the sly, and she and I will talk next time I’m down. So Thanks to Cuates y Cuetes for your killer chiliquilles verdes con pollo picante! And your tortilla soup con pollo. Your service and cooperation. Perfecto! And speaking of interviews at Cuates y Cuetes, I just wanted to thank Ray D’Ascenzi again for coming out with his family and talking with me. You know, JR told me that Ray got it right on about Vallarta. It’s still the Real Mexico. Not totally Americanized like much of Mexico and Latin America for that matter is becoming. Not a Starbucks on every corner. Not a McDonalds on every corner. Now the invasion of condominium construction on the Southside would make your head spin. The sounds…The constant hammering and grinding and tapping and chiseling. 8 till 6, every day. It’s a little much, but it is still real Mexico. So well put Ray. Thanks again for sharing with us last week. [caption id="attachment_2192" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Cuates y Cuetes[/caption]   I also wanted to thank listeners Todd and Jeanette for stopping by the Meet and Greet at Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse. I took them upstairs to the really cool roomy rooftop lounge they have up there. Very, very cool Kelly, and Todd and Jeanette were just great! Gave them a couple of tee shirts and Todd disappears for a second and the next thing I know, he’s wearing the tee shirt! Cool! Anyway, I interviewed Todd and Jeanette and then Kelly herself, so in a few weeks, we will have those interviews for you. Really nice people. All of them! There are so many other people I wanted to thank but that can wait for next week. Okay, Sean wanted me to get to the Tijuana to Puerto Vallarta story. Do we have time??? Let’s get to our guest.

Freddy The Pharmacist in Puerto Vallarta

[caption id="attachment_2244" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Federico Lopez Casco[/caption] I ask my listeners for suggestions for guests that I should have o the show, and I had multiple suggestions, from multiple listeners that I should talk to a pharmacist, and many of you suggested one in particular, and it Freddy, at Farmacia Olas Altas, right smack dab in the middle of all the action on the Southside. He has been there for 42 years. He grew up in a family of Pharmacists, his son, Victor and he is also a Pharmacist, working as a pharmacist along with his dad for 20 years. Also very knowledgeable, great English speaking skills too. So, these men are a force to be reckoned with for sure. [caption id="attachment_2229" align="alignleft" width="300"] Victor Casco[/caption] I want to get to the interview and let Freddy tell you the story, but let me describe the place, Farmacia Olas Altas. First off, it’s not anything like the other farmacias all white tile and brightly lit on the street, and let me tell you, there are many. No this one is first off bigger. Kinda a double wide. There is a drug counter for sure and it is big, but they sell cosmetics, cigars, alcohol, produce, sundries, Soda…the list goes on. So this is no ordinary place and these are no ordinary pharmacists. So lets go to Puerto Vallarta on Monday evening, to a very busy Farmacia Olas Altas, and have a conversation with Federico Lopez Casco, Freddy, the Medicine Man of Puerto Vallarta….

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[caption id="attachment_2227" align="alignleft" width="300"] Farmacia Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2228" align="alignright" width="300"] Farmacia Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2223" align="alignleft" width="300"] Farmacia Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2224" align="alignright" width="300"] Farmacia Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2225" align="alignleft" width="300"] Farmacia Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2226" align="alignnone" width="300"] Farmacia Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico[/caption]

Contact information For Farmacia Olas Altas

• Olas Altas 465 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico
•  Get Directions
•  Phone number+52 322 222 2374

  Thank you Freddy. Okay, I was trying to keep my cool during that conversation but when he said the no see ums are like, living inside you…euuuuuwwwww. I’m done with that. You will find all the links to and the address of Farmacia Olas Altas in the show notes. Let him know I told you about him when you do. Well, that should do it for this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. [caption id="attachment_2231" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Farmacia Olas Altas, 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 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_2230" align="alignnone" width="300"] Farmacia Olas Altas, 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 again to Federico Lopez Casco, Freddy from Farmacia Olas Altas. Check out his contact info 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!