Fruity Travel

List of Museums in Panama City

by Cheryl Branche

Twelve museums are worth visiting in Panama City.

Afro-Antillean Museum Panama CityCultureinformation^{[link removed]}, history and culture of the West Indian workers for the building of the Panama Canal Biomuseo Panama CityNatural historyBolivar Museum Panama CityHistoryNational Bank of Panama House Museum Panama CityNumismaticwebsite^{[link removed]}, information^{[link removed]}, operated by National Bank of Panama.Marine Exhibition Center of Punta Culebra Panama CityNatural historyNature center with aquariumsMuseum of Contemporary Art Panama CityArtwebsite Museum of History Panama CityHistoryNatural Sciences Museum Panama CityNatural historyinformation, stuffed and mounted animals, rocks and minerals. (Currently closed for renovations)Panama Canal Museum Panama CityHistoryHistory of the construction of the Panama Canal Reina Torres de Araúz Anthropological Museum Panama CityAnthropologyinformation, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts (Closed in 2013; reopening not expected before 2021.^[1])Religious Art Museum Panama CityArtRicardo J. Alfaro Museum Panama CityBiographical

How to Pick the City to Visit when Travelling Solo for the First time.

by Cheryl Branche

If you are a woman and you are travelling overseas for the first time as a solo traveler, the thought may be scary. Here are some things you might keep in mind when choosing the destination.

1. Pull out the list of places you have always wanted to visit.

2. Consider the language. If the thought of going to an exhibit with non-English descriptions makes you think twice., consider visiting a place where English is the native language. A lot to travel includes learning a lot about yourself. When confidence is an issue, make it easy on yourself.

3. Consider safety. Read the State Department Travel advisories. IF the advisory does not recommend traveling to a given country. Do not visit. Do not do stupid stuff. Do not travel at night if you do not feel comfortable. Reconsider bars and alcohol is you are traveling solo. Period. Do not go off the beaten path, alley, roads. If it does not feel right, do not do it. DO not hookup. You rights as a woman foreigner may not include being treated the same as a native male in the eyes of the law and old boys network.

4. Consider the budget. If you want to visit Vienna, for example, which is perfect for older people, who are established, then consider that a deeply reduced travel budget might make the stay uncomfortable. Visit a place where your budget can be accommodated. IF the budget is low, consider a place where young people visit are are welcome. Lodging and food establishments that accommodate the budgets of such travelers are likely to welcome you also. If your budget is larger, then you can consider cities with higher costs of living. Research the place you want to visit: Check out the lodgings and the range of rates. Check out the restaurants and rage of menu choices. Check out activities and range of types of activities and fees. Check out activity "packages."

5. Consider the duration of the trip. A three day stay luxury stay is more than like prices higher that a three week on-luxury trip. Part of travel is learning what you like. Luxury is fun. Hostel living allows for a longer stay and, while different, is a different travel experience.

6. Consider your tolerance for new and different. A short seven day trip to one place may be easier on you than a 14-day seven city trip. For the first time overseas, the goal is to enjoy the trip and develop your confidence. Language, weather, ease of communication and transportation are the main issues. The first overseas trip sets the tone for the next trips. IF you enjoy the trip and feel more confident about things like the aircraft size, what immigration and International check-in is like, where to put eh passport so you can find it and not lose it skills, how to help the flight attendants help you enjoy the first trip, what to say, how to handle fear, how to navigate getting lost, how to use your human skills like intution and curiosity to help you to enjoy and navigate the trip, and getting to know how you are when you travel, you are likely to take a second trip over seas.

7. Consider clothes. If it is warm, you can pack more clothes in a smaller space. If you do not like the cold, then plan to travel to a warmer city. Consider if you can get clothes at the destination is needed. Pack half of the clothes you think you need. Make a packing list. Trim the list. Pack the trim list, then remove half of what is left. Until you learn what you need for creature comforts and absolute must haves for your self, generally you do not need to pack as many clothes and shoes as you think for a vacation. For me, I have learned that for a three month trip, I pack for a two week trip. For a two week trip I place for a five day trip. Ladies:

8. Consider one's weight. If walking is a challenge for weight reasons or shoe reasons or mobility issues, select a city that is walking friendly., has good public transportation or taxi options. If you are fat and want to travel, you can travel. Just learn. Personally, I think that improving one's comfort during travel, like being able to walk with out getting winded, fit in to a last minute dress purchase on vacation is a good reason to think about losing weight. All about one's convenience and comfort and can pack more in less volume for more fun.

9. Consider one's health physiology. Most of the time, there are women living where you travel. Women's hygiene products are usually in the cities where you will lodge. In major cities dress sizes are standard. A good reason to not travel fat (I am fat). It makes picking a little something for an event aa challenge. Same with shoes, socks, accessories.

10. Pick a city where you can get your luggage where yu need to get it without issue. Pack what you can carry and no more. A suitcase and purse/tote. That's it. If not possible, on the first trip, the mere carrying stuff make life a challenge. The less you need to carry and the lighter is is, the happier you will be.

If you wear glasses, pick a city that can receive overnight mail easily. Pack two pair and leave a pair with a friend you can send the lost pair by overnight mail to you. Ask at the lodging desk where you can get new glasses made. Carry the copy of the prescription with you.

Medications: Keep the medications on you. Make a list of the medications and the instructions. Make a list of the doctors who prescribe the prescriptions. Keep the contact details of the US Embassy in the travel documents. Where can I get refills if I need to? IT is a hassle to think about, y ete almost handleable if you address the issue head on.

Vaccinations: Learn what vaccinations are required. Obtain them and suggested medications prior to travel. Keep the vaccine documents with your travel documents.

8. Courtesy: You are in another person country. They let you come in. The US State Department let you visit. Be a good guest. Follow the rules. Be courteous. Try to learn the customs before you visit. Fear, apprehension, new surroundings, a steep learning environment can make you shout to be heard. Breathe deeply. If you are ME center

9. Health: If you are physically fit, great. If you are not or have mobility issues, at every step ask the lodging, the venues, the activity locations, if mobility issues can effect the experience. It the city is not really walkable and you have a mobility issue, the city may not be the place for you to visit the first time, for example. If you are older, give you self a day off every four days. You just may not have the juice to keep up the pace for five days. YOur body is different that when 20-something.

Travel requires many skills. There are many moving parts. The pre-travel excitement can become unbearable. The energy can be directed to prepare and help yourself make the trip go smoothly. Every sophisticated fly traveler starts out as the basic "what if I lose my passport?' and "How is this very biiig, fat, long plane filled with people going to get off the ground and stay in the over the Atlantic Ocean before landing me safely on the ground?" first time solo traveler to London.

Travel requires many decisions and involves asking many questions: Where is the bathroom? What taxi to take? What subway to board? What is the lodging address? Cash or card? What time id the venue open? Do I try to taste when I cant read the name on the menu? How much to tip? Do I wander down this road? Can I trust this person? What do I see first? What is I do not see everything? Come back? What if I get sick or...or worse? How many pair of glasses do I take? Every "what-if" is a legitimate concern and requires contingency planning.

Next steps: Pull out the notebook. Lots of notebook paper. Let the cover sheet include the date of travel,, the destination, and purpose of trip-the WHY. That all. Change as required. a calendar. a beverage. And a pen or pencil and get to planning, thinking, dreaming, reconsidering, finalizing. Just start. Sometimes it helps to start at the end: I want to be delighted to tell my friend I just got back from Paris a few days ago. Can't wait to tell her what I did and saw. Sometimes the why is to show myself I overcame my fear of my first solo travel experience.

Lastly, travel teaches that one always has options. One may not like the options. Options exist. One must always reserve the right to turn around at the last minute at door to the plane and go home. It must always be an option and whether to take the option is up to you. Lastly, Lastly, do not ever travel without the healthy capacity of fear. For a woman, fear, with its attendant heighten state of awareness, is your best friend.

Hostels in Panama City with Age Restrictions

by Cheryl Branche

Hosteling can be fun. It is inexpensive. It is social. It can be loud. Great fun if you are younger. As an older person who hostels, I found that many hostels in Panama City, Panama have upper age limits. Ostensibly, because older people are not likely to be above to limb to the top bunks. I suspect there is more to it, though. Here are names of hostels in Panama City that have upper age restrictions, as of January 2026:

Yoha Hostel

Casa Areka

Panama Hat Hostel

Hostel Loco Coc Loco

Zebulo Hostel

Pod 33

Verfying now for status as of July 1, 2026...watch for update.

My favorite hostel is Hostel Bodhi

Blog

Travel the Americas:

Salsipuedes at the Bristol

Cheryl L Branche

Coming soon

Mola designs at the Cinta Costero

Cheryl Branche

Image/Photo: Mola designs on restrooms at Cinta Costera. Copyright 2025 Pine Bluff Investments Corporation/Inmentis Holdings. All Rights Reserved. For business inquirues/licensing details: Info@CherylLBranche.com

City of Stars

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Indigenous Heritage at the National Museum of the American Indian in NYC

Nestled in the heart of New York City, the National Museum of the American Indian stands as a cultural beacon, inviting visitors to embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant and diverse tapestry of Indigenous heritage. This museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, serves as a tribute to the myriad cultures, histories, and contributions of the Native peoples of the Americas.

**1. Architectural Marvel: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity**

Before even stepping inside, visitors are greeted by the striking architecture of the museum. Designed to harmonize with the landscape, the building seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, mirroring the dynamic nature of the Indigenous cultures it represents. Its curves and lines tell a story of resilience and adaptation.

**2. Exhibit Galleries: A Kaleidoscope of Indigenous Narratives**

Inside, the museum's exhibit galleries unfold like chapters in a living book, showcasing a kaleidoscope of Indigenous narratives. From ancient artifacts that whisper tales of pre-Columbian civilizations to contemporary art that boldly asserts the enduring vitality of Native cultures, each exhibit is a testament to the depth and breadth of Indigenous expression.

**3. Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Unity in Variety**

The museum goes beyond a singular narrative, highlighting the incredible diversity among Native American communities. Visitors encounter the nuanced traditions, languages, and lifestyles of tribes from the Arctic Circle to the tip of South America. The exhibitions emphasize the interconnectedness of Indigenous peoples while celebrating the unique elements that distinguish each community.

**4. Educational Programs: Nurturing Understanding and Respect**

In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers a range of educational programs designed to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures. Workshops, lectures, and interactive displays provide visitors with opportunities to engage directly with the material, encouraging a respectful appreciation for the complexities of Native histories.

**5. Living Cultures: Connecting Past and Present**

One of the museum's most compelling features is its commitment to showcasing living cultures. Through collaborations with contemporary Indigenous artists and communities, the museum ensures that its exhibits are not mere reflections of the past but living, breathing entities that evolve with the times.

**6. Community Engagement: A Shared Space for Dialogue**

The National Museum of the American Indian serves as a communal space for dialogue, bridging the gap between Native and non-Native communities. By fostering an environment where stories are shared, questions are asked, and understanding is cultivated, the museum becomes a vital catalyst for building connections and breaking down stereotypes. The museum has a small cafe that offers pastries, coffee and other beverages and chips.

In conclusion, a visit to the National Museum of the American Indian in NYC is an enriching experience that transcends typical museum exploration. It is a journey through time, culture, and understanding—a reminder that the tapestry of Indigenous heritage is not static but a vibrant and evolving masterpiece that continues to shape the narrative of America. Explore the Rich Tapestry of Indigenous Heritage at the National Museum of the American Indian in NYC.

Restaurant review

Four-five Stars

Le Crocodile

The Wyeth Hotel

80 Wyeth Avenue

Brooklyn, NY

As a very older unassuming retired AA female professional with kinda messy hair, I get to observe the goings-on, as though my fledgling discerning eye does not exist, including behaviors from the younger generation that may be perceived as racist.

The greeting staff was professional and helpful during my call to restaurant about being late and arranging to seat guest. The hotel staffer escorted me to the restaurant and waited until the host arrived to seat me, which made the Le Crocodile experience satisfying from the start.

The restaurant was spacious and clean without floor litter and minimal din. The tables were seated comfortable distances apart. The chairs were comfortable and a comfortable height. Most of the conversations were not distracting. The ambient environment was restful.

The service surfaces were organized and uncluttered. Staffers were busy. No cellphones were visible. Minimal chatting was evident. Many members of the service staff were pleasant, patient, and helpful.

Dinner service (tableware and appointments were calming and unobstrusive).

Food was absolutely delicious. The food was warm and brought in a timely manner. The food on the plates were tastefully arranged. Seasoning was pleasing. Portions were unexpectedly large for a French restaurant-No complaints. Each morsel was satisfying and the taste of each morsel lingered.

According to my guest/friend, the onion soup was very satisfying and filling.

The beverages, coffee and water, were delicious. Sparkling water was tastefully refreshing. Coffee was flavorful.

Restroom was clean without odors and well supplied.

A staffer provided the name of the chef upon request.

A very pleasant experience. My friend and I plan to return.

FruityTravel

List of Museums in Panama City

How to Pick the City to Visit when Travelling Solo for the First time.

Hostels in Panama City with Age Restrictions

Mola designs at the Cinta Costero

City of Stars

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Indigenous Heritage at the National Museum of the American Indian in NYC

Ask A Question