It has been three days in Goa, and the afternoons are spent dining at the Goa Kokum Curry restaurant deep in the markets of Panaji. My sleep patterns have changed, and the fresh air is doing wonders for me. Ani has been concerned about my gut health, so we spent quite some time looking for health vitamins in the local chemist shops.
After having lunch—a Goan Fish Thali—we stepped out onto the open streets, which, at this time of the year, were red and dusty. My eye fell on a little girl who asked me for food. I offered her some money, but she insisted that she only wanted food. She wasn’t begging but genuinely needed help, and since we had some food packed, I offered it to her. I’ve always been told to perform random acts of kindness, and this was just one of those moments.
Fine Arts and Café Bodega
Our next stop was an art gallery, and it turned out to be a great experience. I managed to click photos of Ani in different poses wearing his 3D glasses. The café there had some fabulous artwork, with fascinating pictures and even a 3D mural that was truly mesmerizing. This was the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for Fine Arts, a non-profit organization that promotes art and literature in Panaji, Goa.
Café Bodega, part of the art center, is operated by Vandana Naik, who runs the place beautifully. Here, you can find exotic breads and granolas, which pair perfectly with a cup of coffee.
The afternoons in Goa are very hot, so it’s essential to find cooler spaces by late afternoon. The Goan air continues to work wonders for me. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!
