The Mario Gallery is another fascinating place one must visit in Goa. This is a curio and artist boutique that sells everything from T-shirts to paintings, posters, and mugs, along with bubblers and other interesting wall decorations that embody the Goan vibe. It is a shop owned by the well-renowned Goan artist Mario.

Just in front of the shop window stand three huge statues of characters from the world of Mario—one is a waiter, another is a smoking drunk, and the third is a fat man playing the trumpet. The shop has a Disney-like feel, but there is enough to keep you interested, and one can easily spend an hour just wandering around the store.

Mario Gallery

There are exotic pillow covers, wall hangings, and other decorations that bear Mario’s trademark style. I managed to get a few wall paintings and even gifted one to my friends. The gallery is a must-visit if one wants to buy something that will remind them of their trip to Goa.

The afternoon sun was beating down on us, and I decided to get on the wheels once again. As I told you, I have once again started enjoying driving.

Our next stop, across the lazy winding roads of Goa, was an ice cream shop that sold gelato—something I now enjoy with relish. After that, I drove towards the open fields of Goa, and we found a scenic spot in the open wilderness with a large water pond in the middle. With the sun beating down on us, this was a perfect place to take pictures and soak in the beauty of Goa’s open landscapes.

The Goan air makes one dizzy and lightheaded. We have been dining at the Goa Gymkhana quite regularly, and I just can’t stop ordering the fish thali—it has become my favorite meal these days.

This is a city where hardly anyone honks, and the traffic is very well regulated. Thus, driving is fun most of the time, but one must watch the speed limit.

I have kept a strict diet of fish, fruits, poha, and khichdi, which has helped with my weight loss as well.