Bambolim's blocks stand in the open, and in the monsoon the plateau wind drives rain against their outer walls. So the choice of wall comes first. A partition between rooms, at the bed head or backing the sofa, stays dry and suits vinyl wallpaper; an external wall with any history of staining wants treating and a full monsoon's watching before paper goes near it, and PVC panels are the wiser covering if it stays damp. In a rented flat, ask the owner first, since wallpaper cannot leave with you. Villas above the bay have living-room walls large enough for murals that would crowd a small flat. Near the highway, smooth vinyl wipes clean where textured paper holds dust.
- Flats in the newer complexes: wipeable vinyl on a single bed-head wall, picked from the partitions that never face the weather.
- Villa living rooms over the bay: a mural or large repeat on the tall inner wall, set out from the ceiling downwards.
- Rooms facing the highway: smooth vinyl in a patterned or mid-tone design, since flocked and deeply textured papers trap the road dust.
Bambolim lies on the plateau and hillside south of Panjim, above the Zuari bay. It is known for the Goa Medical College and its hospital, and has the military camp, a beach resort on the bay, and many newer apartment complexes and villas.
Bambolim housing ranges from flats for doctors, students and hospital staff to upmarket complexes and villas looking over the bay. Rented flats change hands often.
The plateau is exposed to wind, and the bay side gets salt air and afternoon sun over the water. The highway runs through, with noise and dust.
Hilltop and plateau homes
Exposed walls on high ground are driven with rain in the monsoon. Paper the sheltered inner walls, and treat any wall that has shown damp patches before covering it. Vinyl wallpaper is the safe choice.
Apartments and town flats
In a flat, one papered wall behind the sofa or the bed changes the room for little cost. Shared walls with a neighbour's bathroom or kitchen should be checked for damp. Vinyl wallpaper wipes clean, which suits homes with children.
