A balcony over the road in front and the river at the back: Ribandar's two-storey houses are made for sitting out, and the seats are in use most evenings when the breeze comes off the Mandovi. Ordinary cushion covers rarely see out a monsoon in that air; they spot with mould and stay clammy. Sunbrella acrylic is water-repellent, resists mould and dries quickly, so bench and chair cushions can live outdoors through the wet months. Ask for quick-dry foam with a mesh panel underneath so rain drains through, and tip cushions on edge after a heavy shower. Stripes and plain colours look right beside old wooden furniture.
- Front balconies over the road: slim bench cushions with ties, in a mid-tone that hides the dust thrown up by passing traffic.
- River-side sit-outs: seat pads on quick-dry foam with mesh bases, stood on end after rain so that they drain.
- Small balconies of the hill flats: two chair cushions that stay out all year, since there is nowhere indoors to keep them.
Ribandar is the long, narrow village on the Mandovi between Panjim and Old Goa, reached by the causeway from the city. A single road runs through it, lined with old houses that back onto the river, with a ferry across to Chorão.
Ribandar is known for its row of Portuguese-era houses, many two storeys high with balconies over the road and the water behind. Several have been restored. Newer flats stand on the hill above.
With the river on one side and salt pans and mangroves along the causeway, Ribandar is humid and breezy, and mosquitoes are common in the evening.
Riverside and backwater homes
By the water, cushions stay damp unless they can drain. Use quick-dry foam with a mesh base panel, and stand cushions on edge after rain.
Old Goan houses
The deep verandas and balcões of old houses are used every day. Bench and chair cushions in outdoor fabric suit them, in plain or striped designs that sit well with old furniture.
