While being on the Heterotopia tour in Portugal, there were countless lessons we took everyday. Alongside the permaculture knowledge we acquired during those beautiful 2 weeks and every other thing we learned through our interaction with each other, one of the most important things this tour taught us was the way we all lived together.

Community living is not an easy thing if there is no will from each and everyone of the group. Everybody needs to be able to communicate with each other, respect each other’s differences and try to contribute in the best way to help with the group’s needs. From simple things, as sharing a room/tent, to solving some problems that you go through, the principles remain the same.

This way of living is a really different experience if you have never done it before. Especially if you live in a city where isolation thrives. Through communal life you learn that your ego will help you, and only, to go from a to b, while acting selflessly as a part of the group will get all of you from a to z. The way the community functions helps everyone achieve their personal goals and the group’s goals together. Individually, you will get tested to live under certain circumstances that you are not used to, overcome your fears and step out of your comfort zone. I can totally assure you that the group will always be there for you in every situation. As a group, you will see how so many different personalities and opinions will build up the foundations that are needed for the community to develop and flourish.

Every day in the Heterotopia tour we were lucky enough to observe how 35 (more or less) individuals became a group of 35 through our interaction in tasks, workshops and mainly our daily life. All these might sound unrealistic to some, so that is why I personally invite you all to try to design or participate in an Heterotopia tour and see yourselves how this life changing experience can affect your view of the world.

George Kyrtatas