We met in the Gallery and saw a Guardian video about “Honeydew“ communal living in Italy:
A difficult topic for some of us because it is a bit woo-woo. The community has great plans for a harmonious living community. But someone had to fund the project and without good funding, such projects are only available for a few well-off people who want to flee the “regular” life and give their children a better lifestyle in harmony with nature. This place attracts, apparently, many “tourists” who do not intend to stay longer. Misfits may come as well, or even lead such a community and exploit the members.
Living communities are not automatically a cult. Communal living becomes more difficult when the members stay longer and rub against each other in regards to working chores/hours etc.
We had two similar attempts to create living communities on Madeira, one by J. Schmidt, a German city planner, https://arttists-villages.blogspot.com, not going ahead.
“Lua Cheia” is another effort, (R.V. of Biologos knows about it) but both did not come to fruition because of lack of funds.
Casa da Semente (situated in Sta. Luzia) is modelled on Montessori, but the Government did not support the salary of 1,5 teachers, so the school-after-school project is also not working anymore.
”Escola Normal” was mentioned, here is more info:
https://www.artmadeira.org/post/escola-normal-a-collective-transforming-madeira-s-cultural-scene
We then deviated from the topic – all was said – briefly to AI which according to rumours, threatens to become “live” soon, and may then dominate humans.
We also spoke about a ferry for Madeira. The old connection was advantageous for small businesses which circumvented the Sousa empire and its high transport prices. Madeira passengers loved the ferry. But there is fear that with a new ferry connection, the island could be flooded by “mobile homes” and many more tourists who disrespect nature. The ecological footprint would be better but might only replace 2 flights a week from the continent.
There a plans for a “Macaronesia Ferry”, linking Cape Verdes Islands, Canaries, and Madeira & Porto Santo with the Azores, without including the mainland. We’ll see if it happens!
Ursula Hahn
info at madeira-weekly.com
