Ecological Community

On Saturday's trip to Peñalolen I also took in la communidad ecologica, Santiago's answer to those communes set up to provide an alternative and sustainable way of living. It's a nice place, on the outskirts of the city at the foot of the cordillera and is basically an association of people who have chosen to live in an ecologically efficient way. The Ecological Community of Peñalolen was founded some thirty years ago and, as such, a number of its residents have spent a significant period living there, and the place has been able to develop into a healthy and functional community.

Having been established for a relatively long period of time, it now appears to be a thriving and renowned sector of Santiaguino life. The buildings differ in size, style and material. Some are large houses made of wood while others are more like huts made out of dried earth. A pleasant stroll round the site reveals it to be a place that has clearly developed its own identity and become self-supporting. There are artesanal shops selling crafts, clothes and local produce, metal and wood workshops, restaurants, a theatre-cum-cultural centre, community halls, a bar with good live music and plenty of other things. It is a fully-functioning community and is a fine example of what can be achieved when people work together.

I hadn't been up to these eastern outskirts of Santiago for a few months and I'd forgotten about what for me is the most striking thing about this part of the city: namely the level of tranquility that exists here. You may be able to see the sprawling city below you but there is a stillness in the air, the scents are fresh, and the most intrusive sounds are the birds. I find it remarkable that you can still be in the city but feel so disconnected and it is yet another example of one of the best aspects of Santiago life: the ease with which you can escape the city. With the Andes looming over you, it's a fine spot to visit on a chilled out afternoon.

Having said all that, there is still an element of middle class smugness prevailing here that is so common in London. I particularly liked the car park for the restaurant where a number of 4X4s awaited their owners, who are obviously ignorant to the contradiction. It took me back to Stoke Newington and the self-rightousness of some of its inhabitants. At least they suffer from those people here in Chile as well.

A perusal of the website shows that this is a community that takes an active role in many aspects of Chilean and Santiaguino issues and is seemingly committed to following the environmental path. I hope to head back over to Peñalolen some time soon as I feel at peace over there. You can get there by bus from Grecia Metro although I don't remember the number.

These photos aren't particularly good but I didn't have my camera the other day and at least they give an idea of the different architectural styles of the community.