#lipsi

Isles scattered across the Aegean archipelago are to become the first “Covid-free” areas of Greece as vaccination efforts intensify in tourist destinations hoping for an influx of summer visitors.

Today I am so excited to explain you, how were my last days. After the fear related to the earthquake everything is fixed and back to normal. I spent the last 2 days in company of my supervisor. It has been very interesting to listen to the multiple stories about his family and the history of Lipsi. We had a pleasant tour together around the island, that ended on the site where the Nikita’s Village will be built.

I was surprised to see, that everything is set in place: the excavation and the stone walls are done. In addition, the first road to access the site is completed. Kostas explained me all the details about the project, in which everything has been  thoroughly planned. As mentioned in my previous post about this topic, the resort is meant to be completely sustainable. Nevertheless, after having the chance to visit the whole island, I was worried that these future luxury villas would have changed the landscape. Well...I was wrong. Kostas is making it in the way, that the buildings will not be visible from the main road, they will be exclusively built with stones from his properties and respecting the conformation of the territory. Moreover, the 12 villas will be insulated with seaweed and powered with solar panels.There will be a water collection system on the roofs, while the water in the sewage system will be filtered with bamboo stalks in a cistern situated 3 meters underground, to avoid bad smell. Kostas explained, that the organic material will decompose in 2-3 years and will be recycled and used as a natural fertilizer for the common garden, the guest will benefit from. Indeed, even though the properties are not for sale and it will be a time-sharing solution, in the contract will be incorporated the perpetual right to harvest, using the resources of the property (milk provided by animal included), making this experience unique and special. In other words, different from the other tourist resorts. Moreover, a common kitchen and a building dedicated to student like me will be realised to facilitate the daily activities and motivate the guests to be an active part of them.

What else to say...simply that I am looking forward for this project to be finished and wish for more as this to come!

The site and the excavation 

The stone walls and the local rocks of which the villas will be made from