#Myrunning man 70 series#
In addition to a desire for a lifestyle change, Derks observed that people moving into these sparsely populated reaches were also spurred by the strict lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic and a series of economic and housing crises. “They are turning away from capitalism, from consumerism-and seeking some kind of utopian mini-society,” she explains. But Derks discovered that this ideal has more than a few imperfections.īut now and then she found herself in places that felt pretty utopian. In Barchel, an off-grid village west of Valencia, Derks immediately felt right at home. A group of young idealists were converting a vacant farmhouse there into their new residence. Until they arrived seven years ago, the place had been deserted for four decades.
“There is an enormous vegetable garden, and they have a lot of fun together,” she says. “They’re highly motivated to develop the village based on their values.” For one, Barchel has no hierarchy. The residents make nearly all of their decisions by holding a meeting. “Who will milk the goats? Who will work in the garden? Who is taking care of lunch? Who is making soap? It’s kind of like a perpetual school camping trip,” she says.ĭerks realized that she wasn’t cut out for communal life. “That was perhaps the greatest challenge of this project,” she says. “I embrace many of the ideas that make up the foundation of such a village, such as sustainability and minimalism.” But her individualistic side tugs more.
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