Green Detox: eight days without notifications and a thousand new experiences

I arrived in Carucedo on a rainy Monday evening. With my suitcase packed with hiking boots, a raincoat, my 360° camera, a flamenco cajón, and a Spanish guitar, I settled into the bungalows that would be our home for the next nine days during a project called Green Detox. I was expecting plenty of green and plenty of detox—and I was not disappointed.

The next morning, we started with activities to get to know each other despite coming from such different countries: Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Georgia, and of course the hosting team from Spain. We shared our names, our first fears, expectations, and contributions, while also exploring the village of Carucedo.

On the second day, we took a journey inward through the concept of Ikigai, searching for the balance between what we are good at, what we love, what benefits the community, and what might even help us earn a little money one day. Afterwards, we worked together as a team to complete the challenge of crossing a swamp in complete silence. In the evening, we brought out the guitar and sang together before heading to bed.

On the third day, we packed our backpacks and hiked from the bungalows up to Las Médulas. It was shocking to see how the summer wildfires had destroyed so much of the surrounding forest, including the viewpoint and the entrance to some of the caves. Despite this, the local community had worked hard to rebuild the area, allowing us to enjoy breathtaking views and learn about the fascinating history of the ancient Roman gold mines. That evening, we enjoyed a fantastic Czech and Ukrainian cultural night.

After walking so much, the fourth day became a well-deserved day of rest. We improvised theatre performances, created Ukrainian bracelets, and prepared ourselves for our upcoming stage of the Camino de Santiago.

On the fifth day, we filled our backpacks once again, took a bus to Ponferrada, and completed a full stage of the Camino together. It was my first time walking part of the Camino, and I loved experiencing the solidarity among pilgrims. Sharing those delicious macaroni with chorizo, offering food to anyone who was hungry, and continuing together despite the rain made the experience unforgettable. That night, we showed off our dance moves to Colgando en tus Manos and celebrated an amazing Spanish Night, featuring a Spain–Venezuela fusion with the cajón and guitar.

The sixth day began with focus and concentration games together—"this is a pen..."—before we relaxed and played the Prisoners and Assassins game. After walking 24 kilometres the day before, everyone needed some recovery time. As always, the day ended with a swim in the lake, followed by spectacular Georgian and German cultural evenings. We hit the nail on the head with fun challenges and games that pushed us to step out of our comfort zones.

On the seventh day, we woke up once again to rainy weather and travelled to Peñalba de Santiago to enjoy the famous Valley of Silence. The walk was incredible: green landscapes, hidden caves, great company, and a true sense of disconnection from everyday life. Afterwards, we visited Palacio de Canedo, where we enjoyed a wine tasting to finish the day.

And on the eighth day, we reflected on how amazing the whole project had been. Mission accomplished: plenty of green and plenty of detox.

Thank you to Lucas, Jagoda, and the entire Valdeorras Vive team. This experience will always stay with me—not only in my memories, but also through the stories I will continue to share.

Efraín Fernández