Hello, I’m reporting live from Ilgakiemis Lithuania.
This fall Birute became 88 years old and she still hasn’t learnt how to ride a bicycle. From when she was born and up until now, she has been living in a cottage deep in the forest. That being said, the place in which she was born will most likely be the one in which she shall pass away. Many feel sorry for the old woman due to her rather humble allowance of around 100 euros per month, yet Birute says that it suits her needs, and above all, she feels happy.
Her world ends where the forest ends
The old woman hasn’t ventured further than 20 kilometers from her cottage. The woman has been living here since she was born. Barely anyone comes by her house-the nearest cottage is over 2 kilometers away. She has never worked outside her cottage or her forest, therefore she only gets a humble allowance.
No need for commodities
The old woman never had running water, sewage or a toilet. Drinking water is acquired from a well in the yard, meanwhile, in order to make food, one has to fire up a wood furnace every time. The woman is very happy to have electricity, which was installed only 13 years ago.
“Good people” help to survive
Local huntsmen, called “good people” by Birute, bring her block of wood, which she then gets split and stores for the winter. During summer she looks after her garden, in which she grows potatoes, pumpkins, zucchini, onions and garlic, which feeds not only her, but all the people who visit her.
Doing homework while making moonshine
During her teenage years, her family did not have much money, barely had any food, and the five-children family had to make a living, so her father would send her to the forest to make moonshine.
“I am very happy-what else do I need?”
Even though the woman never had a husband or any children, her Christmas table is full of people, and she says that sometimes they don’t even fit. Soon-to-be 90 year old Birute manages all of her livestock: 15 chickens, 3 dogs, 4 cats, and a few dozen pigeons in the attic. She takes care of all animals that come over to her cottage. She shares everything she’s got, even managing to share her 100 euro allowance with her nephew.
Her dreams
Birute says that she only wants some more of the calm life which she already has. She has never seen the sea, and doesn’t dream to do so, as going by car seems frightful to her. What are her dreams? “I wish to be able to take care of myself until the end of my days, so that others don’t have to worry, and that’s it” says the old woman.
This fall Birute became 88 years old and she still hasn’t learnt how to ride a bicycle. From when she was born and up until now, she has been living in a cottage deep in the forest. That being said, the place in which she was born will most likely be the one in which she shall pass away. Many feel sorry for the old woman due to her rather humble allowance of around 100 euros per month, yet Birute says that it suits her needs, and above all, she feels happy.
Her world ends where the forest ends
The old woman hasn’t ventured further than 20 kilometers from her cottage. The woman has been living here since she was born. Barely anyone comes by her house-the nearest cottage is over 2 kilometers away. She has never worked outside her cottage or her forest, therefore she only gets a humble allowance.
No need for commodities
The old woman never had running water, sewage or a toilet. Drinking water is acquired from a well in the yard, meanwhile, in order to make food, one has to fire up a wood furnace every time. The woman is very happy to have electricity, which was installed only 13 years ago.
“Good people” help to survive
Local huntsmen, called “good people” by Birute, bring her block of wood, which she then gets split and stores for the winter. During summer she looks after her garden, in which she grows potatoes, pumpkins, zucchini, onions and garlic, which feeds not only her, but all the people who visit her.
Doing homework while making moonshine
During her teenage years, her family did not have much money, barely had any food, and the five-children family had to make a living, so her father would send her to the forest to make moonshine.
“I am very happy-what else do I need?”
Even though the woman never had a husband or any children, her Christmas table is full of people, and she says that sometimes they don’t even fit. Soon-to-be 90 year old Birute manages all of her livestock: 15 chickens, 3 dogs, 4 cats, and a few dozen pigeons in the attic. She takes care of all animals that come over to her cottage. She shares everything she’s got, even managing to share her 100 euro allowance with her nephew.
Her dreams
Birute says that she only wants some more of the calm life which she already has. She has never seen the sea, and doesn’t dream to do so, as going by car seems frightful to her. What are her dreams? “I wish to be able to take care of myself until the end of my days, so that others don’t have to worry, and that’s it” says the old woman.