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Travel

Agafia's Taiga Life

In the fourth and final part we see how the outside world has crept into Agafia's life.

In 1936, a family of Russian Old Believers journeyed deep into Siberia's vast taiga to escape persecution and protect their way of life. The Lykovs eventually settled in the Sayan Mountains, 160 miles from any other sign of civilization. In 1944, Agafia Lykov was born into this wilderness. Today, she is the last surviving Lykov, remaining steadfast in her seclusion. In this episode of Far Out, the VICE crew travels to the taiga to learn about Agafia's lifestyle and the encroaching influence of the outside world.

In the fourth and final part we see how the outside world has crept into Agafia's life. Media attention, news, and falling rocket debris have altered her perception of herself and the society she remains outside of, but overall Agafia's day-to-day routine hasn't changed much. She maintains an almost childlike optimism that's made most evident through the smile she frequently has on her face.