Her name carries warmth and her actions reflect something that is rare in today's world - selfless help, sincere heart and unwavering trust in the goodness of fellow human beings.
That was the time when I had to leave my well-paid job in Ljubljana. My body was getting sicker and sicker, and official medicine had taken its hands off me. They said there was no solution for me. I needed peace, nature, a stress-free place. Northern Primorska was calling me, because it has the most wilderness, but I had nothing - no home, no resources, no people to rely on.
Darja's ancestors were special people - enterprising, mysterious, closely connected to ancient roots, beliefs, ranching and Slavic traditions. So is Darja. Her heart is boundless and always open to those in need. She gave me everything I needed at that moment - a roof over my head when my car broke down, food when I had nothing to eat, firewood to keep me warm when I was chilled to the bone. She gave me blankets, clothes and above all - she gave me the time and patience to get back on my feet.
Slowly I got to know North Primorska, the places and the people. Darja was a guide and a friend like no other. In fact, she saved my life. When I was about to give up, she instinctively called me and offered me the chance to attend a free workshop on plants and nutrition. There I gained knowledge that opened new doors and solutions that official medicine did not know or offer.
I remember the day we walked through the village together. Two young girls, travellers from abroad, were sitting in a playground near the school. They were tired, dusty and had obviously not had a proper rest for several days. Darja did not speak English, but she understood them. All they needed was water and a place to wash. She invited them in. She gave them a chance to bathe, change, eat and sleep. The next day they continued their journey, lighter, refreshed and grateful. They offered her some money, but she did not take it. I asked why and she said that she could see exactly that they had no money and would still need it for themselves. Its richness is in giving. I don't know if I have ever met such a selfless being.
This is Darja Vrtovec from Ročinj. A woman who does not wait for recognition, does not seek praise, does not expect rewards. She helps because it is part of who she is. Without her, my story would be different, maybe it wouldn't even exist anymore.
Darja is proof that there are still people who know how to live for others, not just for themselves. And she is like that to everyone.
Silva Požlep, 11. 2. 2025
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