Living in the coldest place on earth -71

Nestled in the heart of Yakutia, a realm known for its frigid embrace and unforgiving winters, unfolds a captivating real-life story of resilience, survival, and the indomitable spirit of those who call this coldest place on Earth home. Against a backdrop of extreme temperatures and a landscape draped in icy beauty, the inhabitants of Yakutia navigate a life intricately woven with challenges and triumphs. Join us as we delve into the daily existence of those who brave the bone-chilling cold, discovering a narrative where every frozen breath tells a tale, and where survival is an art form in the harshest of environments. Welcome to the coldest place on the planet, where the warmth of human spirit shines through the frost.

At 7 a.m. in the heart of Yakutia, where the winter's icy grip holds its inhabitants in a frosty embrace, Kirill Petrov, the stalwart man of the house, kickstarts his day. The first order of business? Igniting the wood-burning stove, a lifeline against the biting cold that blankets the region for nine relentless months.

In this land of extremes, water is as precious as gold. Yakut villagers, including Kirill, rely on harvested ice from the river for their water needs. With frozen pipes rendering traditional water treatment facilities useless during the long winter, ice becomes the primary source of hydration.

Meanwhile, Kirill's wife, Liubov, adds a touch of warmth to the frigid morning by crafting an unconventional breakfast. Whipped cream with strawberries, a sweet reminder of the summer harvest in Yakutia when the harsh climate makes growing fruits and vegetables nearly impossible.

As the clock ticks to 7:40 a.m., the youngest son, Arian, a nine-year-old attending the local primary school, begins his day. In Yakutia, school attendance hinges on a temperature threshold – anything warmer than minus 54 degrees allows the children to brave the cold journey. Today, a "relatively warm" minus 40 degrees means Arian must make his way to school.

Fully bundled in layers of insulated clothing, Arian heads out, navigating the brisk air that can induce fatigue and stinging pain. The last few meters are a testament to resilience, and finally, Arian arrives at the school where learning in three languages – Russian, English, and the native Sakha – unfolds amidst the extreme cold.

After a day filled with lessons, Arian heads home with friends, and like children worldwide, they succumb to the allure of the local snack shop. Ice cream, a treat that knows no weather boundaries, provides a sweet interlude in their journey home.

In this close-knit community, worries about children are few. With around 800 people in the entire village, everyone knows each other, fostering a sense of security. The houses, made of wood, stand resilient against the elements, their occupants burning an average of 60 cubic meters of wood each winter to stave off the penetrating cold.

Back home, Arian lends a hand to his father, Kirill, a renowned craftsman in Yakutia. Crafting traditional Yakut knives from locally sourced iron ore and birch wood, Kirill imparts the wisdom of generations to his son.

As the day unfolds, Arian partakes in various tasks – chopping firewood, aiding his mother in preparing a traditional meal of Christian carp fish caught by his father, and even venturing outside for daily necessities, as indoor toilets are a luxury the cold climate doesn't permit.

Life in Yakutia may be challenging, unforgiving, and at times dangerous, but through the eyes of Arian and his family, it is a harmonious dance with Mother Nature. Amidst the hardships, they find beauty and appreciation for the treasures bestowed by the extremely cold yet captivating landscape. After all, in Yakutia, there's no such thing as bad weather – just weather and an attitude towards it.