Summary
Highlights
Daiana visits a friend in a Soviet-era apartment, common for its central location despite small spaces and thin walls. These buildings have double door systems but no elevators. Many young people, like Daiana and her friend, choose to stay in Yakutsk for its opportunities in mining and IT, despite the cold.
Foreign students share their experiences, noting the initial shock of the cold and the necessity of warm clothing. Despite the harsh climate and endless winter, they appreciate the good infrastructure, lack of racism, and friendly locals, finding life in Yakutsk fulfilling.
Grocery shopping reveals the high cost of fresh produce, mostly flown in. Grapes cost $6 a kilo and strawberries $32 for a small pack. A basic bag of groceries for essentials like milk, bread, and fruits can cost $38, comparable to a nice dinner out.
Daiana's sister, Sakhaia, faces challenges with car maintenance: tires lose air and rubber becomes brittle, forcing frequent re-inflation. Cars require insulation and often run continuously to prevent freezing, consuming expensive fuel. Portable insulated garages help maintain engine warmth manually.
Despite the cold, Yakutsk has a lively cultural scene with theaters, museums, and a thriving movie industry. For a night out, women shed their layers for stylish dresses and heels, mastering walking on ice. Even extreme cold, like metal earrings biting skin, is a familiar experience. The city thrives, proving life is full of energy even in the coldest place on Earth.
Meet Daiana in Yakutsk, where temperatures drop to -54°C. Heating is crucial, with radiators at maximum power, costing residents around $70 a month. Even stocking milk requires using the outdoors as a freezer, as it's sold in frozen blocks.
In Yakutsk, 'there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.' Daiana layers 11kg of clothing, including thermal layers, padded pants, a fleece jacket, reindeer fur boots, and a sable fur hat, to protect against frostbite and nerve inflammation. Her winter wardrobe is her most expensive possession.
Buildings feature multiple doors to retain heat, and stairs are carpeted to prevent slips on ice. The extreme cold makes metal brittle and cars freeze, requiring insulated blankets and pipes to be above ground due to permafrost. Despite the conditions, streets are busy with people living their lives.
Daiana shops for winter clothing, where reindeer fur boots cost $800 and fur coats start at $2,000, with premium ones reaching $30,000. These are essential investments for survival, often costing several months of an average salary. People save for clothing rather than luxuries, as these items are long-term investments.
Temperatures below -45°C create an ice fog, making the city feel alien. Every breath hurts, and outdoor exposure is limited to 15 minutes before frostbite silently sets in. Even simple acts like answering a phone call barehanded can lead to numb, stinging pain.
After shopping, Daiana recharges at a local canteen with a hearty meal for $9. Later, she enjoys coffee and cake at a trendy cafe for $10. Yakutsk offers diverse cuisine and a vibrant social scene, with many residents using apps like Azar to connect with people globally.