English (Original)
Yakutsk, located in the Russian Far East, is known as the coldest city on Earth. During the brutal winter months, temperatures can easily drop to -54°C. For residents like Diana, a 22-year-old law student, this extreme weather dictates every aspect of daily life. In Yakutsk, indoor heating is not a luxury; it is a matter of survival. If the city's heating system failed for even a few hours, hundreds of thousands of people would have to be evacuated to avoid freezing to death in their beds.
Stepping outside in such a hostile environment requires intense preparation. Diana has to wear multiple thermal layers, heavy padded trousers, and a specially designed Arctic jacket. Her footwear consists of traditional reindeer fur boots, as regular synthetic materials would simply crack and freeze solid. To protect her face and extremities from immediate frostbite, she wears a thick fur hat and mittens. In total, her winter outfit adds about 11 kilograms of extra weight. Unsurprisingly, winter clothing is the most expensive thing people own here. It is considered a long-term investment that can cost thousands of dollars, representing several months' salary for an average worker.
The extreme cold alters the physical properties of everyday objects. Metal becomes incredibly brittle, and cars can freeze completely within an hour. To prevent this, drivers have to insulate their vehicles with giant thermal blankets and sometimes leave their engines running all day. Furthermore, fresh food is a real luxury. Because the ground is permanently frozen, fresh produce must be flown in from thousands of miles away. While a hearty, traditional meal at a local canteen might cost only $9, a small pack of fresh strawberries can cost up to $32. Despite this, locals have adapted to the high costs by carefully managing their budgets.
You might expect a city this cold to be isolated and depressing, but Yakutsk is surprisingly lively. It is a busy hub with a growing IT sector and a massive cultural scene, including local cinema, theaters, and trendy coffee shops. Interestingly, the city even attracts international students from warmer climates, like Africa. Although they initially struggle with the freezing fog and lack of sunlight, many foreign students appreciate the friendly locals, the modern infrastructure, and the welcoming atmosphere. When the weekend arrives, residents don't hide in their apartments. They dress up, navigate the slippery, ice-covered streets, and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife. The people of Yakutsk prove that life goes on, no matter what the thermometer says.