Raising 22 Children in the World's Coldest City −64°C (−84°F) Yakutsk, Siberia

Summary

In Yakutsk, the world's coldest city, the Pavlov family of 22 navigates extreme temperatures as low as -64°C. The parents, Aleksandr and Oksana, have created a warm, loving home for their children, 18 of whom were adopted. Despite the challenges of harsh winters, limited resources, and a large family, they maintain a strong routine, with the children attending school, playing sports, and helping out around the house. Their life is filled with warmth, resilience, and a deep sense of community, highlighting the power of family in overcoming the harshest conditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Pavlov family lives in Yakutsk, the coldest city in the world, where temperatures can drop to -64°C.
• 😀 Aleksandr Pavlov gathers ice every morning to ensure his family has clean drinking water, as they don't have access to the central water supply.
• 😀 Raising 22 children is a challenge, especially in such extreme conditions, but the family thrives through routines and teamwork.
• 😀 Oksana and Aleksandr have 22 children, 18 of whom are adopted, ranging from 37 years old to just 6 years old.
• 😀 Despite extreme cold, daily life in Yakutsk continues with schools, nurseries, and universities remaining open even in temperatures as low as -48°C.
• 😀 The Pavlov family relies on two gas boilers to maintain a comfortable temperature of 25°C in their 3800-square-foot home during the winter.
• 😀 Managing a large family requires careful planning and delegation of tasks, with younger children helping in the kitchen and older kids assisting with household chores.
• 😀 Food is a vital part of daily life in Yakutsk, with traditional meals like Yakutian pancakes and hearty soups helping to keep the family warm.
• 😀 The Pavlov family has created an indoor gym for the kids to stay fit and active, with older children participating in various sports like athletics, skiing, and boxing.
• 😀 Even in the harshest weather conditions, the Pavlov family remains resilient and connected, emphasizing the importance of family support, love, and strength in overcoming challenges.

Q & A

What is the significance of Yakutsk being the coldest city in the world?

Yakutsk is known as the coldest city in the world, with winter temperatures often plummeting to -64 degrees Celsius. This extreme cold presents unique challenges for daily life, making it necessary for residents to adapt in various ways, from heating their homes to dressing appropriately.

How does Aleksandr Pavlov manage to provide clean drinking water for his family in such extreme cold?

Aleksandr gathers ice from outside and uses it to ensure that his family has enough clean drinking water. Since they live in the suburbs and lack access to central water supply, they depend on water reserve containers to store water for daily activities.

What is the size and structure of the Pavlov family's home, and how do they manage heating?

The Pavlov family lives in a large 3,800-square-foot home. To manage the extreme cold, they rely on two gas boilers to keep the house warm at 25°C. Despite the large size, heating costs are relatively low, around $200 per month.

How do the Pavlov family members organize their morning routine with so many children?

With 22 children, the Pavlov family has a carefully structured morning routine. The children are split into two groups, with the youngest eating first and the older children following. This system helps manage space in their one kitchen while ensuring everyone gets ready for the day.

What are some of the unique challenges the Pavlov family faces living in such a cold environment?

The Pavlov family faces challenges such as managing extreme cold temperatures, dealing with heating issues, gathering ice for drinking water, and navigating daily routines with 22 children. Additionally, outdoor play is limited by the harsh weather, and transportation can be difficult during freezing temperatures.

How does the Pavlov family maintain a strong bond despite the logistical challenges of raising so many children?

The Pavlov family maintains strong bonds through regular routines, shared meals, and a sense of togetherness. Despite the logistical challenges, Oksana and Aleksandr focus on creating a loving home, and the older children actively help care for the younger ones.

What role do the Pavlov children play in maintaining the household and contributing to daily life?

The children contribute to maintaining the household by helping with tasks like gathering ice, chopping wood, cooking, and assisting their parents with various chores. This fosters a sense of responsibility and teamwork within the family.

What is the educational structure like for children in Yakutsk, and how does it impact the Pavlov family?

In Yakutsk, schools remain open even during extreme cold, although primary schools close if temperatures reach -45°C. Children, like Ramina and Nastya, have to dress warmly and travel to school despite the harsh conditions. The Pavlov children, including older ones like Archilaana, attend school and university, with competition for university spots being high.

How do the Pavlov family members deal with the cold in terms of clothing and transportation?

The Pavlov family, like other locals, wears insulated trousers and specialized winter jackets designed for extreme cold. Since there is no subway or other public transportation, they rely on buses, though sometimes they must rush home or hitch a ride to avoid frostbite.

What are some of the traditions and activities the Pavlov family enjoys despite the extreme cold?

Despite the cold, the Pavlov family enjoys traditions such as cooking traditional Yakutian meals, playing outdoor games, and engaging in various activities like dancing and singing indoors. The children also take part in sports, with the older children participating in athletics, boxing, skiing, and archery.