00:00In a small village in Yakutia, where temperature plunges lower than anywhere else on Earth,
00:08winter is once again approaching.
00:11Eduard, a father of five, start his day bright and early.
00:15As winter draws near, the Kerasimo family begins their preparations months in advance.
00:21Together they work to preserve everything they can from the brief summer – berries, fish,
00:29meat and hay to feed their livestock during the nine months of extreme winter ahead.
00:40The Kerasimo family lives in a remote village hundreds of miles from the nearest town.
00:47With no gas pipelines reaching this far, they rely on coal, which is more affordable and
00:52easier to obtain than wood.
01:07Lira and Eduard are a young couple in their early thirties, raising five children.
01:15Lira is a housewife dedicated to caring for their children, while Eduard works as a village vet.
01:30Like other villagers, Lira and Eduard raise livestock.
01:34Farming in this frozen land comes with many challenges and requires hard work.
01:39The cows in Yakutia are a special breed, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as minus
01:4570 degrees Celsius, spending most of the winter indoors in insulated wooden shelters.
01:55Having a farm is essential for the Kerasimo family, as it provides food for them throughout the year.
02:01During the short summer, the entire family dedicates themselves to harvesting hundreds of tons of hay,
02:08enough to feed the livestock throughout the long winter months.
02:21After a big breakfast, Michiya and Ercimen head off to school.
02:26Michiya is 12 and her younger brother, nine-year-old Ercimen, who attends primary school,
02:33starts his day at 8 am.
02:38Michiya looks after her brother as they walk to school together.
02:42In their small village, where everyone knows each other, it's safe for them to go on their own.
02:50School life in Yakutia can be quite different from what you might expect.
02:54In winter, when temperatures drop to unbearable levels, school remain open even when it's minus 50
03:01degrees Celsius, as the local children are used to the cold.
03:14In small villages like the one where Michiya and Ercimen live, school are often the heart of the
03:19community. Class sizes tend to be smaller compared to urban areas, allowing for a more personal connection
03:26between teachers and students.
03:45While the children are at school, Eduard is at work. His neighbour's livestock has fallen ill.
03:50In this village, being a vet means mostly caring for livestock and it's important job for the community.
04:02Meanwhile, Lyra is draining the milk. In Yakutia, milk is not only consumed fresh,
04:07but also processed into a variety of traditional dairy products.
04:18Nirgun, the youngest boy in the family, has been helping his mother with household tasks
04:23from a young age. Washing, cleaning and cooking are part of his daily chores,
04:29activities. Even though he is only seven years old.
04:34age
04:39My husband always felt whatever thing on earth is
04:53because I usually asked them to spend hours
04:55I was like, I didn't have to go to the house.
04:59I never had to go to the house.
05:03I didn't have to go to the house.
05:07It's so cool.
05:19As the days grow shorter and the night stretch longer,
05:23temperatures drop drastically. There are days when the sun barely rises and the darkness,
05:30combined with the intense cold, makes life here more challenging.
05:36Before the sun sets, Eduard hurries to the nearby lake to gather enough water for the week.
05:43For Eduard, his days are filled with endless tasks, keeping the house warm, caring for livestock,
05:50fetching water and looking after the children. But despite the exhaustion and the harsh conditions,
05:56he finds strength knowing that each task helps his family survive in one of the toughest environments on Earth.
06:20This time, I only see my mum's living.
06:26With my mum's living with theными and the children.
06:28Your mum gets out of his mother's also through the doors of the earth.
06:30It is not easy for me to work.
06:32I always enjoy my old friends, especially after I have to find them.
06:35I have to reach my parents to see a child's child's child.
06:38I have to reach my parents through my own,
06:41and he has to help them to keep them alive.
06:43When my mother is a child's child's child's child,
06:46my mother is a child's child's son.
06:47Of course, it's hardening to see the children.
06:51At the same time, I would say that my children were still a little longer.
06:55I used to be the first children who went to a group of children,
07:01who taught me to have the son of a family and father.
07:07Since I took a long time, they were the children in my family.
07:17Lira and Eduard are raising their eldest son, 13-year-old Wolan, who is autistic.
07:31Lira devotes all her time to teaching him how to read and speak.
07:35With no specialized clinics or schools available in their remote village, Lira has taken on
07:40the role of Wolan's teacher, ensuring he receives the attention and support he needs.
07:47In the afternoon, after finishing his work, Eduard has a bit of time to dedicate to his
08:13passion, crafting.
08:15Eduard built his own studio, where he handcrafts Yakutian knives.
08:20In Yakutia, crafting Yakutian knives is an essential part of society, with artisans highly respected
08:26for their crafts.
08:29In Yakutian culture, blacksmiths hold a status similar to that of shamans, as their craft is
08:35believed to possess spiritual significance.
08:39Heredity plays a crucial role.
08:45only those born in the blacksmith families can become blacksmiths.
09:02On Eduard's father's side, every man was a blacksmith.
09:07And it's this family legacy that led Eduard to follow in their footsteps.
09:19The making of Yakutian knives share similarities with Japanese knife crafting.
09:25Both traditions emphasize forging strong, durable blades that can handle harsh conditions.
09:32Yakutian knives are often made from high-quality steel, and the crafting process involves hitting,
09:38hammering, and sharpening the blades to achieve a perfect edge.
09:59While Eduard was busy with his tasks, Lira had already prepared a hearty lunch.
10:04In Yakutia's freezing climate, soup is more than just a starter.
10:08It's the main dish, providing much-needed warmth and energy to get through the cold days.
10:15For dessert, Lira is preparing a beloved Yakutian treat, whipped cream mixed with local berries.
10:22This simple yet delicious dessert is a family's favorite, especially for little Nurgun, who always eagerly waits for it.
10:30As the savory aroma of the soup fills the house, the family gathers around the table for lunch.
10:55Eduard, back from his afternoon tasks, sits down with Lira and the children.
11:01The warmth of the meal is comforting, and in the cold, harsh climate of Yakutia, moments like this are cherished.
11:08More coffee and a FROST
11:10Different flavors of the meal are very beautiful.
11:13It's very beautiful.
11:14I'm enjoying this while he's not with you.
11:19I'm like, she's enjoying it.
11:20Don't be happy at home, Lira.
11:22Take a little bit of coffee.
11:22Well,อีกар insulin, get a Schweppuccino.
11:24Give me a ten feel of the water, then shall I get you.
11:25Tell you about the water, and I'll show you.
11:26Yeah, let's have a five feel of the water.
11:27Yeah, let's have a five feel of the water.
11:35After lunch, the family spends time on their hobbies.
11:38Lira and Michiya sit together, working on embroidery pieces made from beads.
11:44Michiya, who loves art, dreams of becoming an artist one day.
11:49She is already quite skilled, and the young kids often join in learning from her and Lira.
11:55They paint alongside them, filling the house with creativity.
11:59The whole family has a love for art and enjoys these quiet creative moments.
12:05Edward, when he has time, indulge in his own passion, photography.
12:10He enjoys capturing the beauty of Yakutia's frozen landscape and daily life.
12:16His talent has been recognized and he has won several photography contests,
12:20with one of his pictures being awarded as the best.
12:25Life in the coldest place on Earth is not without its challenges.
12:29From freezing harsh to long dark nights, the Kerasimus face the harsh Arctic conditions daily.
12:36This land may be harsh, but it's their home.
12:40A home filled with family, love and support.
12:44Often held with ain't in the coldest place where flowers should be.
12:49This was a very good day .
12:52Yes, it's your lady.
13:07An uncertain situation is found with me.
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