The Pava family, consisting of parents Alexander and Aana, and their 22 children (18 of whom are adopted), live in Yakutsk, the world's coldest city. Despite the extreme temperatures, the family has adapted to their environment, relying on two gas boilers to keep their 3,800 sq. ft. home warm. The family's daily routine includes managing schedules, delegating tasks, and making breakfast together. The children attend school and nursery, while the parents care for the younger ones and manage the household. The family prioritizes staying active and healthy, with the older children participating in sports and activities like dancing and singing. They also appreciate the importance of traditional Yakutian meals, which are often high in energy to keep them warm during the harsh winters. Despite the challenges, the Pava family has learned to thrive in their unique environment, and their story is one of warmth, resilience, and the strength of family.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The temperature in Yakutsk can drop to -64°C.
2. Alexander Pof, the father of the Pof family, starts his day by gathering ice to make clean drinking water.
3. The Pof family lives in the suburbs of Yakutsk and relies on water reserve containers for their daily needs.
4. Aana and Alexander Pof have 22 children, with 18 of them being adopted.
5. The family spans a wide age range, from 6 to 37 years old.
6. Ramina, a 9-year-old, attends the local primary school, while 6-year-old Nista goes to a nursery.
7. The nursery operates even when the temperature is as low as -55°C.
8. Alexander checks the heating in their home to ensure it stays warm at 25°C.
9. The family uses two gas boilers to heat their 3,800 square foot home.
10. The heating costs are around $200 a month.
11. Aana makes traditional Yakutian pancakes for breakfast, which are high in energy to keep them warm.
12. The family has a routine where the youngest children eat first, and the oldest help with serving.
13. Archana, a 14-year-old, wants to become an actress, dentist, or singer.
14. The school day in Yakutsk runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a standardized curriculum.
15. Students must pass the unified state exam to get into university, and competition for scholarships is tough.
16. Tuition fees for local public universities range from $2,000 to $4,000 a year.
17. The family's older siblings look after the younger ones to ensure they reach school safely.
18. The oldest members of the family attend the local university in the city center.
19. The city has no subway or public transportation apart from buses, so the family relies on buses to commute.
20. The buses in Yakutsk are painted red to make them more visible in thick fog.
21. Some kids stay at home and play outside, enjoying activities like snow sliding, ice skating, and skiing.
22. The family has an indoor gym where the kids train and participate in various sports activities.
23. The oldest members of the family are involved in professional sports like athletics, skiing, boxing, and archery.
24. The family cooks meals like fish, yak, and fried pies filled with meat and rice.
25. Vegetables are rare and expensive in Yakutia due to challenging growing conditions.
26. Fruits are also rare in the traditional Yakutian diet, but people consume frozen berries that are preserved and stored for long periods.
27. The family gathers around the table for dinner and enjoys a hot soup, a cherished tradition in Yakuta.
28. The family's home is warm and cozy, with a temperature of 25°C, despite the cold temperatures outside.