Life in Yakutsk: The Pavlov Family's Resilience in the World's Coldest City

Aleksandr Pavlov, the father of 22 children, lives with his family in the suburbs of Yakutsk, facing the challenge of not having access to central heating. Instead, they rely on water for daily activities, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature of 25 degrees Celsius despite the extreme cold outside. The monthly cost of heating their 3800-square-foot home is around $200.

In the morning, Oksana wakes up their children while Aleksandr ensures the boiler maintains the house's warmth. The family of 14 kids, with 8 married and living separately, faces the challenge of getting ready for school and nursery in a big house, creating a morning queue for the bathroom.

The Pavlov family introduces themselves, including Aiyylaana, David (25 years old), Ruslan (10 years old), Nastya Filippova (6 years old), Ramina Filippova (9 years old), Zhanna (11 years old), Kolya (12 years old), Algystaana (16 years old), Archilaana (14 years old), Lyonya (13 years old), Sasha (19 years old), Vova (17 years old), Yuliya (22 years old), and Sophia (6 years old).

The Pavlov family enjoys traditional Yakutian pancakes and homemade blueberry jam for breakfast, managing schedules and delegating tasks among the children. With only one kitchen, they eat in two rows to accommodate everyone, from the youngest to the eldest.

In May 2003, the Pavlov family initially adopted three children, eventually expanding to 18 adopted children. Currently, they are raising 10 kids, with some having started their own families but still visiting frequently. The family cherishes holidays spent together, playing games and enjoying their large and loving household.

Oksana and Aleksandr have built a happy life centered around love, care, and a comfortable home for their large family. Oksana, a teacher by profession, prioritizes providing a nurturing environment for her children. As their family grew, Aleksandr made sacrifices to ensure better support for their expanding household.

Aleksandr and Oksana are fully dedicated to their family, receiving government support for food and clothing for all their children.

Archilaana, a 14-year-old, dreams of becoming an actress, dentist, or singer, with a school day from 8:30 am to 3 pm focusing on subjects like the Russian language.

To get into university, Archilaana must pass challenging subjects, with competition for scholarships being intense and tuition fees ranging up to $4,000 a year for local public universities.

In Yakutsk, despite extreme cold, life continues with schools, nurseries, universities, and offices functioning, as locals understand the importance of adapting to harsh winters.

The Pavlov family ensures the safety of their children during the cold by having older siblings look after the younger ones on the way to school to prevent freezing.

The red buses in Yakutsk arrive just in time, painted red for visibility in the snow, making it easier for people to navigate the city without a subway system.

Children in Yakutsk enjoy outdoor activities like ice skating and skiing, relishing the cold weather before moving indoors for games like chess.

Aleksandr built an indoor gym for his children, where they engage in sports activities like skiing, boxing, and archery, fostering a love for physical fitness.

Despite extreme temperatures, Aleksandr and Oksana prepare delicious meals like foal meat dishes and pies filled with meat and rice, utilizing locally available ingredients due to limited vegetable and fruit options.

Dinner is a cherished tradition in Yakutia, bringing the family together around hearty meals prepared with love, nourishing not just their bodies but also their souls in the cold winter nights.

In the heart of the coldest city on Earth, Yakutsk, the enduring strength of the Pavlov family shines through, showcasing resilience, dedication, and love in the face of extreme conditions.