Ice People

For the ones who's complaining about the unusual coldness of this winter which is completely understandable since I've never heard of snow storm traveling so far south before - meet the people at the Sakha region of Russia in a town with a population of 800 called Oymyakon.



Oymyakon is deemed to be the coldest town on earth. Since it's located in the middle of two mountain ranges which trap cold air for the entire year. While its summer's average high can reach 72 degrees Fahrenheit, its winter's average low is around -57F. According to Wikipedia, it's record low of all time is -85.7F. Brrr.



It's hard to imagine people living in such extreme weather that people consider -30F as nice weather and kids still have to go to school unless it's below -52F. (Below -52F because they liked B-52's?) Oymayakon, where birds will freeze mid-flight and turn into dangerous projectiles and people can freeze in just a few minutes outdoor without proper clothing. I guess no picking up the newspaper in wife-beaters and boxers, but then again what newspaper?

Since the town is so out in the wild, I can imagine the daily necessities like food would be extremely expensive. Who would want to deliver there anyway? And it's hard to imagine that the town can be self-sufficient unless there's oil or they can sell ice or cold to others. I'm pretty sure that's not how you make Freons. Why don't they just pack up and leave? It's not that simple I'm sure but it's better to stay and suffer. (That right there sounds like a relationship advice)


But honey, it's only -30F, you can play outside.