The Coldest and Earliest Place on Earth!

Wednesday 19th

Hi, Isabel? How is it going?

After nearly six months of class, I think we can address each other in an informal way, don’t you?

What did we do in class last week?

We read and talk about “The coldest and the earliest place on earth!”

I thought it was in Greenland, I couldn’t think of a more remote place up to the north!

Actually, you don’t need to get that farther. It’s in Russia and it’s called Chukotka. I should think that -42º is really cold -freezing, in fact -

…and falling!

It’s also the earliest place because “It lies right behind the International Dateline, where yesterday collides with today.”

How do the inhabitants of this place get through (survive)? They seem to live on vodka and remain home most of the time.

But this place caught the attention of the billionaire Roman Abramovich, who was named governor of this province and has been investing money in this province. He built a supermarket and  a cinema. He modernized the airport. He has rebuilt the hospital and the school. And he owns a house in there, which he visits once a month.

His interest in Chukotka doesn’t seem so altruist, though. It seems that this place has vast natural resources, which include 1.2 billion tons of oil and gas and the second largest gold reserves in Russia.

In any case, the arrival of Abramovich in Chukotka meant changes and progress which should be taken advantage of whilst it lasts!

What do you think?

·         What would you find the most difficult if you lived in Chukotka?

·         What are the advantages of living in such a place?

·         Why do you think people live in a place like that?

·         Are there any cold places in the world you have visited or would you like to?

I know you would like to visit Canada. But, as you remarked “to visit” not much interested in living in cold countries. Me, neither!

Tomorrow we’ll do some listening comprehension.

See you!

The Five Coldest and Hottest Places on Earth!