Every summer, like the roses, childhood returns. Full of warm memories but gone too soon.
In Yakutia, summer lasts only 3 months, so every day Arian and
his family are getting the most out of the long-awaited hot summer days.
Arian’s older sisters are finally back home for summer holidays, and now the
whole family reunite to enjoy the beautiful summer days full of simple outdoor pleasures.
However, the summer in Yakutia is not only for relaxing but it is also
the busiest time of the year. Starting from the end of July,
Arian and his family are harvesting all kinds of wild berries to eat throughout the 9 month winter.
Another very important task of summer is hay harvesting. It’s an essential part of every Yakut
and it has become a part of Yakutian culture.
Since ancient times, Yakut people were engaged
in cattle and horse breeding, which helped them survive the severe climate.
So, every summer, Arian and his family work hard
to harvest all the hay they will need to feed their cattle for the winter months.
Despite the +38 degrees heat, mosquitoes and heavy physical work,
hay harvesting is about families coming together to help each other, It teaches us to be fully
engaged and present in the moment away from machines and worries. And I miss it so much…
After the long and heavy work under the burning sun,
Arian and his family excited to jump into the nearest lake to enjoy cooling water.
During the summer, Yakutia turns from a snowy kingdom into lush meadows full of dense forests
and peaceful lakes where the still waters reflect the beauty around it.
Yakutia is also often called the land of rivers and lakes. There are over 700,000
big and small rivers and 800,000 lakes that are rich with the most tasty and fresh fish.
Arian loves spending time with his family in nature.
From an early age, Arian and his father spend most of their time in nature,
fishing and hunting, which makes a large portion of their food.
Despite the fact that the nine-year-old Arian is an avid fisherman,
today he has no luck. But he does not give up because he wants to be like his father.
After a long day, now it’s time for dinner.
While everyone is busy with their chores
Arian with his deft little hands masterfully is cleaning fish.
Arian loves cooking, and fish is Arian’s favorite food. Today it’s
going to be fresh perch soup with vegetables and herbs that has been caught in the river.
Now Arian and his family are having their delicious dinner and enjoying every single moment of their life
and there is nothing like eating fresh Yakutian fish by the river with your family
Sometimes we can make life overcomplicated, but it's important to remember the value in
the simple things, the beauty of nature, the love of our family and quiet peaceful summer nights…