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It is freezing again. Here winter can last for half a year. Where I grew up, we call this part of Europe the cold pole. In December the air snaps like dry wood. In February every breath carries a taste of iron. As a child I learned to judge temperature by the sound snow makes under boots: at –10°C it squeaks, at –20°C it squeals. For years I imagined leaving this region to see the world. Then, in 2021, the world arrived at my doorstep.
