Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 04/07/2009 - 10:52

Hi Mr. Martin-

Mrs. Goodman's fourth grade class has REALLY enjoyed your journal entries. The information, videos and photos all make us feel like we are with you! Here are the many questions we have now:

What is the money called in Siberia? How much did you bring? Can you buy a lot with US money?

Was drilling hard or fun? Why did that person wear a short sleeved shirt in all that cold? What was the temperature of the water that spewed out on him?

Are you cramped in your living quarters? Are there long lines for the bathroom? Is not shaving hard? Do you wish you were back home?

What is the most interesting thing you have learned so far? How far back have you been able to find evidence of climate change? Is it quiet on the lake at night?

Most of the kids say - Go Tar Heels! Mrs. Goodman (the Duke fan) says...something else.

We hope we get to see you 'live' on Thursday!

:)The kids in 4-G

Tim Martin

The money here in Russia is Rubles... (Same in Siberia)... I think things are expensive here... the exchange rate is about 30 rubles to $1 Here are some prices from Pevek
33r for a liter of Gas
100 r for a bag of frozen veggies
80 r for a 1 1/2 liter bottle of water
210 r for 14 eggs
120 r for 2 carrots
Drilling is VERY hard work! You need to be very strong and it is very dangerous work. Most places (including here) drillers work 12 hours every day 7 days a week!
The wate is VERY cold! John was wearing just a T-shirt because he knew he would get wet. Lots of cold wet clothes is a problem... as soon as he fixed the problem, he went to the heater and took off his wet clothes and warmed up!
It is cramped living conditions... but I will not be here too long. Some of the others have been here for 3 or even 6 months!
No long lines for the bathroom (out-house) There are two in camp and each has 2 stalls... so far I have not had to wait...
I canĀ“t wait to shave!!!!
As far as learning about the climate... we hope to learn about conditions 3 1/2 million years ago... most of this study will happen after the cores are shipped to Germany for careful study.
Keep asking good questions!
T-Mart from Lake E