Having traveled to the Soviet Union in late 1929, Harry and Violet arrived in the middle of winter. The couple experienced extreme colds, and were often without adequate heating both at home and during times of travel.
In the entry below, Harry and Violet had just board a train from Moscow to Siberia:
[...] water Bottle froze solid - train very cold.
The couple's battle with the cold continued as they traveled from town to town across the far east. Even by April, the temperatures do not warm, and the Byers continue to experience severe snow storms.
Severe Snow storm to-day. Blowing + Very Cold; no Sign of spring. [...]
We Barly [i.e., Barely] exist, In [i.e. I'm] sick of the whole Business to-day. Much rain. Very Cold too. People Can't Buy Kerosene or wood. no [afood? i.e. food] in Store, 4 stores close ^ [inserted above: just] one open, with empty Shelves.
By January of 1931, the couple can scarcely leave their home due to the cold and snow of their second Soviet winter.
Snowing today. 58 °-C. Very Cold. Can't see out of double Windows. House all upset. We Just Lay around + Chew the fat, thinking of home. Leaving Soon.
— January 4, 1931
She told us she had burned all her furniture to keep from freezing The woman is nearly mad. She hadnt heard from her husband for 3 months.
Eventually, the weather warms again, and the Byers leave Nikolsk for Grozny. Harry and Violet however, do not experience a third winter in the USSR, as they return to North America just before the fall season.
