A year ago I was lucky enough to visit Baikal. I really wanted to see the transparent ice, feel its cold under my feet and go skating. At first I was overcome with childish delight, mixed with slight anxiety, when I took my first step onto the ice. But this fear disappeared when I saw how everyone was fearlessly walking, and some were easily riding on Khivus and Bukhankas.The sun was shining brightly, the ice floes sparkled and cast little lights. Locals and tourists build pyramids of ice that resemble bizarre images. On Baikal, the cold is not just ice, but a painting of nature, giving us moments of beauty and magic.