Written by Sophie Kalkowski-Pope
I step out onto the tarmac, and laugh as my breath fogs up in the cool morning air. It’s my first time in Europe, and being this cold is a bit of a novelty for me!
As I continued my journey on the train system that day, something I never expected during my scholarship year happened: my travels were interrupted by a WWII bomb! The undetonated, 5000kg German bomb caused the evacuation of thousands of people and all services canceled in both directions around the station. Jetlagged, after 24h of travel, a 5h delay with the train, and replacement bus service, I finally made it to Cornwall.
During late February I spent a week in the UK getting adjusted to the time zone and I was lucky enough to be hosted by the European coordinators during this time. Fourth Element founder Jim Standing and his lovely wife Leo hosted me in their cozy home in Cornwall. I tried my first Yorkshire puddings, and an iconic Cornish pasty! They were wonderful hosts who made an effort to make me comfortable, and show me the coastline of Cornwall – I loved seeing the daffodils all over the countryside.
Another important reason for my visit to Cornwall was to head to Fourth Element to pick up some new equipment for my next scholarship experience.
I want to extend a big thank you to Jim and Fourth Element for coming on board as a supporter of my scholarship. The team provided me with insulating undergarments, cold weather gear and thermals for the next stage journey. This will enable me me to a remote, harsh, cold past of the world… a completely new environment for me!
I then spent some time in Bristol, hosted by Richard Somerset the PADI Europe, Middle East and Africa Territory Director, and his lovely partner. They made me feel right at home with lots of cuddles from their pup Monty, and even a classic historical tour of Bath thanks to Rich. Thanks to my lovely hosts for making me feel so welcome!
While I was in Bristol, I spent a day at Esprit Film and Television, touring the facility to learn about their operation and their bespoke cameras. Esprit services the film and television industry, providing state of the art filming equipment and expertise, and has worked on a number of notable natural history productions including Blue Planet II. Getting up close and personal with a Gates housing was a first for me, as I learnt about their modular design and the different wiring setups available!
A special thank you to the director Dave Blackham for enabling my visit, and to Sonny and the rest of the team showing me around the incredible equipment Espirit has in house.
Thank you so much to all involved in my time in the UK for your warmth, hospitality and guidance.
I am so grateful to OWUSS for making opportunities I would not have dreamed of before and broadening my horizons to a global scale. A special thank you to the countless volunteers behind OWUSS, and the sponsors that make this scholarship possible at ROLEX. I would also like to thank my equipment sponsors at TUSA, Waterproof International, Reef Photo & Video, Mako Eyewear, Penetrator Fins, my camera gear sponsors at Reef Photo & Video, Nauticam, and long time scholarship supporters DAN, and PADI.
To follow along on my adventures, I highly recommend you follow me on social media!
My Instagram @sophie_dives is where I post most regularly.
You can also contact me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Tiktok, and the Australasian Scholar Facebook Page.
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