TRAVEL Dive Into Europe: Geopolitics Aside, the Water’s Still Fine in Europe – by Peter Symes, Publisher, X-Ray Magazine
This month, I am going to deviate a bit from the usual format. First, there is now a white elephant in the room, which would be odd not to address, and that is the ongoing geopolitical
not the main reason or purpose for your visit to Europe. For instance, you might come over on business, attend a conference, study, visit friends or relatives, or just go shop- ping. In these cases, you might be curious about sampling some local diving as well. Let’s pick an easy example: England. Say you go to Lon- don on business and have some leisure time. England has a very lively dive community, is home to many classic dive equipment brands, and hosts one of the best consumer shows on the planet - Go Diving. You can dive all around Britain’s extended coastline. But if I have to pick out one
spats over tariffs and trade wars that have resulted in wide- spread travel boycotts affecting incoming tourism to the U.S. I want to keep this column free of politics, as we are joined in this forum by our common interest and love for diving. I am simply describing what is going on and how it may affect dive travel, without voicing any opinion either way. In this context, I would just like to stress that, in my
suggestion, let me point you to Cornwall at England’s south- western tip. In this county, which is home to two manfac- turers, Fourth Element and AP Diving, you will find lush kelp forests, diverse and colourful marine life, and countless wrecks. The villages are pictur- esque, with century-old inns, pubs, and cobbled streets, and the landscape is beautiful with
view, American visitors will still be warmly welcomed in Eu- rope, regardless of the ongoing international political discourse. Individuals won’t be held ac- countable for politics or certain politicians. In fact, it will likely be seen as favourable if you come over to see and find out for yourselves what we are re- ally like. Just be respectful and polite, as you otherwise would.
its lush green rolling hills. Or how about a visit to Tintagel, the ruins of the fabled King Arthur’s castle? At least there
Secondly, I would like to address the fact that diving in Europe is not just an alternative destination for groups from dive centres or dive clubs, which has been the focus and target group in my previous posts. In all of these, I have emphasised that it would be a grave mistake not to also incorporate a considerable portion of land excursions, exploring historical sites, trying out local cuisine, and ap- preciating the local culture. However, there may also be many cases where diving is
won’t be much of a language barrier. Just bear in mind that “British English” is really not a thing, just a software setting. Here, we speak English. It’s the real deal and not an accent, though with a vast array of dialects. Just saying. As for more information about UK diving, check out BSAC.com or scan/click this QR code for more about Cornish Reefs.
email Peter
Cornish Reefs
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