HOBBIES & INTERESTS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Having recieved my first DSLR for my 18th birthday I have grown to love photography more and more with a particular interest in wildlife, landscapes and long exposures.
More photos from my travels can be found on my travel blog's photography page here.
TECHNOLOGY
The ability to innovate and invent new systems, processes, tools and gadgets has always fascinated me and I particularly relish being able to understand how and why things work.
To be able to do a task more easily and efficiently through the use of technology is something that I have increasingly become interested in through my role in the river cruise operations team and I endevour to equip myself with the skillset to contribute to this streamlining in the future.
SKETCHING
I have enjoyed sketching from a young age and find it very cathartic.
I have particularly enjoyed having more time to sketch during the recent COVID lockdown including the picture here of a Hawker Typhoon in D-day paint.
RUGBY
I first began playing rugby at age 10 and have never looked back. It is by far my favourite sport for it's inclusivity, culture and entertainment value. I played my last game at University where I broke my neck making a tackle but I still love watching it to this day.
PS - we still won that game 16-17!
WALKING & HIKING
I grasped every opportunity to be outside that I could throughout my education and have completed the Ten Tors 35 mile challenge in Dartmoor, The Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards and a mountain climbing expedition in the Austrian Alps.
I continue to enjoy longer hikes, however, as a minimum I like to get out and walk my dog at least once a day.
READING
I have always been a bit of a bookworm and when I am unable to find the time to sit down and read, I will normally resort to audiobooks.
I particularly enjoy historical books, such as those written by Simon Scarrow, but also contemporary books, such as those written by Ben Elton that parody aspects of society to leave the reader reflecting on actual aspects of modern society in a new light.
My most recent read has been 'Shoe Dog' by the founder of Nike, Phil Knight, and I have thoroughly enjoyed some of the insights into the company's evolution over the years.
DIVING
Having spent several years growing up in Cyprus, I have always loved swimming, the sea and marine life in general. I took the opportunity to learn to dive on the island of Koh Tao, Thailand, where I completed my PADI Open Water & Advanced Open Water diving qualifications.
To be underwater and surrounded by marine life is an incredible feeling that I will forever love.
TRAVELING
“How can I leave my mark on the world, I thought, unless I get out there first and see it?” ― Phil Knight
I love to explore new places and cultures and cannot think of any negatives to travelling. I truly believe that emersing yourself into a new environment can only give you new perspectives and a more open mind. I loved the freshness of New Zealand, the bustle and history of Vietnam, the culture and food of Thailand and the vibrancy and wealth of Russia to name just a few of my favourite places.
COOKING
Being able to cook quality, tasty food is fantastic because it is an activity that you can share with anyone. Certain flavours can anchor you to particular memories or emotions without you even realising it and therefore the act of eating, but also cooking, can be a great form of escapism from day to day life.