Francesca Caddeo’s Journey
Into the Arctic Depths
Imagine trading the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean for the icy, crystal-clear depths of the Arctic. This is exactly what Francesca Caddeo, an experienced dive instructor from Italy, did when she decided to take her passion for underwater exploration to the rugged landscapes of Iceland. In this blog post, we'll dive into Francesca's adventurous journey, exploring what inspired her to make such a drastic change, the unique challenges she faces in Icelandic waters, and the breathtaking underwater wonders she now calls her office.
Francesca grew up in Sant’Antioco, a small town in the southwest of Sardinia. Her love for the underwater world began during a trip to Indonesia, where she fell in love with the incredible marine life. She earned her Open Water Certification (the first level of scuba diving certification) on the island of Gili Trawangan. Upon returning to Sardinia, Francesca continued her diving journey, achieving the Advanced Adventurer and Deep Diving certifications.
However, further certifications proved too costly. An instructor at the dive center suggested that she could do an internship at a diving center, where she could work and obtain her certifications for free. Seizing this opportunity, Francesca sent her resume to dive centers across Sardinia. Soon, she landed an interview with the Blue Dive Centre in Santa Teresa di Gallura, a small town in the north of Sardinia. She got the job, completed all her certifications, and became a professional diving instructor.
Francesca loved her job at the Blue Dive Centre and built strong relationships with her colleagues. But after many years, she felt the need to step out of her comfort zone. After sending out numerous applications, she received an opportunity to work in Reykjavík. Drawn by Iceland’s unique culture and climate, Francesca decided to embrace the challenge, moving to Iceland in May 2023.
In conclusion, Francesca’s journey from the warm waters of Sardinia to the icy depths of Iceland has been nothing short of transformative. While the linguistic barrier posed some initial concerns, the widespread use of English made her transition smoother than expected. The real challenge lay in adapting to the stark contrast in climate, trading the Mediterranean's warmth for Iceland’s cold but breathtaking underwater landscapes.
This experience has not only expanded her professional horizons but has also deepened her love for the ocean, regardless of its temperature or location. As she continues to explore new underwater realms, she lives by the mantra: "The best dive site is the next one." It's a reminder that, in both life and diving, the next adventure is always just around the corner, waiting to be discovered.