A Nice Surprise

I got a lovely surprise at the aquarium last week. I was presented a certificate of nomination for a Tourism Vancouver Award.

This award is generally given to someone for going above and beyond their call of duty when aiding tourists. I figured to qualify someone would have had to have administered first aide, or foiled a robbery, or at least helped an old lady cross the street. I was floored when they presented the nomination to me.

My role at the aquarium is Gallery Greeting – basically I smile at tourists and point them in the direction of the bathroom if they require one. Sometimes I strike up a conversation with strangers – I’m chatty by nature. If I know something about an exhibit I might share a story or two. But I have never saved a life or thwarted a crime.

I was nominated by someone named David. Apparently I told David ‘how Wolf Eels work’, and he liked me. I have a vision of the comment card being filled out with a purple crayon. I don’t remember talking to David but I do remember telling people about the Wolf Eel.

I was a huge fan of the Wolf Eel in the B.C. Waters Gallery. Whenever I was scheduled to spend a half hour in the Gallery I spent most of my time standing by his exhibit. I loved peering through the glass at his muppet like face. I loved the moment he started to watch me back – when his eye focused on me. I think he knew I loved him.

I don’t know a lot about Wolf Eels, but what I do know is pretty cool. They mate for life, the father eel helps with the kids, they have been known to recognize certain people they come in contact with (I like to think my Wolf Eel recognized me). I really enjoyed telling people about him.

I have learned a couple of things being the recipient of this nomination certificate. For one; filling out comment cards is a nice thing to do – and a great thing to teach your children. David made my day. The second thing really hit home for me; you don’t have to know everything about something to share what you do know. I think what David probably learned about Wolf Eels is the fact that I think they are great. You don’t have to know a lot, just love what you know. Maybe now David thinks Wolf Eels are great too. I also think David is pretty great and I’m really flattered he filled out that comment card.