[CINC] CX July 7

[Alexa Mutti]

   - Mon. July 7: 10-2
   - Condor Express
   - S.B. Harbor
   - 1 blue whale
   - An endless supply of common dolphins
   - 4 sun fish

This was my first time on the Condor by myself so it was quite exciting. The
weather was not so exciting, for the fog was extremely thick. But
miraculously, Captain Dave found a footprint and was able to spot the whale
by hearing its blow. And low and behold, it was a blue! (The first one I've
seen this season!) In addition there was never a moment during the trip when
we didn't see dolphins. We also got to see a group of 4 little sun fish
(which was quite cute!). And although we didn't make it to the islands we
were treated to a speech and video (on orcas, blues, grays, and humpbacks)
by Jim Peckarsky, who was quite pleasant to work with. It was amazing.

What was not so amazing was that this was the most difficult trip I've had
so far. Everyone was huddling inside due to the cold which made it more
difficult for me to talk to people. One passenger was sick all the way to
the islands. His wife was a little less than hysterical, saying that he
never got sea sick and now thought that he would have to go to the hospital.
She then turned her attention to the crew who, in her opinion, didn't notify
her that dramamine was on board and if they had her husband wouldn't be sick
(although by the time he would've taken it it already would've been too
late). She then turned these frustrations to me. (I think I might add a
little sea-sickness tidbit at the end of my introduction speech from now
on.) In the meantime the passengers kept asking me when we were going to get
to the islands. I eventually found out that we were weren't going to the
islands; news that I didn't enjoying hearing because I was the one who had
to relay this information to the passengers. The news was not well-received.
One woman vented her frustrations to me so I suggested she leave a comment
in the comment box which she then wrote up during the remainder of the trip.
At the end of the trip she found me again, proceeded to read her comment and
vent more frustrations, and told me to tell this to the captain. I tried to
explain to her that I was only a volunteer and that this was something she
need to speak to the crew about, but she interrupted me and demanded that I
speak to the captain immediately on her behalf. I reluctantly made my way up
top and explained my situation to the crew. The captain asked about the
woman and I felt very awkward explaining why she was upset with him. But, in
the end, the majority of the passengers left with smiles and thank yous. The
crew was very worn out after this trip but even so they were very nice,
remembered my name, and waved good-bye to me.

Although these situations are not ideal and I would prefer not to deal with
them, I don't outright despise them. I see them as a challenge that result
in the improvement of my "customer-relations" skills. And I learn more from
these difficult situations than those that are easy for me. It just makes me
glad that I have a lot of experience dealing with people in stressful
situations as a veterinary technician. I'm up for the challenge and looking
forward to my next trip on the Condor Express!

-Alexa Mutti
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