Hi folks! My name is Van and I’m a tour guide here at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Big Cypress. I’m thrilled to share with you, briefly, about my exciting life as a tour guide.
What does a tour guide do? I’m so glad you asked! Along with the normal day to day responsibilities, such as extensive & extremely intensive facility maintenance (vacuuming/dusting), being a tour guide can be challenging, yet fulfilling as well. As I like to say, it’s not just a job, it’s an adventure!
For instance, much of our time is focused on researching historical and cultural information. Being a tour guide involves “person to person” skills, interacting with the public and providing customer service. It also involves presentation, or public speaking, skills in being able to convey the unique, fascinating, and true story of the unconquered Florida Seminoles.
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum also offers a unique 1.5 mile scenic nature trail, an elevated boardwalk that spans through an actual cypress dome. So in addition, life as a tour guide can be physically challenging and adventurous, as we get plenty of exercise and sometimes we can see wildlife in its natural setting. For example, on rare occasions (just a few months ago) our staff has experienced black bear and bobcat sightings on the boardwalk, indeed it was very exciting! But most of all, we observe different varieties of birds and smaller animals.
So as you can see, there are different aspects, as well many others, to being a tour guide here at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. There’s so much to tell, but I will save that for a later date. Hope to see you soon!
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Blog 
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