Travels in a Tin Can

tank acclimatizing to the water and trying to calm her breathing as the cold,
nerves and excitement were pushing her to the edge of hyperventilation.
Perhaps sensibly the four dolphins (Bob, Cosmo, Julian and Samantha)
ignored the noisy flappy intruder in their midst during this time. Emma did see
Sugar, the sea lion, during this time, an added spectator participating in her
swim. It was actually a miracle that she could see anything, as the water was
so cloudy.
Emma spent the next thirty minutes swimming rapidly back and forth
clutching props ranging from palm leaves to noodles (foam floats) following
shouted instructions from the staff that were observing her swim. They gave
her tips to help her interact with the dolphins and seemed genuinely pleased
when their suggestions worked, telling Emma 'well done' and 'you got it'
(imagine the tone of voice of cheerleaders). It was almost as if they were
training a new dolphin, and I half expected them to throw her a fish when she
did something right! Happily Emma's only reward for her efforts was an
increase in attention from the four dolphins as they swam with her. At times
she had several near her at once, flanking her sides and swimming beneath
her as she gamely attempted to match their speed. An impossible task.
Unbeknownst to her she was also interacting with the father of one of the
dolphins, a massive brute that swam alongside her - but in the 'tank' next
door.
The first time that the dolphins swam with her, Emma nearly drowned
as in the excitement she swallowed water down her snorkel, which would
have been a most unfortunate end just as the dolphins were getting
interested. This event, complete with the sounds of Emma choking, has been