I never knew that my job would pave the way for an unforgettable journey filled with eccentric customers and uproarious adventures.
When I started at Hotel Conga, as the newest employee at the hotel, I was turned to the “go-to person for all the unconventional duties”. From daily housekeeping to occasional bellboy services, I encountered a plethora of characters, each with their own peculiarities and quirks. Some days, it was like a whirlwind of comedic events, I discovered that working in the hospitality industry was far from ordinary. I’m going to share some of my experiences with customers since I started working here.
One fateful day, a couple of guests arrived at the hotel’s grand lobby. This middle-aged couple checked in for their anniversary getaway. From demanding extra pillows to arguing over the room’s temperature, I watched them argue as I battled to not laugh.
We have also had this lady, an over-the-top socialite, grace the hotel with her presence. Accustomed to a life of luxury and excess, she expected nothing but VIP treatment. Myself, caught in the middle of her extravagant requests, went to great lengths to cater to her whims. The pressure from her and the management made me struggle to fulfill her fanciful demands, including arranging an impromptu fashion show in the hotel’s lounge.
I also discovered true friendships with Ekene and Ikenna. Of course, if you follow my conga series, you will know how close I am to these guys, especially Ekene. A lot of people feel there is more to me and Ekene’s friendship. I can say they are both my partners in crime. Together, we tackled the challenges brought forth by the hotel’s eclectic clientele, always finding ways to make our customers’ experiences unforgettable, even if it meant crashing a high-profile wedding or temporarily turning the hotel pool into a makeshift water park.
Whether dealing with a prickly food critic with particular dining preferences or organizing a treasure hunt for a group of mischievous children staying at the hotel, I always infuse humor into every situation. And, with each tale, I learned valuable life lessons about patience, empathy, and the beauty of finding humor amidst chaos.
© Nnamdi Dixon
