I am happy to be a part of this great family of local guides, where each of us can not only share our knowledge but also enjoy the stories of others! For me, more than that, it’s just an online platform - this is the place where I found friends, encouragement and inspiration.
8 Likes
En tant que Guide Local sur Google Connect, il me tient à cœur de partager mon expérience et mon engagement au sein de cette belle communauté. À l’occasion de la célébration des 9 ans de Connect, je profite de l’opportunité pour raconter un peu mon parcours, ce que cette plateforme a représenté et continue de représenter pour moi.
Mon engagement sur Connect m’a permis de tisser des liens avec des personnes du monde entier, comme @SholaIB , @christophesubilia , @NandKK , @Laurent et tant d’autres, de découvrir de nouvelles cultures et de contribuer activement à l’amélioration des informations locales. Que ce soit à travers mes publications, mon soutien auprès des nouveaux membres, ou mes explorations dans différents pays, chaque interaction m’a apporté quelque chose de précieux.
C’est avec enthousiasme que je partage ici mes réponses aux neuf questions qui marquent cet anniversaire, en espérant qu’elles pourront inspirer d’autres membres de la communauté.
-
D’où venez-vous ?
Je viens de la République de Guinée,
un pays de l’Afrique de l’Ouest riche en culture, en ressources minières, hospitalité et paysages variés. Cependant, je réside actuellement en Inde, à Bhubaneswar dans l’État d’Odisha, où je poursuis un Master en Gestion Rurale à KIIT UNIVERSITY. Cette diversité culturelle me permet de partager des perspectives uniques sur Connect, que ce soit sur la Guinée ou l’Inde. -
Quand avez-vous rejoint Connect ?
J’ai rejoint Connect le 18 juin 2025, alors que j’étais à New Delhi en Inde pour un congé, après avoir publié mes premières contributions sur Google Maps, le 06 Juin 2025. Depuis, je me passionne pour les échanges avec la communauté et l’amélioration continue des contenus locaux. Cette date reste spéciale, car elle marque le début de mon engagement plus actif au sein de la communauté des Guides Locaux. Depuis, je profite de chaque opportunité pour découvrir la richesse culturelle du pays et partager mes expériences avec la communauté Connect. -
Comment avez-vous entendu parler de Connect en premier lieu ?
J’ai découvert Connect en consultant la page des Guides Locaux sur Google Maps à la suite d’un message de félicitations pour avoir ajouter un lieu sur Google Maps. Cela m’a incité à rejoindre cette plateforme pour échanger avec d’autres contributeurs passionnés, comme @NandKK et @SholaIB qui m’ont permis de bien connaître l’utilisation de la plateforme et Mr. @JanVanHaver qui m’a montré comment traduire les post dans ta langue à travers l’icône du globe
. -
À quel moment de la journée/semaine aimez-vous consulter les nouveautés sur Connect ?
J’aime particulièrement consulter Connect le matin avec mon café, vers 7h-8h, quand je planifie ma journée, la soirée, vers 19h-21h, quand je quitte l’université. C’est aussi devenu une habitude agréable de vérifier les nouvelles contributions le dimanche soir, ce qui me permet de découvrir les nouveautés de la semaine et de m’inspirer pour mes propres contributions. -
Avez-vous assisté ou organisé une rencontre sur Connect ?
Oui, j’ai assisté un meet-up le 08, Juillet 2025. Il y avait 9 guides locaux de 8 pays différents !
Baptiste @Bapt de France 
David @DavidTerronPla de France
Laurent @Laurent du Togo 
Yannick @Yannick_S de la République Démocratique du Congo 
Roger @RogerOhayashi du Brésil 
Shola @SholaIB du Nigéria 
mais qui séjourne actuellement au Liberia 
Cuicani @cuicani du Mexique 
Christophe @christophesubilia de Suisse 
et moi Faya Yolla LENO @fayayolla de la République de Guinée (actuellement en Inde 
)
C’était la première rencontre francophone depuis la nouvelle version de Connect.
Le but de cette rencontre était de faire connaissance et que chacun partage un coup de coeur 
ou quelque chose en lien avec Google Maps.. Ce fut une expérience enrichissante qui m’a permis de tisser de solides liens avec la communauté locale francophone.
-
Quel est votre moment préféré sur Connect ?
Mon moment préféré, c’est quand je vois qu’une de mes contributions (avis, photos, ou informations) a aidé d’autres personnes à découvrir un lieu ou à prendre une décision. Récemment, j’ai ajouté l’ambassade de mon pays, la Guinée en Inde sur Google maps qui n’avait pas été modifié après leur déplacement dans un autre quartier, et voir les remerciements des visiteurs m’a vraiment touché.
-
Parlez-nous d’une fonctionnalité Connect que vous aimez.
J’apprécie particulièrement la possibilité de suivre des sujets et des catégories, ce qui me permet de rester informé sur ce qui me passionne – qu’il s’agisse de photographie, de food ou de voyages.
Et la fonctionnalité de traduction qui me permet de traduire n’importe quel poste dans n’importe quelle langue, ce qui me permet de comprendre le contenu et pouvoir commenter la publication. -
Quelle fonctionnalité ajouteriez-vous à Connect si vous le pouviez ?
J’aimerais voir une carte interactive des membres actifs par région et une fonctionnalité de messagerie directe entre membres soit ajoutée. Cela faciliterait la connexion locale entre Guides, l’organisation de rencontres ou la collaboration sur des projets communs, et le repérage de projets collaboratifs proches de chez soi. -
Parlez-nous d’une chose que vous prévoyez de partager ou de faire sur Connect cette année.
Cette année, j’aimerais lancer une série de posts présentant les initiatives écologiques locales, pour encourager la découverte responsable et inspirer d’autres guides à en faire autant dans leur région. Je veux aussi documenter les lieux d’intérêt culturel à Bhubaneswar qui sont moins connus mais qui méritent d’être découverts, surtout pour les étudiants internationaux comme moi.
Répondre à ces neuf questions m’a permis de revenir sur mon parcours, mes découvertes et mon implication en tant que Guide Local sur Google Connect. Ces expériences, riches et variées, témoignent de l’importance de l’échange, du partage et du soutien entre membres de la communauté. Je suis reconnaissant de faire partie d’un réseau aussi dynamique et inspirant, et j’ai hâte de continuer à contribuer, apprendre et tisser de nouveaux liens avec d’autres passionnés, partout dans le monde.
8 Likes
Allô @fayayolla
Je suis vraiment content de ce que vous avez écrire cela en français. Ca permit aux autres francophones de pouvoir s’exprimer en français sur connect. Nous voulons montrer que connect est vraiment ouvert a tout le monde et plusieurs langues aussi
Merci beaucoup de m’avoir mentionnér aussi. Bonne suite de la journée a vous et tous.
4 Likes
Here are my answers:
6 Likes
Slt Mr @fayayolla ! Belle prestation… Une petite incohérences au passage.. [fayayolla: le 06 Juin 2035. Depuis, je me passionne pour ]
Merci pour votre message a l’égard de mes interventions passées ..j en suis ravie. ..
Ce fut un grand plaisir de vous lire. merci
#LG.
2 Likes
Amazing Idea @Julie_A This will help us know other Local Guides as well. These are my answers for the questions
Where are you from?
I am from Mumbai, Maharashtra in India. Well, I love my city and I would love people visiting and exploring Mumbai, the city never sleeps.
When DId you join Connect?
I joined Connect since 3 Years now. It has been a wonderful community to be a part of.
How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I am an active contributor on Google Maps and while searching for more ways to contribute online, I came across the Connect Community.
What Time on the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
I normally check Connect by 10 pm IST .
Have you attended or hosted a meet up?
Well, yes I have attended a meet up personally and i must say it was a joyful experience to meet other community members.
What’s your favpurite moment on Connect?
I always like to read the comments on my contributed stories and feel happy to see how it has helped others know about different places.
Tell us about one connect feature that you love?
I like the contributing stories feature and I love posting about various places I visit and also know the views of different people who read them.
What one feature would you add to connect if you could?
I would like to have a mobile app for Connect so that it is easy to share our experiences.
Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on connect?
Well, one thing I would do further is try to read what is posted on Connect a bit frequently and actively participate more in Meet Ups.
Thank you @Julie_A to let us put up our thoughts on Connect,
5 Likes
Thank you for sharing @Julie_A! Congratulations to Connect and my fellow local guides!
Here are my “9 questions for Connect’s 9th birthday”. Enjoy the read! 
1. Where are you from?
I am from Nigeria, specifically from Alaenyi Ogwa — part of the Mbaitoli Local Government Area in Imo State (Southeastern part of Nigeria).
2. When did you join Connect?
I officially joined Connect in 2018.
3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I learned about Connect when I was scrolling through my emails and saw that I was a part of the local guides program through my Google Maps contributions. I joined the platform and found a whole new community to cherish.
4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
I do not have a specific time I like to check, though evenings are often favourable. Whenever the thought comes up, I like to read through or check in on Connect or the local guides group in my community!
5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Yes I have. I have hosted more than a hand full of physical and virtual meetups and have attended many myself.
6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
My favourite moment on Connect was writing my Connect Live 2019 recap article. I poured my heart out, and it was that moment that I realized that I not only have a platform to express myself but also a community of aligned minds.
7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
To be honest, I prefer the old Connect platform/layout. But my favourite feature is the “message” section. I rarely use it, but it’s always nice when I receive messages on there.
8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
A ‘call’ button would be nice. Or you know what?! A section where individuals could be a part of that if they are currently online, they are fine with accepting calls and making calls to fellow local guides. That will really be the epitome of the connect part of Local Guides Connect.
9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
I started a Voices of the Map series — a virtual storytelling meetup series where local guides come together to share the personal and powerful narratives behind their favourite mapped locations. I am thrilled to see where that goes!
3 Likes
Celebrating 9 Years of Connect: My Journey and Insights!
It’s truly a privilege to be a part of such a vibrant and inspiring community. The journey so far has been wonderful, and I’m thrilled to share a glimpse into my own experience.
Questions for Connect’s 9th birthday:
- Where are you from?
I am from West Bengal, India, a place rich in culture and, of course, delicious food! - When did you join Connect?
It feels like just yesterday, but I joined Connect quite recently, about 3 to 4 months ago. Yet, my journey with Google Maps contributions goes back much further, spanning the last 3 to 4 years. Connect has been a revelation, truly opening my eyes to so many new things, and it has already proven incredibly valuable! - How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
The knowledge I’ve gained from Connect is truly immeasurable, beyond what I can express in words alone. It’s not just about what to contribute, but also about the intricate, subtle nuances of how to make those contributions genuinely impactful. - What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
My passion for Connect means I’m always eager to see what’s new! I find myself checking in throughout the day, whenever a moment allows – be it before work, during a short break, or just at random times. There’s always something fresh and exciting to discover. - Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Absolutely! I’ve been fortunate enough to attend two wonderful physical meet-ups and several engaging online ones here on Connect. They were genuinely so helpful and inspiring. I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to my amazing mentor and moderator @ReshamDas Da for organizing such valuable gatherings – they truly make a difference!
-
What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
My favorite moments on Connect revolve around staying completely immersed in the community – discovering the latest topics, exploring trending discussions, and especially keeping an eye on what kind of meetups are being conducted and where. There’s an incredible energy in seeing how active and connected our community is!
-
Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
The feature I absolutely adore is the ability for Local Guides to share their local expertise and experiences through detailed posts and heartfelt reviews. It’s such a powerful way to build a rich, helpful knowledge base for everyone. -
What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
If I could sprinkle a little magic, I’d introduce an advanced AI-powered search and recommendation system. Imagine it not just finding relevant posts, but also brilliantly suggesting connections between Local Guides based on their shared passions and contributions! It could even gently nudge us to fill any little content gaps, fostering even richer sharing. -
Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
This year, my plan is simple yet ambitious: to continue pouring my heart into providing helpful and accurate information. I’ll keep assisting fellow Local Guides with their Connect queries, and passionately work on evolving my own capabilities to better understand and contribute to our community’s discussions, especially on crucial topics like accessibility and sustainability – areas I’m deeply passionate about from my engineering background.
1 Like
Happy 9th Anniversary, Local Guides Connect 
! I’s glad to be a part of the global connect forum.
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Phnom Penh, Cambodia 
.
2. When did you join Connect?
I joined this forum on 2 July 2016 (as a Beta Tester with ID:70 in the previous versions)
3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Before the forum was launched, I was in a private Local Guides group on Google+ then I was invited thru the email to the connect form for the early access as a beta tester.
4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
I don’t have a specific time for checking the forum, usually I check it during the lunch break after work and the event time.
5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Yes, of course! 
6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
My favorite moment is Featured topics feature like the web landing page where I couldn’t miss the featured ones esp. the announcement from the team.
7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love
On Connect feature, I love Categories (main four ones that are simple UX/UI).
8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
If I could add one feature, I would suggest the archived features, similar to Alumni feature, where we, previous summit attendees, could discuss and connect on that.
9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
I am planning to share something new to the community after the 2025 summit, keep sharing to the community members and also support them to be more actively on the fourm.
3 Likes
Happy 9 years of Connect!
Where are you from?
I’m from Dhaka, Bangladesh — a city full of energy, colors, and many stories waiting to be told. It’s where my Local Guides journey began and continues to grow.
When did you join Connect?
I’ve been with the Connect community since the very beginning — it’s been nine amazing years now! I still remember the early days and how far we’ve all come as a community.
How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I first found out about Connect through Google+ group or platform. Back then, it was such an exciting discovery — a space where Local Guides from around the world could come together and share their experiences.
What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Honestly, I check in several times a day! But evenings are my favorite — that’s when I can sit back, catch up on what others are sharing, and engage with posts and discussions. I am writing this response in the evening.
Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Yes, many times! I’ve hosted and joined over 225 meet-ups so far in total under the banner of Bangladesh Local Guides. From photo walks to map editing sessions, each one has been a unique and memorable experience.
What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
There are so many, but some of my favorite moments are when fellow Local Guides share stories from places I’ve never been. It feels like traveling the world through their eyes. I also treasure the friendships I’ve built here over the years.
Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I love the “Meet-ups” section. It’s such a great way to find events, connect with passionate guides, and see the real-world impact we’re making in our communities.
What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
If I could add one feature, it would be a dedicated space to showcase long-term contributors and their milestones(photos and videos) — something like a Local Guide journey timeline that highlights achievements and meet-ups hosted over the years.
Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
This year, I’m planning to organize a few themed meet-ups focused on accessibility and sustainable travel. I also want to share more local stories and hidden gems from Dhaka as well as other part of the world to inspire others to explore their own neighborhoods more deeply.
Thank You, Local Guides Connect!!
8 Likes
@KhokonSharker আপনার লেখা পড়ে ভালো লাগলো।
2 Likes
@MahabubMunna ভাই এই পোস্ট টা দেখে পুরনো দিনের কথা মনে পরে গেল।
2 Likes
Well done @MainakD the points you mentioned are really thought-provoking, especially the idea of an AI agent that might be able to bring out connections between local guides or maybe the culture of one’s own geography in an easier way instead of searching for it manually!
I am really happy to help you join the Connect Forum journey through our West Bengal Local Guides meetup at Metropolitan Durga Bari, Kolkata, and it’s really promising to know how this forum has been inspiring you. You are a brilliant content creator, and I hope the global Local Guides community get to watch your work through this forum.
2 Likes
Wonderful coverage and intiative @Jahangir bhai and thanks for sharing @Julie_A .
Well supported by local guides community.
Keep inspiring.
Regards
Anil6969
2 Likes
Thank you so much for your lovely and wonderful words, @ReshamDas Da.Your inspiration truly makes me feel motivated every day to contribute beautifully on Connect and Google Maps. Thank you so much.
1 Like
- Where are you from?
This is Rafsanjani from Dhaka, Bangladesh. A proud contributor of BDLG. - When did you join Connect?
I joined connect in 2017. - How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Everything I learn from many of members of BDLG. Especially @MahabubMunna - What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Actually I’m irregular in connect from last 2 year. - Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Yes. I Hosted BDLG’s 102th meet-up. - What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
The celebration of 100th Meet-up of BDLG. - Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
When top contributors are commented my topics. - What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
Anything related business. Like google maps and connect forum can great please to share and brainstorming place of business talk. So lets open a topics “Discussion for Business”. - Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
I’m going to open a food channel. So here I will share my new recipes.
3 Likes
Thank you for your support Bro @Anil6969 
2 Likes
Thanks for creating such a cool and engaging way for us to celebrate, @Julie_A! Congrats to the team for keeping this machine going for 9 Years!! We appreciate all of you.
Let’s go:
1. Where are you from?
I come from a little town called Apache Junction, in Arizona, USA. I still live in the desert, though I’ve joined the larger Phoenix Metro area.
2. When did you join Connect?
According to my records, it was January 14th, 2017. I missed the launch by a few months, I guess. 
3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
It must have been an email from Google letting me know. I’m typically pretty quick to jump onto new Google initiatives when they pop up.
4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
I have Connect up in a browser tab all day, but I’m typically most active in the mornings. I’ll check through my notifications, read through posts of the people I follow, and then see what is topping the charts on the main page.
5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
I proudly wear my New Connector Badge for the Meetup I did last year about the Road Mapper program. It was co-hosted by my friend, @PrasadVR and well attended, surprisingly! 
I regularly attend the monthly Trivia Meetup, hosted by @Denise_Barlock & @jayasimha78. I’m also a long-time TRAC participant, and regularly attend (and have even presented) @SholaIB’s meetups. And, in May, I was enlightened after joining the virtual meetup series on Accessibility, hosted by @EmekaUlor.
And, I am SO lucky to have been invited this year to the ULTIMATE Meetup: ConnectLIVE: NYC. It was an incredible time, and my first in-person meetup.
6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
This has to be when I received the honor of being a Guiding Star in 2022. It was quite a shock to be selected, and I proudly display my Inclusive Mapper award in my office.
7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
Kinda small, but very very useful; I love the categories under the notification bell! Being able to break down and acknowledge or dismiss my notifications without leaving the page I’m on is such a great little piece of the interface. Way to go, Bell Designer!
8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I’d love to be able to find my local Local Guides. I know there are folks from Arizona wandering around here, I want to be able to connect with them!
I’d also really love to have the Road Mapper board back 
9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
At the rate I’m going, I think I will be hitting my goal of 100,000 contributions before the year is out. I put it out into the universe on @TerryPG’s New Year’s Resolution Post, and I have just under 9,000 to go. I can’t wait to hit that number & celebrate with everyone here on Connect (and then take a nap).
8 Likes
Merci mon frère pour votre soutien depuis mon premier jour dans Connect jusqu’à maintenant. 
Merci mon frère pour cette vigilance, c’est une erreur de frappe. Merci pour ton soutien.