@AdamGT Thank you!
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Whoop whoop!!! Happy happy 9th birthday…
Questions:
1. Where are you from?
I am from Nigeria 
2. When did you join Connect?
I joined in May 2021
3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I started out contributing on google map because I was really just fascinated with the idea of helping people naivigate their way around their cities, then I got a mail from google maps telling me about a community i.e local guides connect where we can all connect and that was how I started in connect.
4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
I don’t have a specific day, it really can be any day if the week for me
5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
I have attended a couple of virtual meet ups, I plan attending a physical one this year
6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
I really enjoy when there’s a challenge of some sort plus i recently just got badges for partaking in a challenge, I loved that.
7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I enjoy the challenge activity and also being able to find out what meet up is happening.
8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I believe there used to be a topics segment e.g food, news, photography, i kinda miss that feature.
9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
Hosting a meet up and attending more meetups this year.
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1 Where are you from?
Ans:- I am from Andhra Pradesh, India.
2 . When did you join Connect?
Ans :- I joined connect Dec 23 , 2023.
3 ; How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Ans :- I learned about it through local guides.
4 ;- What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Ans :- I often visit local guide connect and say, I watch Local guide connect every day, in my free time, I visit local guide connect.
5 :-Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Ans :- No, I haven’t participated yet.
6 :- What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
Ans :- local guide connect is participating in challenges and reading posts from other local guide connect members around the world.
7 :-Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
Ans :- writing posted and google maps collaborative stories.
8 :- What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
Ans :-A feature that identifies local guides by meet up and local states in country.
9 :+ Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
Ans :- This year I want to visit local historical places and share them with everyone through local guide connect.
@TusharSuradkar @Julie_A @NareshDarji
Happy 9th Anniversary to all Local Guides
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You can reply to this answer here 9 questions about your journey for Connect’s 9th birthday
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@SophatCHY Thank you brother
Hello @YOHANREDDY, thank you for sharing these details.
Please note that your post will be merged with the original post. A moderator will do the same.
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Thank you @deepakjhic
Thanks for sharing and nice to know more about your @YOHANREDDY 
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Thanks for sharing these details @YOHANREDDY
For your kind information, I’m going to merge your post into the ongoing thread to help keep the community organised and easier to follow
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Thank you Sir @NareshDarji
Please keep me informed as I am travelling to Turkey in October 2025, thanks for sharing your stories
Where are you from?
I’m born in Singapore and I travelled to Europe and Asian Countries regularly as a Local Guide and seek friends from all corners of the Google map.
When did you join Connect?
I joined the Local Guides program before Covid 19, and is curious why so few people in SIngapore posted stories here as we are a very popular tourist destination and a leading voice in building multiculturalism in Asia?
How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I took the initiative to find out how to Connect as the orientation by Google is very fragmented and disorganised and needed improvement. Despite the difficulties, I was able to explore, contribute, and grow with the community from its very beginning.
What time of day or week do you usually check what’s new on Connect?
I usually visit Connect every now and then if there are interesting stories from the numerous contributors especially from India, Bangladesh etc as it’s a great way to unwind and learn from the community. On weekends, especially Saturdays, I have less time as there are so many happenings in Singapore in other better platform too many to name here with posts, discussions, and events.
Have you ever attended or hosted a meet-up through Connect?
Not yet, but I hope to learn from successful guides as there were no proper guidance from Google at all. It looks like ground up approach which maybe some of us are not comfortable?
What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
It is reading lovely and heartwarming stories from the community. They are simple, heartwarming, down to earth events, happenings that affect our climate change, environmental health, mental wellness etc.
Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
Despite the new Connect platform — it’s beautifully organized and highly interactive. The landing page UI can be better organised into region or zones. I try to follow the Follow feature, which helps me stay connected with fellow Local Guides around the world. It disturbed me so see so few Singapore stories about SG60 this year.
If you could add one feature to onnect, what would it be?
I would love to see a feature that showcases featured posts — both about the beautiful city of SIngapore as we have many good things for the community to learn from — green economy, sustainable living, efficient transportation system too many to name here. It would help highlight great contributions from top ten in each region and make them easier to discover.
What’s one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year?
Besides being a educator,grassroot leader and busines consultant, I am passionate about the fragile situation the world is this with wars, cyber crimes and green economy. This year, I plan to promote Singapore related programs on Connect. As Local Guides, many of us need help from Google moderator, leadership team in our communities — I believe more can be done by Google leadership together to support the achievement of the global goals through worldwide get together to share best practices and community projects.
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Happy 9 years of connect! 
I cannot be more than happy to be on this wondrous platform that has given so many others a way to be heard. Congratulations to the connect team for their hardwork over these years and also thank you @Julie_A for this fun post! 
These are my answers to the questions
1. Where are you from?
I am from Sikkim, North East of India. Currently settled in New Delhi, India.
2. When did you join Connect?
I joined on 12th of April 2025.
3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I received a mail from Google to join connect. Until then I was not aware of Connect, Curiosity led me here. What started as a passion to write reviews in Google Maps perhaps, had earned me this mail. I was riding solo until Connect happened.
I was rewarded with a community, A blessing to be precise.
4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Any time of the day, after I’m done with chores. I like to check new challenges and posts from my LG friends to see what they’re upto.
5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
My first entry experience into connect itself was via Gummakkad Meet up hosted by @Kumaarsantosh and @TravellerG . I was an attendee and was curious to get some information as I was new and clueless. Under their guidance, I learned a lot about the Connect platform and what followed after that was a series of meet ups.
With the guidance of other local LGs such as @TravellerG and @SharmaK and the with the company of @ShreyaMusings , @Ssiddharth2000 , @Nomad_Enkay , @Gvipin and @Manishhhh , I got the opportunity to host a meet up and then also co-host a Mega Meet up in Delhi.
6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
My favourite moment is going through the connect feed. It is very inspiring to read the posts made by other LGs from all around the globe. I feel a strong sense of connection and get many ideas brewing in my head 
7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I like the formatting options given to us in the text box. As a person who isn’t very familiar with HTML or any type of coding, it is quite fascinating to use and I have managed to learn a few basics thanks to the feature.
8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I’d love for there to be a Bigger size limit for videos! If the videos are too heavy, perhaps it could compress the quality automatically similar to Instagram and twitter.
9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year
I’m planning on working on a few projects that have sparked my interest and share them with the community. Have been working on a project for a bit and will be posting it soon! 
Thanks And regards 
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That’s a beautiful post @SonamW Thank you for sharing
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Where are you from?
I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, USA—born and raised! I love exploring everything from hidden gems in the city to family-owned spots off the beaten path.
When did you join Connect?
I joined Connect in 2024 after consistently contributing to Google Maps for a while. I wanted to connect with other Local Guides, learn from their experiences, and grow my impact.
How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I first learned about Connect through a pop-up notification in the Google Maps app after reaching a new Local Guide level. I followed the link and was instantly drawn in by all the helpful discussions and positive energy in the community.
What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
I usually check Connect in the evenings during the week and early mornings on weekends when I have a little quiet time to catch up on topics, tips, and new posts.
Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Not yet—but it’s definitely on my radar. I’d love to host a local Atlanta meet-up later this year and connect with others who are passionate about food, photography, and hidden gems.
What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
One of my favorite moments was reading a post where someone shared how their review helped a small business attract more customers. It reminded me of how powerful these contributions can be—it’s not just about points, but about impact.
Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I love the “Let’s meet Local Guides” category. It’s a fun way to see the faces behind the names and hear stories from around the world—it makes the community feel more personal and inspiring.
What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I’d love to see a map-based thread feature where Local Guides could pin locations they’ve reviewed or created lists for, and others could explore those guides visually based on region or category.
Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
This year, I plan to share curated lists of my favorite food spots around Atlanta, especially for travelers and families. I also want to post more photo contributions that help first-time visitors know what to expect from local places.
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Cher @fayayolla Merci beaucoup pour votre réponse et surtout pour avoir pris le courage de tout partager en Français, ça aide aux autres francophones de se retrouver et de construire une grande communauté.
C’est très inspirant votre post, j’espère trouver aussi les moyens pour célébrer le 9 ans de Connect en répondant à ces 9 Questions.
Merci
Y-Nick
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Happy 9th birthday to connect Local Guides 
.
Great initiative @Julie_A 
Here are my answers
Where are you from?
I’m from Jalna Maharashtra 
When did you join Connect?
I joined connect on 21st March 2019 almost 6 years ago now it’s seems very long. Didn’t realize it’s been 6 years.
How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Via a email 
to join local guides community
What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Mostly at night before going for bed and also some times when ever gets little free time at work.
Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Ya I have attended in person meet up at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar on 7th April 2024, and attended many others meet up virtually
What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
There are many favourite moments on connect but one very special is when one of my post got featured and was in trending last year. Others are when receiving challenge badges. Also when asked of some help other local guides gave me the answers.
Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I like the feature of connections and celebrations where we can celebrate even our small achievements which helps and inspire us and others to do more.
What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
Would love to bring back featured & trending column from the previous version. It was my personal favorite because on a glance u can see which post is featured and trending as soon as u open connect on home screen.
Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
This year I’m trying to attend many more meet up and be more active on connect and maps than last year.
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Merci mon frère @Yannick_S pour les encouragements, on cherche à agrandir la communauté francophone donc c’est l’un des moyens qu’il faut utiliser pour attirer plus de Guides et je suis à l’aise en Français qu’en Anglais. 
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Feliz Cumpleaños Connect!
Y aquí van mis respuestas @Julie_A
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Where are you from?
Soy de Buenos Aires, Argentina. -
When did you join Connect?
Según el mail que Google me envía fue el 17/03/2018. -
How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Realmente no lo recuerdo, tampoco porqué me uní, pero si recuerdo que cuando recibí el mail invitándome a aplicar para el CL2019, luego de la desconfianza inicial
ahí comencé a investigar y después de un tiempo encontré en Instagram a unos Argentinos muy amables @Jesi @FaridTDF @Cecilita que me invitaron a 2 meetings en un fin de semana, fue muy loco no entendía nada pero fue divertido, especialmente cuando el guardia de seguridad del Shopping comenzó a seguirnos por todos lados -
What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Últimamente durante la semana lo hago en mi viaje al trabajo (como lo estoy haciendo ahora) ya que entre ir y volver demoro a veces mas de 2 horas. Los fines de semana cuando encuentro tiempo entre mi casa, mis gatos, mi familia y el estudio que comencé hace 1 mes. Si, dicen que nunca es tarde para estudiar algo, así que estoy estudiando el curso de Google de Ciberseguridad, me resulta muy interesante y me demanda tiempo ya que no tiene nada que ver con lo que hago actualmente (Radiología). -
Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Participé de muchos, previo a la pandemia donde conocí al grupo de Argentinos, los cuales me enseñaron mucho sobre el foro y Google Maps. Durante la pandemia, y las limitaciones a la circulación me sumé a cada Meet-up virtual que encontraba, sin importar la hora, y fue increíble porque así conocí a Local Guides de todo el mundo, hice más amigos como los chicos del #teamtacos Richi, Lalo y Bere, también a Denise de US. y expandí mi mente a través de sus historias. He organizado pocos meetings pero el que recuerdo con mucha alegría fue cuando fuimos a pasar el día a Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay y conocí personalmente a Alexander de Brasil.
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What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
No importa el país, ciudad o lugar en el mundo que ésto ocurra pero lo que me da mucha alegría es reencontrarme con Local Guides que conocí virtualmente, nuestras charlas, nuestras salidas a descubrir nuevos sitios, nuestras locuras me llena de orgullo ser parte de ésta familia y verlos cada tanto recarga mis energías 
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Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
Me gusta mucho ver como ha progresado el traductor en los últimos años. También la posibilidad de escribir un post en Connect directamente, no se pierde nada si uno lo deja para continuar luego, tampoco aparecen esos feos carteles de error que salían antes jaja -
What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
Yo extraño el tablero de Ideas, me gustaría que volviera. -
Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year
Me gustaría estar más presente en el foro, escribir con más regularidad como lo hacía antes ya que en los últimos tiempos había perdido la inspiración. Se que no será fácil por el tema del estudio que comencé pero espero conseguirlo.
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@Julie_A
Thanks for sharing this post .
Congratulations 
. Happy 9 years connect celebration .
Congratulations & Best wishes to everyone taking part in celebration .
I will share my details.
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