I’m an adventurer. I love trying new food, going to special events, and taking pictures of it all. Whenever I find a gem, whether it’s food or a great tip for other adventurers, I want to share that. Whenever an experience doesn’t go well, I want to share that too, because it may help everyone involved to be wary of certain things, or for owners to improve the work on their end.
The world is a big scary place sometimes,
but that shouldn’t distract us from all the wonderful treats and surprises that inhabit it. For some, the world is scary because we have fear of the unknown, and not knowing where you’re going can be an awful experience. No one wants to feel lost.
In video games, having a map was like having an extra life–you knew where the secret gem was, where to find the wise old man, or where to rescue the princess. In pirate movies, it’s the treasure map that leads you to the legendary grail or a chest full of booty. You would save time and energy–you knew exactly where to go to get the job done.
Nowadays I find myself turning to Google Maps to navigate my own adventures. For even the smallest of things, my eyes have been open to the daily treasures of a dry cleaner next door that I’ve never tried or the mom and pop bakery that I didn’t know existed two streets over. I’ve discovered so many great places because of Google Maps. And I want to give back. I want to connect with others. I want to contribute–I want to help people so they have the best experience they’ve ever had, and you can do it all on your phone.
Ask and you shall receive;
whenever a question is asked, people have Local Guides to answer. As a Local Guide, I’m cognizant of gender neutral bathrooms, ADA ramps and parking spots, store hours and more because these are questions people have, and maybe an ADA ramp is what a person needs to feel safe. I want to highlight that for those who need these amenities, and praise establishments that want to have a welcoming environment for their guests.
The digital relationship between public spaces, the community, and Google Maps has made our world feel more accessible. On Google Maps there’s a culture of giving. In some ways, I like to think we’re making the world more open than it has ever been, and engaging owners and operators to do better work than before.
Moreover, I love posting pictures. I have 8 million views and growing on Maps, and I’m proud and happy to be here. Food of every place I visit is essential to me, not just the Michelin star restaurants. Three dollar signs doesn’t mean a place is great. I want everyone to give great food a chance, wherever it’s from! So, my pictures are my love note to these places and their mom and pop owners.
Mos2, is my favorite charbroiled chicken teriyaki place of ALL TIME. Been going ever since I was a kid. But you wouldn’t know that unless you asked–and if you passed by the joint (it’s a tiny little shack on the side of a dark road), you’d probably skip it for the Ruby’s next door. As an adult now, I’ve moved to another city and live quite far from Mos2. But my expertise of the restaurant stays with me. And I can share that expertise whenever someone has a question in the app.
In Maps, you can see that maybe you should skip Ruby’s and try the run down shack–because you trust other Local Guides. Best of all, I don’t have to be in town to answer. Maybe I take a few photos and post them. We’re taking our community of giving, and lending it credibility through our images.
The Foodie, the Adventurer, and the Artist in me, sees the same in you:
Whether it’s the Avengers lining up on Hollywood Boulevard to dunk their hands in wet concrete, there’s always another perspective to it. The fans have been lining up to catch a glimpse of their favorite actor since 7AM. Then the stars get in at 11 and leave promptly before noon. That’s how events work at the Chinese Theater, and those are a few tips that belong on Maps–maybe you bring a water bottle, or an umbrella for the sun, or know where the nearest restrooms are so you can wait all day. These small tips go a long way.
Or maybe if you’re from out of state and you’re going to Coachella for the first time. You might think that what I’m wearing on my face is just another fashion statement. It’s actually an N95 respirator used to keep the dust out of my lungs. So while my friends were coughing up dirt, smoke, and other festival air hazards, I was breathing easy. Maybe that’s another tip you wouldn’t find unless you were looking up the festival grounds on Maps.
Most of all, whenever I have a great experience, I want to share that with the world. A well-kept secret is often best enjoyed in great company. Like my visit to the Harmontown Podcast recording featuring Rick and Morty series creator Dan Harmon… did you know anyone can go? It’s certainly not a secret, but definitely not enough people know about it. With the beauty of Google Maps it’s there for everyone!
Food, events, and great tips are what I love to give to the community. Google Maps had definitely made it possible for me and many others to help navigate this world together, and that’s awesome! Thank you for reading 
P.S.
I’d love for you to check out my favorite place in Los Angeles. A coffee shop with DELICIOUS food and an amazing heartwarming mission.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90rm79Uzd4U&feature=youtu.be