On this Metaphorical Roller Coaster, you’ll be made aware of this Mama Bear’s journey as a Local Guide. Besides twists n turns during the ride, you’ll also be entertained with some of Mama Bear’s favorite Shots indiscriminately placed all through the ride. So, brace yourself for its gonna be an extended ride.
Early March in an Introduction post shared by @DeniGu , I wrote about my favorite part of being a LocalGuide which is Storytelling. Because–
- The Story behind every Maple Leaf before Snow Showers,
- The Story of every souvenir store I explored for a perfect magnet,
- The Not-so-happening Hotels I had to spent a night in,
- The Fusion of anxiety and curiosity of tasting new International Cuisines,
- The Saga of every public ramp I had pushed my stroller on,
- The Adventurous Tale of the family road trips from one coast to another,
- The Curiosity to seek Local Flea Markets and Fresh Farms in the neighborhood,
- The enthusiasm for Connect Live 2019,
- Unknown places and stories getting unfolded through this community,
is unique. That’s why I believe—
Every Story deserves a special mention & each one of us has that Special Story.
Like these Artistic Bottles-
Or
This Llama & his Colorful Woodshed-
Or
This Oomphalicious Creature-
Anecdote I - Being a part of a Voluntary Program wasn’t something I was planning on doing in the first place. In fact, in my initial few months of joining this drive, nothing would interest me about this program.
As a matter of fact, it took me not days, not months but almost a year to leap from one level to another.
Albeit I was going places, was experiencing wonderful things, was devouring exotic cuisines worth sharing, was pretty much doing the whole lot deserve to be shared.
However——Ignorance & Incomprehension!
- My ignorance of the whole idea behind this program, &
- My incomprehension of its paramount objective.
One fine day, while browsing through a social platform with a Bird Icon, I flipped through an article about how in a country named India, Local Guides ( @Tejal , @PriyankaU ) are helping the community by writing useful reviews with pictures. #looreviews
In another article wherein so many talented Local Guides ( @Kamalhasnainee @IlankovanT ) were a helping hand for services like accessibility and other major issues. One article drove me to another & my soul was enlightened with white light, not literally but I began to realize this community is a lot more than just writing reviews.
The purpose behind every move is what makes all the difference.
As these Trees & Clouds purposely flaunting their curves for the camera-
Gradually, I reinstated my interest in this program. Once restored, it facilitated me to contribute and serve better. Now Let’s not Forget the ‘Why’!
Anecdote II- So, the day I disembarked on a foreign nation(USA), I had curiosity in my heart & a baby in my lap, not to forget extra pounds all over my body which needed to be shed somehow. While striving against obesity, I discovered a Mediterranean Diet Plan which is a healthy way to diet and great for weight watchers too.
Once I developed taste buds for an International Cuisine, I wanted to explore more. This flourished a new craving for Greek Delicacies tickling my taste buds every week.
I had been to multiple Greek Tavernas in my neighborhood exploring their food as well as their culture associated with it & began adding them in my Reviews.
Moreover, I somehow understood that International Cuisine is more about the story behind it, plus many other interesting things were unfolded about this multi-faceted culture. I realized-
A simple Restaurant can be a lot more than just good food.
Nonetheless, the question- “Why I like sharing on Google Maps”?, persists and here’s a Simple Answer–
The mere citation of uniqueness, worth, ambiance, menu, hospitality of the staff, cuisine culture, & traditions, in my reviews, would guide myriads of people making a choice about a place.
For example- A Traditional Greek Taverna is NOT only about Falafel, Tzatziki, Pita, Hummus, Gyro, Shawarma, Souvlaki, Tabbouleh but more about their Plate-Breaking Tradition, Napkin-Tossing culture. Therefore, I take the utmost care while writing reviews & ensure I mention every possible detail which might help someone somewhere relying on Google Reviews to make a choice.
While there’s still a lot to explore and experience in the upcoming days, months and years, this Mama Bear is here to narrate tons of interesting stories about every place she visits, every souvenir magnet she buys.
…Because it’s not the picture/review that is shared, it’s the Story behind it.
That’s why!
