Our flight arrived San Francisco Airport at about 11 am. Then I found the Airport team and waited for few hours for other LGs before we could proceed to the Hotel. At about 12: 35pm another LG joined me as we continued to wait for the others.
We introduced ourselves and exchanged pleasantries. In less than 30 minutes, the protocol guys informed us that we may proceed to Hyatt Centric as the other two haven’t arrived yet.
A Cadillac picked us up. Marine and I sat at the back admiring the city scape- the Bay Bridge, Pier 1 - 19 and the Waterfront Restaurant! Although it wasn’t her first time in San Francisco, both of us are attending Connect Live for the very first time.
We talked about Netherlands, Nigeria, the weather, French and Japan. So much excitement made me forget to take a selfie in the car. Her voice and carriage was too mild for my comfort,initially. I became happy when she talked about her Local Guide experience. Marine is limpid but an engaing interactant.
Suddenly, we are at Hyatt Centric. We approached the reception, got rooms assigned to us and then strolled into the North Point Lounge. The welcome reception was ongoing. Then I remembered the selfie…
We joined the crowd, picked some food and drinks. We got lost into the widening friendship opportunities the rest of the days. Trying to meet 150+ LGs, like Marine, is not a piece of cake, so don’t be surprised if you discover you didn’t meet everyone. There’s no luxury of time.
Marine and I met again during the departure to Google’s Quad Campus, in front of Hyatt. It was colder and I’ s sipping my coffee. She said she’s loving the experience and wasn’t cold. Yea, I know. We talked about the city of San Francisco in relation to our cities. Lagos is hot and bubbly but Amsterdam is cool and aesthetic, I learned. We also talked about scooter and modes of transportation.
Well, I wasn’t able to say farewell to Marine before she proceeded on her vacation in Japan, which she excitedly gave a hint about in the Cadillac. She had a splendid tour. I know she’s home now and will joining me to host the Worldwide Accessibility Walk- Accessible Amsterdam!
This is the magic of Connect Live…friendship for good causes. Thank you for the time spent and support, @MarineSergent
Merci mon ami!
Emeka
Who was the first Local Guide you met outside your country or at a Connect Live event?
@ErmesT @MaxNYC @IlankovanT @YasumiKikuchi @Jesi @PennyChristie @AlexaAC @Sorbe
It was definitely very intimidating for me these 3 days to meet such inspiring people, who have incredible stories and passions that connect them to Google Maps, and in your case 
