Imagine a dictionary that never become obsolete, as the information it contains keeps growing and expanding. There is no need to buy another dictionary as it won’t get old, nor become obsolete. Well, this is what the Local Guides program mean to me.
The Local Guides program has allowed me to benefit not only as a user of the Google Maps with its vast information, but at the same time as someone to contribute and update information into this ever-growing encyclopedia.
More than simply a map, it is, to me, a humungous sharing ground where people of different ethnics, culture and background connect with each other, sharing and helping each other by giving information on the places we have been to.
Whether it is the directions to that acclaimed food stall, the operating hours of a shop, an honest review on how the attraction is like, or just some photos of the museum I’ve been wanting to visit, or recommendations of the best places to go for local street food, I can always go to Google Maps and look for these information. Local Guides program has given all of us a platform to share our experiences, so that every other user of the Google Maps can benefit from it.
In big yet unknowing ways, the program connects people from all over the world. I had and experience once whether my friend (and to my surprise, also a Local Guide) discovered my review on a place that she was about to visit and asked me about it. We then shared with each other our experiences on what we have been doing as a Local Guide, and tips and tricks on how to add more value into what we are doing.
I am thankful for this program and platform for allowing me to contribute, and of course to all fellow Local Guides who continue to provide information and connect with each other through this ever-growing map and guidebook.
