Writing reviews and posting photos for a few years now and I have to admit I am loving it. In the beginning, it wasn’t clear to me why I was doing it. Maybe I thought it was just a game and I was levelling up or I was doing it as a pass time activity. After some time it became clear to me and from a pass time activity, it became a passion. I have started travelling a bit more these past years and I was able to meet new people and discover new places. Immediately I wanted to know everything about the country which I was visiting and understand how people are leading their lives.
There are so many new things to discover around the world and get to know how people do things in a different way. I always try to visit local businesses that offer local products either tangible or intangible. I want to know local traditions, activities and have a deep understanding of the culture.
I strongly to believe that the best way to immerse yourself into a culture is through food. I am a firm supporter of local restaurants/cafes/bars and every time I visit a new country I am visiting as much as possible. In my opinion, running a business is challenging and quite stressful. Often times especially when you are dealing with people of different culture, behaviour patterns and different definitions of what’s normal. On the other hand, is really rewarding and food has always been a way to celebrate special events and bring everyone closer together. In the end, nobody says no to a good meal.
My aim and motivation are to visit as many local businesses as possible and post my reviews and photos. I want people to know about my experiences and share it with them so they can have the same pleasant experience or even better. I do respect all the time/effort/passion put into the businesses and the people responsible for the day-to-day activities are doing their best to provide the best customer service. In my reviews even if I find something I don’t like I always portrait it in a constructive criticism perspective. I provide a full list of arguments that support my case but I do it in a way that the owner of the business will take it as feedback to improve the business or service provided.
At the end of the day, everything is subjective and we all have different taste and different preferences and you owe to be respectful. I love seeing especially young people going after their passion and offer something new/fresh in the market. Empowerment is key for the survival of such small business in the long term. Trying to introduce something new to the general public and make it work is always difficult and challenging. People who take the big decision and go for it should have our support. Empowerment and support should be the main drive behind everyone’s review. Just get in those people’s shoes and see things from their perspective. How would you feel if you had seen a bad review even if you are trying your best? Would you take it up as a challenge? Feel sorry? Be kind always -it costs nothing to you and for people receiving it’s a fortune, a way to keep them going and improve themselves.
I will keep travelling and looking for those amasing people who make things happen and make travelling and our time in a place a very pleasant experience and in the end an unforgettable experience.
For those people, I have met and will meet in the future keep doing what you are doing we appreciate your efforts. The Local Guides community will make sure the world knows about you and your efforts.
Thank you,
Panayiotis