Have you ever dreamt that you were born in another country?
When I was a schoolgirl, it was my favorite dream.
Just imagine: you live the lifestyle they do, have activities they do, visit the places they do and dream the dreams they do. You have absolutely different life but it is still you, with your character and your point of view. I always wondered how my life would have changed if I had lived somewhere else.
I grew up and nowadays my favorite pastime is traveling. It allows me to know myself, to uncover my dreams and deep thoughts. Of course, I am talking about traveling without guides or groups of tourists. I mean traveling on my own or with my closest people.
The main purpose of my trips is feeling myself local, not pretending local, but feeling. It could be really difficult if you travel somewhere just for a week, so I prefer a bit longer journeys.
You can’t feel yourself local in another place if you have no idea where to go and what to do there. First of all, I check all the places I need on Google maps, then I learn how to get from my accommodation to the places I will need during my vacation. Without a doubt, a couple of days will be required upon arrival for orientation, even if you have studied the place on the map. But preparing for the trip is always the most important moment. You should look the photos, read rewiews of the Local Guides and plan you trip. It is really great when you come to a new place and know where is the tastiest dish, best discount or modern exhibition. It is non-touristic information. This is why I started to share my knowledge and experience as a Local Guide.
I want people to feel themselves confident in places they visit. Touristic places are not usually the best places. I consider it my duty to tell people about really amazing places that they must visit in order to truly feel what life is in this place. I will be very satisfied if people who use my prompts will feel themselves locals even for a couple of days.
When you experience yourself as local in another country, you realize that, in the end, we are all the same! There is no good or bad nation - just people living in different conditions. It is the most important lesson the Local Guides program can teach you!
@MKLolochka @MarinaMamaeva