First I contributed to Google Maps because I wanted to share my opinion about a restaurant in Cali, Colombia. The place is lovely and has really good dishes, so I wanted to share my experience with others, I wanted to let them know that, that place was worth it; so I took some pictures, write a review and post it. I became a Local Guide that day, and I loved the feeling of being able to share and be usefull to others.
I realize later that what I’m passionate about is helping become the information more reliable and more complete! Off course I also love uploading photos of the places I’ve been, and leaving reviews, especially if theres something to highlight be it good or bad.
Like, one day I was on a car trip to Salento, Quindio with some friends, and we really needed a D1 store (a very cheap grocery store) on the way, so I took my cellphone and open up google maps to search for it (I wasn’t driving ofcourse), then I look that the nearest one, was like 1 hour away! I was saving my phone, when i saw on my left a D1 store! I was shocked and happy! we went right there and parked, then I inmediately added this D1 store on google maps! I was so happy for finding a place that wasn’t registered, and I was sure other travelers would apreciate that updated info.
From that day on I love finding places that are not on the maps, from small neighborhood stores to a big stores located all over the country.
I’m also passionate about updating info of some places. Like one time, I really wanted to go to a restaurant in my city that has really good pasta, but it was sunday and I didn’t know if it was open, so I looked for the opening hours in google maps, and it said it was open. I went to the restaurant, and when I arrived, it turns out to be close!!!
So, I looked for the bright side, modified the opening info on google maps, and got on my way to another restaurant on the neighborhood.
Anyway, finding, adding places and updating info is the way I feel more usefull for the comunity. And because I use google maps a lot, is why I’m get exited about making it more realiable and more accurate for everyone else that use it in the daily life!
Valentina González