Contributing on Google Maps started as a mini journal and personal record. When travelling, I did not always remember the place or street names…Google to the rescue! Then I started getting comments from the owner/manager of establishments I had reviewed, and I realised I was providing a service. I’m all for good value and great experiences, so my contributions are based on value for money rather than splashing the cash. I am grateful for the simple pleasures that life has to offer which normally means people and food are involved. I love posh restaurants (not that I seek them out), but am just as comfortable at the local street vendor or casual eateries - give me a good experience; I’m sold and want to tell everyone about it!
Two places that fit this category are Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate and Restaurant outside Botrivier, just off the N2 national road in the Western Cape, South Africa. https://gabrielskloof.co.za/pages/restaurant
The other great gem is The Sea Gypsey on the harbour wall in Mossel Bay, Southern Cape, South Africa. http://www.seagypsy.co.za/
While you are here, check in to the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, a beautiful find http://www.diasmuseum.co.za/
Something out of the ordinary, on the West Coast of South Africa, is the West Coast Fossil Park outside Langebaan. Although it is educational with a huge wow factor it is really facinating when you get to look out over the landscape. Not just for school tours! http://www.fossilpark.org.za/
Free to all and sundry, is an early morning (or any time of day for that matter) walk, jog, run, rollerblade, bike, or just stroll along the Sea Point promenade in Cape Town, or from UShaka Marine World to Blue Lagoon beach; including Durban’s golden mile which is actually in excess of 6kms.
Out of the way places or hidden gems as some like to call them. One of my all time favourites is the 9/11 memorial at Eagle Rock Reservation in New Jersey. What I can say is that on the two occasions I’ve visited the area, I’ve been humbled!
http://www.rt23.com/Scenery/essex_county_memorial/index.shtml.
The Paterson waterfalls without the crowds – great for picnics too! They boast some amazing statistics and history; https://www.visitnj.org/article/paterson%E2%80%99s-great-falls-national-historical-park
How could I not include this beautiful piece of paradise close to the Canadian border…Mackinac Island. It is just the most beautiful space and as if time stood still for the few that venture off the high street and around the island. I’d like to try and brave it here in the winter…just for the fun of it!
In different countries, we do not always recognise the local supermarket. In my hometown Villiersdorp, Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa; you’d think OK Foods is the name of a fast-food outlet just because it is right next to the KFC! OK Foods is in fact a supermarket! So being able to answer Google prompts - can you buy olive oil here or washing powder - When someone unfamiliar is visiting, and they search “product” near me, up the local pops…bingo helped someone in a tight spot. Google prompts has helped me become more aware of establishments that have mobility access - they are not vital to me, but I have been able verify their existence for maps.
I really enjoy the addition of photos - where would I be when travelling to a new place; particularly in high volume traffic areas - great help with being able to check out the location before I leave home. One such memory is of planning on travelling into the centre of Pittsburgh on a Friday afternoon. Google maps helped point out that there is a one-way traffic system in place. Easy I hear some folk say… Don’t forget, we drive on the “wrong side of the road” opposite to the US! The photos google guides post are also an inspiration for me. I sometimes look and think "where were they standing when they took that picture! Great community and I’m getting better at it each time I post. There are so many more countries, towns and cities I’d like to babble on about. Time is short and decisions need to be made! Where to next?
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