Guys, I love to smile and laugh and be happy! And bonus, when I can make others smile and be happy, that makes ME even more happy! And who doesn’t want to be happy? ?
This is why I love Google Reviews!! Let me explain:
About 2 years ago, my mom was turning 70 years old. My 5 siblings and I decided we wanted to do something BIG, something EPIC for this amazing lady who had given so much to raise us. So, we decided we would take her to New York City for the first time ever! This would be the first time in decades that my siblings and I, and my mom, would all be together on a trip. Can you say, excited?! Yes, we were!!
So, there we were in NYC… living it up in the Big Apple. We took tons of pictures and saw all the sights, enjoying amazing food along the way. It was the trip of a lifetime.
Well, when I had downtime waiting for my return flight, as one does, I decided I would post some Google Reviews from my trip. “Sure!” I thought, “Why not?” So, I posted pictures and reviews, and game my two cents on my experience in NYC. Let me take a moment here to tell you, though I had posted many reviews on Google Reviews before, enjoyed the occasional email with “Your picture is popular!”, and smiled at the fact that someone out in the universe juice was enjoying what I posted, as well as getting insight into something they otherwise may not have known about. So, as I posted my pictures and shared my opinion, I closed up my phone thinking nothing more of it. Yay if it helps someone, right?
A few weeks later, I got the traditional email from Google telling me that my picture in front of the Tonight Show Marquee was pretty popular and people were looking at it a lot. I remember thinking, really? Cool! And then, that glorious thing happened where my smile started… then it grew even bigger as I realized that this one photo, from little ol’ me in Small Town, Utah, was actually making a difference!! Soon, it was my most viewed picture in all of Google Reviews! I was helping people, and putting a smile on their face. I just beamed! ? This may not seem like a ton to you, but to date, there have been 36,798 views of that picture and post!!
When I got the email that told me my picture had hit the 10,000 mark, I was floored!! That’s when I realized the power of one. The power of ME! One person really can make a difference. And if this one little photo and review can truly make someone happy, then I want to do more! I want to post, and help others find joy in their lives, joy in their travels and be able to do the same for others. I truly believe that what you give out comes back to you ten-fold. So, let’s be happy! Let’s share! If you’re happy and you know it, post a review!!
Congrats on having an epic milestone birthday road trip with your mom and your siblings. From your photos, looks like you had a family vacation that will give your lasting memories to last many lifetimes.
It’s true. It’s amazing how taking one photo or writing one Local Guides review can help someone else.
Good Luck with your Connect Live 2019 application.
@KarenVChin Thank you so much! It truly was an amazing experience. We really spoiled my mom… she didn’t have to pay for anything, which is how we wanted it.
And I totally agree! Big things are accomplished through small means. It’s a great feeling.
Camille, this is awesome! Love the photos and the fact your brought your mother and siblings to NYC is just so cool. Kudos for all of you for taking the subway, too. It’s so convenient!
Hey thanks so much Paul! Yes, the subway was amazing. A bit intimidating at first, but we soon felt like locals. haha! Not really, but we had a ball.
Looks like you are from MN? So cool! I’ve only been there once, went to the Mall of America, but I don’t remember much. It was a looong time ago. I think it’s time I discovered it again! My sister lives in ND, and it seems everyone is fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves (or other teams) there.
@davidhyno Thank you, David! So kind of you. It really was a trip of a lifetime. Family is everything.
Looks like you are very experienced in the Local Guides Scene… I think that is great. I didn’t even know this Local Guides connect thing existed until recently! It’s pretty cool being able to “meet” other people from all over the world. Where are you in this world?
I’m from Vicenza (Italy), a small city near Venice.
But here in Connect I feel a citizen of the world: every time I enter it’s like being catapulted into new places, tasting (virtually) lots of typical dishes and making friends with everyone!
@davidhyno David, I may have driven through your city! My mother’s family is from Switzerland, and I was living there for several months, staying with my aunt. I took a road trip from Switzerland to Italy, stopping in Meran, Bologna, and other places I can’t quite remember. We also went to Venice and camped there. It was beautiful! Humid and hot, but I loved it. From there were drove to Pula, Croatia, and camped on the sea. Wow! I miss Europe! I love it there.
I hope I put a smile on your face. 
We also went to Venice and camped there. It was beautiful! Humid and hot, but I loved it. From there were drove to Pula, Croatia, and camped on the sea. Wow! I miss Europe! I love it there.