Hello @farieve and a warm welcome to Connect.
Thank you for sharing your introduction however please note that I am moving it to our monthly introduction topic so you can better connect with fellow Local Guides.
Hey I’m Matt just moving from the England to Abu Dhabi ,!nice to meet you all!
Hello @matt.int 
Welcome to local guides connect forum. Apparently it’s your first time here. We hope you’ll find the forum interactive and useful. We mostly interact and discuss ways and topics to improve Google maps voluntarily.
To help you navigate connect here is A welcome to connect hand. It’s an article written with the intention of helping newbies navigate the forum easily.
Lastly, I want to notify you that I will move your post into our monthly introduction thread Introduce Yourself — June 2026. Feel free to connect with others and also introduce yourself using the same five prompts.
1.Name:
2.Location:
3.What I love about being a Local Guide:
4.My favorite thing to explore:
5.Fun Fact about me:
A landscape photo of you with a brief description.
See you around on the forum
Happy guiding
Cheers
Hi! My name is Pratham Chourasiya, and I come from a small town called Seoni, Madhya Pradesh, India 
Life wasn’t always easy for me. I’ve seen challenges, difficult moments, and experienced losses that changed the way I look at the world. But somewhere between growing up and figuring things out, I found something unexpected — Google Maps.
What started as a simple app slowly became a place where I could explore, dream, share, and connect. It gave me a feeling that even if I come from a small town, my contributions can still reach people across the world. Every review, every photo, every edit, and every place I add makes me feel like I’m leaving a tiny positive footprint somewhere on this planet 
Professionally, I’m a graphic designer — so creativity is a huge part of who I am. I love designing, creating experiences, telling stories visually, and turning ideas into something people can feel. Maybe that’s why I also enjoy Google Maps so much — because every place has a story.
But here comes the fun part 
Deep inside me, there’s still a little explorer — not a child, but someone who gets excited about discovering new places, meeting new people, collecting memories, and saying “Wait… let me save this place on Maps first!” 
One of my biggest dreams is to travel the world — not alone, but with amazing people. I want to make friends from different countries, learn about their cultures, explore hidden places together, create memories, click thousands of photos, and maybe accidentally become the unofficial world tour guide 
So if one day you see someone opening Google Maps every five minutes during a trip… that might be me.
Google Maps may help me find the roads, but I want to create the journey myself.
Until then, I’ll keep exploring, designing, sharing, meeting people, making international friends, and pinning memories around the world — one adventure at a time 
1 Like
Hi @Pratham,
Welcome to Connect! Thank you for sharing your introduction with us.
Just a heads-up, we have monthly introduction threads. Since your post is an introduction, I’ll merge it into this month’s thread - Introduce Yourself — June 2026, so you can connect with other Local Guides too!
We also noticed the official Google Maps logo on your image; please remove it, as that logo is reserved for official use only. Kindly replace the image with one that does not use the logo.
To get to know more about our community, check out our Community Guidelines!
Olá a todos! É um prazer finalmente me apresentar por aqui. Sou o Fred Gabi Svendsen, vivo em João Pessoa (PB) e sou um apaixonado por explorar e contribuir no Google Maps.
Já faço parte desta jornada como Local Guide há algum tempo (estou no nível 8, com mais de 31.400 pontos!) e adoro compartilhar minhas experiências para ajudar outras pessoas a descobrirem lugares incríveis — seja uma dica de restaurante, um ponto turístico ou até aquele posto de gasolina que oferece o melhor desconto.
Recentemente, tive a oportunidade de explorar o Parque Estadual da Pedra da Boca, e foi uma das experiências mais marcantes que registrei no Maps recentemente. É o tipo de lugar que exige um pouco de preparo, mas que compensa cada esforço.Estou muito feliz em me juntar oficialmente à comunidade Connect.
Quero continuar aprendendo, trocando dicas e me inspirando nas contribuições de vocês. Sobre minha contribuição favorita: se eu tivesse que escolher apenas uma, diria que é aquela que ajuda alguém a economizar ou a ter uma experiência mais segura e completa em um lugar que ainda não conhece. Mal posso esperar para conhecer as histórias de vocês e continuar explorando o mundo juntos! Abraços, Fred.
2 Likes
Welcome to local guides connect @fredsvendsen
Just to let you know that I’ll move your introduction into the Main introduction thread.
1 Like
Olá a todos! É um prazer finalmente me apresentar por aqui. Sou o Fred Gabi Svendsen, vivo em João Pessoa (PB) e sou um apaixonado por explorar e contribuir no Google Maps.
Já faço parte desta jornada como Local Guide há algum tempo (estou no nível 8, com mais de 31.400 pontos!) e adoro compartilhar minhas experiências para ajudar outras pessoas a descobrirem lugares incríveis — seja uma dica de restaurante, um ponto turístico ou até aquele posto de gasolina que oferece o melhor desconto.
Recentemente, tive a oportunidade de explorar o Parque Estadual da Pedra da Boca, e foi uma das experiências mais marcantes que registrei no Maps recentemente. É o tipo de lugar que exige um pouco de preparo, mas que compensa cada esforço.Estou muito feliz em me juntar oficialmente à comunidade Connect.
Quero continuar aprendendo, trocando dicas e me inspirando nas contribuições de vocês. Sobre minha contribuição favorita: se eu tivesse que escolher apenas uma, diria que é aquela que ajuda alguém a economizar ou a ter uma experiência mais segura e completa em um lugar que ainda não conhece. Mal posso esperar para conhecer as histórias de vocês e continuar explorando o mundo juntos! Abraços, Fred.
1. Name: Stephen Meyer Jr.
2. Location: Tampa Bay, Florida, USA
3. What led you to become a Local Guide:
As a lifelong Tampa Bay resident, firefighter/paramedic, and REALTOR®, I’ve spent years exploring neighborhoods, local businesses, hidden restaurants, parks, and waterfront destinations throughout the area. Whether I’m helping a family find a home, grabbing coffee between shifts, or traveling to race weekends with my son, I’m always discovering places that deserve to be seen and appreciated.
I became a Local Guide because I realized how much people rely on honest reviews, recent photos, and firsthand experiences when deciding where to go. I enjoy helping others feel confident about trying a new restaurant, visiting a local attraction, or supporting a small business that might otherwise get overlooked.
For me, being a Local Guide is about sharing authentic experiences and giving back to the communities that have shaped my life. If my photos, reviews, or updates help someone create a great memory or support a local business, then I’ve made a meaningful contribution.
4. My favorite thing to explore:
I love exploring places that have character and a strong sense of community. From waterfront restaurants along the Gulf Coast and hidden brunch spots in Tampa Bay to local coffee shops, race tracks, and family-friendly destinations, I’m always looking for places that leave a lasting impression.
Some of my favorite discoveries happen unexpectedly — finding a small family-owned restaurant with incredible food, a scenic spot to watch the sunset, or a local business that offers exceptional service but has very little online exposure. Those are often the places I enjoy sharing the most because I know a thoughtful review and a few photos can help others discover something special.
I also enjoy revisiting places over time to see how they evolve and to provide updated photos and honest feedback that keeps information current for future visitors.
5. Fun fact about me:
When I’m not fighting fires or helping clients buy and sell homes, you’ll probably find me at a race track supporting my son’s racing career, exploring a new local restaurant, or watching a Gulf Coast sunset with my family. I believe some of life’s best moments happen when you simply take the time to discover what’s right in your own backyard. 
1. Name: Stephen Meyer Jr.
2. Location: Tampa Bay, Florida, USA
3. What led you to become a Local Guide:
As a lifelong Tampa Bay resident, firefighter/paramedic, and REALTOR®, I’ve spent years exploring neighborhoods, local businesses, hidden restaurants, parks, and waterfront destinations throughout the area. Whether I’m helping a family find a home, grabbing coffee between shifts, or traveling to race weekends with my son, I’m always discovering places that deserve to be seen and appreciated.
I became a Local Guide because I realized how much people rely on honest reviews, recent photos, and firsthand experiences when deciding where to go. I enjoy helping others feel confident about trying a new restaurant, visiting a local attraction, or supporting a small business that might otherwise get overlooked.
For me, being a Local Guide is about sharing authentic experiences and giving back to the communities that have shaped my life. If my photos, reviews, or updates help someone create a great memory or support a local business, then I’ve made a meaningful contribution.
4. My favorite thing to explore:
I love exploring places that have character and a strong sense of community. From waterfront restaurants along the Gulf Coast and hidden brunch spots in Tampa Bay to local coffee shops, race tracks, and family-friendly destinations, I’m always looking for places that leave a lasting impression.
Some of my favorite discoveries happen unexpectedly — finding a small family-owned restaurant with incredible food, a scenic spot to watch the sunset, or a local business that offers exceptional service but has very little online exposure. Those are often the places I enjoy sharing the most because I know a thoughtful review and a few photos can help others discover something special.
I also enjoy revisiting places over time to see how they evolve and to provide updated photos and honest feedback that keeps information current for future visitors.
5. Fun fact about me:
When I’m not fighting fires or helping clients buy and sell homes, you’ll probably find me at a race track supporting my son’s racing career, exploring a new local restaurant, or watching a Gulf Coast sunset with my family. I believe some of life’s best moments happen when you simply take the time to discover what’s right in your own backyard.
Hello @realtorsmeyer
Thank you for introducing yourself to us and welcome. For your information, I’ll move this into the main introduction thread.
Please feel free to look at A welcome to connect hand . It’s a necessary topic to help you navigate connect easily.
Happy guiding
Cheers
مرحبًا، أنا عبدالعزيز من الرياض | أكثر من ٥ مليون مشاهدة لمساهماتي على Google Maps SA
Hello @Aziz1980
Welcome to local guides connect forum. Apparently it’s your first time here. We hope you’ll find the forum interactive and useful. We mostly interact and discuss ways and topics to improve Google maps voluntarily.
To help you navigate connect here is A welcome to connect hand. It’s an article written with the intention of helping newbies navigate the forum easily.
Lastly, I want to notify you that I will move your post into our monthly introduction thread Introduce Yourself — June 2026. Feel free to connect with others and also introduce yourself using the same five prompts.
1.Name:
2.Location:
3.What I love about being a Local Guide:
4.My favorite thing to explore:
5.Fun Fact about me:
A landscape photo of you with a brief description.
See you around on the forum
Happy guiding
Cheers
مرحباً جميعاً،
في الحقيقة، كنت أتردد قليلاً قبل كتابة هذا المنشور، فالدخول إلى مجتمع جديد يجعلك تتساءل دائماً: “من أين أبدأ؟ وكيف أقدم نفسي بشكل صحيح؟”.. لكنني قررت أن أترك الرسميات جانباً وأتحدث معكم من زاوية الشغف الذي يجمعنا هنا.
أنا عرفات. ولطالما شعرت أن الخرائط الرقمية تظل صامتة وباردة حتى نملأها نحن، كبشر، بتجاربنا وحكايانا الحقيقية. بالنسبة لي، أي مكان أزوره ليس مجرد نقطة على الشاشة أو جدران إسمنتية، بل هو تجربة إنسانية؛ قصة ترويها تفاصيل صغيرة قد تفوت على الزائر العابر، لكنها لا تفوت على عين المرشد المحلي.
يستهويني جداً البحث عن تلك “الزوايا الدافئة” التي تمنح الشخص شعوراً بالألفة فور دخوله؛ سواء كان ذلك مقهى صغيراً هادئاً يفوح بعبق القهوة الأصيلة، أو فندقاً سياحياً تشعر فيه وكأنك في بيتك، أو معلماً طبيعياً يملك حكاية تستحق أن تُروى. وبحكم اهتمامي بقطاع الضيافة والسياحة، أجد متعة حقيقية في نقل الصورة الصادقة والمميزة للأماكن، لمساعدة أي زائر أو سائح على عيش تجربة لا تُنسى.
أنا هنا لست فقط لأشارك ما لدي، بل لأتعلم من تجاربكم الملهمة أيضاً، ونساهم معاً في جعل هذه الخريطة أكثر حيوية وإنسانية.
أتطلع للتعرف عليكم ومشاركتكم جولاتكم القادمة!
كل الود،
عرفات
يلا نبدا الاحتفال معآ
Hello @iixii
Welcome to local guides connect forum. Apparently it’s your first time here. We hope you’ll find the forum interactive and useful. We mostly interact and discuss ways and topics to improve Google maps voluntarily.
To help you navigate connect here is A welcome to connect hand. It’s an article written with the intention of helping newbies navigate the forum easily.
Lastly, I want to notify you that I will move your post into our monthly introduction thread Introduce Yourself — June 2026. Feel free to connect with others and also introduce yourself using the same five prompts.
1.Name:
2.Location:
3.What I love about being a Local Guide:
4.My favorite thing to explore:
5.Fun Fact about me:
A landscape photo of you with a brief description.
See you around on the forum
Happy guiding
Cheers
Just to let you know I’m also merging you 2nd post as well.
@iixii
Happy guiding
Cheers
“Hello everyone! I am Vikum from Weligama, Sri Lanka. I own a wellness spa called ‘My Spa Weligama’. Beyond my business, I have a deep interest in nature, meditation, and ancient wellness sciences. I am excited to be part of this community to learn from others and share my experiences. Looking forward to meeting you all!”
1 Like
Photo I took during my trip to Paraty city in Rio de Janeiro. I hiked up 300 meters on the rock to take in this stunning view of Saco do Mamanguá.
1. Name: Haik Djehdian Neto
2. Location: São Paulo City, São Paulo, Brazil
3. What led you to become a Local Guide: I believe that sharing the personal experiences I’ve had in the places I’ve visited can give people more confidence when making decisions about their outings or trips. Much of what is shared on social media is paid content or marketing activity. I believe that here we can exchange opinions and spark discussions about the reality found in all the places we can or wish to visit. I have lived in the city of São Paulo since I was born. Like the rest of Brazil, the population of this great metropolis is made up of people from the four corners of the earth; here, you can find everything—from sightseeing spots, cafes, restaurants, and unique experiences to diverse cultures and people of every possible background. Not every place lives up to expectations, while many others come as a pleasant surprise. Brazil has many beautiful beaches and places I hope to share material that helps others make decisions or plan their own itineraries for outings or trips.
4.My favorite thing to explore: I don’t have favorite places, but I enjoy good experiences, so I like to share a bit of everything—from services and outings to travel and business.
5.Fun Fact about me: As I have already mentioned, the Brazilian population is made up of immigrants from all over the world; I am the grandson of Armenians who immigrated to Brazil.
1 Like
¡Hola a todos!
Mi nombre es Wilinhton y soy de Dosquebradas, Risaralda, Colombia.
Durante muchos años trabajé en atención al público y actualmente estoy desarrollando mi proyecto turístico llamado Viaja con Karizma, donde ayudo a las personas a planificar sus viajes y descubrir nuevos destinos.
Me gusta compartir en Google Maps lugares que considero útiles para otros viajeros, especialmente hoteles, restaurantes, atractivos turísticos y negocios que ofrecen una buena experiencia.
Estoy muy feliz de formar parte de la comunidad de Local Guides porque creo que nuestras opiniones y recomendaciones ayudan a muchas personas a tomar mejores decisiones.
Uno de los aspectos que más disfruto es descubrir nuevos lugares y compartir experiencias reales para que otros usuarios puedan beneficiarse de ellas.
Saludos para todos desde Colombia y espero aprender mucho de esta gran comunidad.
1 Like