The local guide program helped me a lot when i was a fellow traveler touring my home country India.At early days of my trips, i would search for places in google maps read out the reviews and ratings of that place and decide weather it’s of my interest or not.I loved the fact that i was deciding based on unbiased reviews.When i traveled in group i would suggest great spots and would tell some historical and geographical importance of that place.They would be amused by my suggestions and my level of knowledge which in fact gave me immense amount of joy.Little did i mention to them that it was from google.
Since i relied on several reviews for deciding my itinerary,After a while i started rating,reviewing and posting pictures.of the places i have visited.Some of which has won great view counts.The concept that my work is guiding other travelers who are fully strangers to me gave me much satisfaction.It gave me the kick to continue my work with google.
These days pictures get much more views than reviews.Majority of the people ignore reviews and rely on pictures.It quite upset me.I feel like the habit of reading is literally dying in this era.
I am happy to be a part of the local guide community,still continuing my partnership with google,after all i believe in Karma and sooner or later it will reach you.