Hi, I am Ajit Thite, a level 6 local guide from Pune India. It’s a privileged being part of the Local Guide community. Thanks a lot.
Initially; I started using Google Maps only for navigation, but since last couple of years, especially since July 2019, I am utilizing it as Information sharing platform; and this is a remarkable change for me. My life had changed after that; it has boosted my confidence and encouraged me to share my knowledge, likings and experiences about the places I visit, the things I love to do. Vice versa, I gain important information about the places I want to visit; and I do appreciate that.
It also gives immense pleasure knowing that my inputs are also very helpful to many around as receiving appreciation notes. And it adds on as a moral responsibility towards the community.
It all started in July 2019; I had posted a photo of a milk dairy, which is a very famous landmark opposite to my in-laws residence in that small town. When I was noticed by a mail from Google congratulating me for some 100+ views; I was amazed knowing that it does really matter to others exploring Google map and I was really very much surprised and happy as well. And that changed my point of view towards life completely.
Recently, our family had a short trip to a very famous tourist place Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, India; around 117 km (72 miles) drive from my home.
It was a great fun and we all enjoyed staying at a very nicely located, clean and neat hotel and the staff was also very co-operative. It is a bit away from the crowd, accessible to all the important locations to visit. The owner asked me to rate them online if possible and when I told them that I am a local guide for Google Maps, they appreciated and asked to post my sincere review and I did it with a few photos. It received a couple of likes as well. That was an awesome feeling about helping some of the businesses.
My journey with the Local Guide community has just begun and I am ready to learn more and as a responsible citizen; would love to contribute towards society through it. Now I have found a way, giving back, sharing and learning about the world around me. I have started looking around while travelling and capture valuable information more in details as much as possible. Also, love to share my knowledge as well.
Cheers everyone, henceforth, I will keep posting my thoughts and experiences here.