Hy Local Guides, 
Welcome to the latest edition of the Local Guides Couple Spotlight 
! This series celebrates the unique bond of couples who navigate the world together while making it a better place through Google Maps. After recently exploring the story of Durga Palash, I am thrilled to introduce you to another incredible duo from Pune : @MerlinThomas & @NithinThomas Their journey is a beautiful blend of technical expertise, culinary exploration & a passion for community building.
Merlin & Nithin at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.
Merlin is a Level 
Local Guide from Pune who balances her professional life as a developer 
with her creative passions for travel 
, writing poems 
& authoring three novels 
. She is known for creating detailed posts that capture the true essence of an experience, such as her very first post, Dining in Style at the World’s First Broad-Gauge Rail Coach Restaurant. Merlin has also launched creative community challenges such as the GoogleMaps20 FridgeStories 
, where she encouraged guides to share the travel memories behind their magnet collections, alongside the Name Hunt 
and the 3M Challenge 
(Maps, Movies & Me).
Nithin is a Level 
Local Guide and Merlin’s “forever travel buddy”. Together, they share a passion for discovering hidden gems - from food corners to grand heritage spots & providing valuable reviews to help fellow explorers. They love celebrating special milestones together, like when they celebrated Valentine’s Month by exploring the vibrant atmosphere and delicious “Chaat with a twist” at The Chaat Cafe by Ganesh Bhel in Pune.
Together, they have also hosted and participated in major community events, including celebrating 9 years of Connect with a hybrid meetup in Pune and marking 11 years of Local Guides with a vibrant India Photo Walk at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai.
Let’s hear what Merlin & Nithin have to share about their couple’s journey!
- How did you both first discover the Local Guides program?
Answer : Merlin discovered the program while scrolling through posts from people sharing their personal experiences. This inspired her to join a community of like-minded food and travel enthusiasts. She started her journey by inviting Nithin by documenting unique experiences where her love for storytelling could shine.
- What is the most memorable meetup you both attended together?
@MerlinThomas & @NithinThomas with @TusharSuradkar, @DurgaK03, @dpalash2205, @abhishekpatk, @ShubhamWaman, @Shubhu1 & @Ketan_Kangankar at Pune Meetup.
Answer : One of their most unforgettable experiences was celebrating 9 Years of Local Guides Connect in Pune. Merlin organized a unique hybrid meetup at the beautiful Aalap Musical Garden to celebrate the platform turning reviews into meaningful friendships. The highlight was an memorable cake-cutting ceremony that recognized the growth of the community.
- Merlin, what is one place Nithin introduced you to that you eventually gave a 5-star review?
Answer : Nithin introduced Merlin to Bombil Restaurant, a discovery that instantly felt like home due to the warm hospitality and friendly service. Merlin absolutely loved the Goan thali & the experience reminded her that some places serve memories alongside food, earning it a well-deserved 5-star review.
- How has being part of the Local Guides community changed the way you both travel or experience your local neighborhood?
Answer : It has transformed them from simple visitors into deep observers who now pay close attention to details like ambiance, accessibility, staff friendliness & inclusivity. Traveling is no longer just about their personal enjoyment; it is about contributing and documenting hidden gems to thoughtfully help others in the community.
- What inspired the "Name Hunt Challenge”, and have you found a “Nithin” business yet?
Answer : The Name Hunt Challenge was inspired by the idea that names carry stories and identity, often representing the personal dreams attached to a small business. While they haven’t found a business named “Nithin” yet, the search has turned their travels into a playful mini treasure hunt that makes every new street more exciting.
- What is the one “Big Dream” project you both want to tackle as a Local Guides couple in 2026?
Answer : Having spent years championing to support local businesses and heritage sites across India, they now hope to broaden their horizons. Their ultimate goal for 2026 is to take their shared passion for discovery abroad, expanding their story-driven contributions to an international scale.
@MerlinThomas and @NithinThomas illustrate that the true heart of the Local Guides program lies in the meaningful connections we build with our surroundings and each other. From documenting the flavors of a Goan thali to turning every new street into a playful “NameHunt” adventure, they navigate every mile as a team. Their story is a beautiful reminder that when we map with purpose and partnership, we create a more inclusive world for everyone to explore.
Stay tuned for our next spotlight & in the meantime, keep exploring and celebrating the people who make your journey worthwhile!
#couple@localguides #couplespotlight
post, dear 
