October 2018, I, @Christine_T and my son Len traveled to US for attending some events.
This travel is the first big travel for Len, he was so quiet and good boy. We have enjoyed a good travel better than we thought.
1.Fairy town Ann Arbor, Michigan
There is a fairy tail in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A couple bought an old house. And they broke the wall for reforming it, then they found a tiny door in the wall. They thought it definitely a fairy’s door! After that, some of the shops around there became to have fairy doors in the shop.
We held a Meet-up in Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Friendship Gems 
as a part of World Wide Geo Walk Season II by @OSAMA . We walked around the town and finding some fairy doors. And we could find some fairy doors.
Stay tuned the recap as well!
By the way, we couldn’t see it, but there is a fairy door in Google Ann Arbor Office as well. A unique word is written on the door. Check it out by yourself.
2.Connect Live 2018
From 16th, Connect Live 2018 was held in San Francisco. I became a second timer 
(Unfortunately, Christine was not chosen this time.)
151 local guides from 59 countries gathered there. We listened to the future and dream of Local Guides and discussed each activity. Last year, a Japanese attendee was only me, but this time there were four attendees from Japan. Thank you @HimanshiS @YasumiKikuchi @TsukuruTamaki @Anzu
The first day was the opening ceremony. We introduced each other and enjoyed conversation. Some of them were giving their country’s snacks. How Local Guides are sharing their Connect Live experiences by @Kiera
From the second day, the conference started. We shared a lot of ideas and demands through many speeches and group discussions.
At night, the evening party was also held. It was a fantastic experience!
The third day’s place was Googleplex. This day was also full of speeches and discussions.
Basically, the contents of speeches are case studies of Google Map and activities of Google all over the world. All of them are so interesting and some of them are awesome ideas for my hometowns as well. This is the best video that I watched at this conference. Kids in India are Learning with Google Earth & Local Guides
And, the final of the festival was the closing party. At the party, some awards were presented. Fortunately, I could receive the Best Squad Photo award! I was surprised by this sudden news!! And Yasumi Kikuchi also got the Most Places Added award.
In the Connect Live 2018, I could see many friends again. It was also a big pleasure as a worldwide event. I wish I see you guys again in San Francisco, and somewhere in the world.
This time, all the attendees received RICOH Theta V from Google as a surprise present! We will be able to become a Street View Trusted Photographer soon.
And I got a lot of gifts from friends as well. Thank you all!
If you are over Lv 5 local guide, you will be able to apply to Connect Live next year easily. For applying, you need to prepare 1-minute profile video, posting your profile to Local Guides Connect, and fill out the application form. You need to write/speak in English for all of them, but it is not necessary to be perfect. Try to tell your contributions and passions.
I’m looking forward to seeing friends and a lot of new local guides as well next year!
Let’s enjoy local guides with your family and friends! It’s an amazing communication tool. Local Guides will have changed your world.
Cheers,
Hiroyuki T
