Being a Local Guide for many years I appreciate most the passion of us Local Guides regarding accuracy of perfectly edited spots, helpful recommendations and different impressions. We hard-working editors unselfishly support everyone in making a day or even a whole trip perfect.
Local Guides are also the ultimate source to find hidden gems. I would like to share one of these gems I found myself:
We’ve been on our engagement holiday in South Africa in December 2019 and had a stop-over in Stellenbosch. It was my go to plan the upcoming day. Me and my fiance are very interested in botanical gardens, we cannot resist artisan food and home decor. So after a very quick search of the nearby area I found heaven on earth. We couldn’t wait to visit Babylonstoren one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms the next day. Finally we spent 5 hours at this amazing place (and of course lots of money). We are sure that visiting this place was a great gift and without the recommendation of Local Guides we had never thought about going there (and that would have been tragic!)
I myself like to inspire visitors to find similar gems in my area. My region is know as one of the oldest and richest wine regions in the country. Neustadt an der Weinstrasse is the center of the “Palatinate” and the “German Wine Queen” is crowned as an ambassador of the industry each year here. The first wine festival of the year is celebrated on the occasion of the almond blossom. It is an overwhelming spectacle, strolling around, and enjoying the intense fragrance of their blossoms.
Everything is different this year, COVID messed up everything. All festivals have been canceled, all wine bars are temporarily closed. You are only allowed going out for a walk in your nearby area. Visitors cannot participate at this annual wonder of nature. So Local Guides are an important part for social distancing: especially their pictures help others to participate virtually (and making more plans for the next occassion)
Returning to the initial prompts, what does the Local Guides program mean to you:
It is more than editing or checking the facts. For me it is the epitome of give and take.
