In these time of confinement because of the Covid-19, I spent a long time of thinking what the Local Guides program means to me. Finally, I am ready to share it with you :
Local Guides program means LEARNING, BEING & SHARING to me
LEARNING - Easy & fast information
Do you remember the first time you use the Local Guides program ?
I do. I was looking for a new dentist in my city. And that was not that simple. There were so many dentist offices. I saw different rates and I read comments. That was my first use. Thanks to that methods, I found a good dentist and he is still my dentist.
You can learn so much through comments like the best menu in the restaurant “Le vieux de la vieille” in Lille, France ; the boho spirit in the “Coffee Room” in Prague, Czech republic ; the hight attendance on the tram in Vienna, Austria at 8:30 AM, or the best places to see in Pula, Croatia. These information are goldmine for explorers in a hurry like me ! It is life changing when you can get the information you need as fast.
Prague, 2019
BEING - Enjoy and be yourself
Thanks to these free reviews and information, I can fully enjoy my daily life and my trips. No need to plan everything ahead. Google Maps allows me to know which transportation is the most suitable. I can choose easily a good value for money hostel. No more wasted time and more memories with relatives !
I remember a comment of a woman talking about a secret and remote beach in Croatia. I found that location and I was astonished by so many beauty !
I also share reviews, photos, and rates. This allow me to express myself and share my experiences. I can be who I am without being judged and without trying to be better than the other. This is not a competition but a cooperation.
Little details in a restaurant in Spain
SHARING - Collaboration & word-of-mouth
Sharing and collaboration are Local Guides program 's keys of sucess. There is a big community worldwide. People post reviews for free to benefit others and not really for him. Google created the biggest word-of-mouth in the world and I find it wonderful. If you are in a wheelchair, you may find some interesting lists and reviews concerning accessibility. I am sure we are building a better world for all. We are helping each others.
It helped me so much that I tried to help others through reviews and photos ! I love photos. In France we often use : an image is better than a thousand words. Indeed, with photos you can imagine some points of view of a landscape or see what the burger in a particular restaurant looks like.
Some trips around the world
I am also highly proud to have listed all the self-service bike stations in my city in Lille. I was so confused the first time I came in that city, it was hard to find easily a safe route to go to the station near the place I wanted. I shared that list in many social media groups (students, foreigners, etc.)
Some self-service bike stations I listed
I will continue to use Local Guides program to spread good words and deepen or discover features I do not master.
I hope you enjoyed the reading in these difficult times . I put a last photo of Pula :
