To celebrate the Local Guides 10-Year Caravan as invited by @shaileno(#MyConnectCaravan), I created a pineapple art in the shape of Connect’s latest logo.
The post is not just a recipe, because in making our community logo in food form, my 10 years story comes together.
Step 1: Start Somewhere 
Begin with canned pineapple rings.
Just as every Local Guide journey begins with a single contribution, this project began with a single can of pineapple.
Ten years ago in 2016, after a gloomy year and feeling a bit lost, an email landed in my inbox inviting me to contribute to Maps. The email gave me a sense of purpose, and I thought let’s try out this cool volunteer thing. I started adding photos of a park I visited.
A few months later, my points had dropped. Curious to understand why, I turned to Google Search for answers. That search led me to Local Guides Connect.
At first, I assumed it was simply a support forum.
Then I discovered something much bigger.
People weren’t just asking questions. They were sharing stories, photos, travel experiences, creative projects, and encouraging one another. Nervously, I made my first post and wondered if anyone would read it.
To my surprise, they did. I still remember how welcoming @TravellerG was. That simple act of kindness made a difference. What began as a search for information became a community I would remain part of for the next decade.
Step 2: Add Some Color 
Drain the pineapple juice into separate bowls. Add Koolaid drink mix and a little sugar to each bowl before soaking the pineapple rings. (I used grape, blue raspberry, orange, and tropical punch to make purple, blue, orange, red rings)
I used several different colors, even though the logo only required a few.
I couldn’t help myself.
I’ve always been an exploreaholic.
The different colors reminded me of the variety of places I’ve explored over the years. From lakes and rivers to museums and historical towns, from trivia articles to video guides, every experience added a different color to the journey.
The sugar served another purpose too.
It balanced the tartness.
Much like the people I met along the way added sweetness to my experience.
People like @SholaIB @Annaelisa and @TusharSuradkar who were so encouraging in their replies on my posts
People like @JustJake @Stephanie_OWL and @PrinceKumar , whose humor brightened countless conversations and trivia events.
Step 3: Let It Soak 
Allow the pineapple rings to soak until they absorb the colors. Optionally use food coloring if you prefer bolder colors.
This may have been the easiest step in the recipe, but it reminded me of one of the longest parts of my Local Guides journey: learning.
When I first started, I mostly uploaded photos.
Then I discovered reviews.
Then videos.
Then trivia.
But more than that, it helped me learn to become a better person- in tough times in those years, the journey taught me to find the joys around you - to step outside and explore.
Much like the pineapple slowly absorbed color, I slowly absorbed knowledge and experiences from contributing and the community around me.
Step 4: Cut Into Pieces 
Cut the colored pineapple rings into smaller pieces.
At first glance, this might seem backwards.
Why take something whole and break it apart?
Yet this step reminded me of how communities work.
Each piece is small on its own.
Each contribution is small on its own.
A like.
A trivia question.
A friendly reply.
Individually they may seem insignificant.
Together, they create something larger.
Over the years, those individual pieces allowed me to meet more members of the community. Through trivia events, I got to know wonderful people like @jayasimha78 @TerryPG @Rednewt74 and @Denise_Barlock , whose kindness and enthusiasm made attending/ co-hosting the virtual trivias so much fun.
What began as usernames slowly became real people.
Step 5: Put the Pieces Together 
Arrange the pineapple pieces to form the Google Maps logo.
This became my favorite part.
All the separate colors suddenly came together into something recognizable.
A story.
A community.
Last year, I was fortunate enough to attend Connect Live. One of my favorite memories happened almost by accident.
I was tired and desperately needed coffee. That search for caffeine led me to get to meet @Kristen_NYC who showed me to coffee machines. As I needed to head to hotel a bit earlier, I also got to meet @Erna_LaBeau who herself was heading back. Sometimes the best experiences begin with the most ordinary moments.
Step 6: Celebrate the Journey 
Use the remaining pineapple pieces to create a heart and the number 10.
The heart was to show my gratitude for Local Guides.
Ten years ago, I joined Local Guides.
Ten years later, I’m still exploring.
Still learning.
Still contributing.
Still discovering places that surprise me.
And most importantly, still grateful for the people I’ve met along the way.
The number 10 celebrates a milestone.
The heart celebrates the community that made those ten years meaningful.
Happy 10 Years, Local Guides.
Thank you for the adventures, the kindness, the encouragement, and the memories.
Here’s to many more years of exploration. 
