Hi! I’m from Rijeka, the largest port of a small European country in Croatia. The city of Rijeka was proclaimed the European Capital of Culture of the year 2020. Known as the city of diversity and home to one of the most famous carnivals in this part of Europe.
I accidentally stepped into the world of local guides. A trip to the store with my cellphone location on was all that I needed to start. When I got out the Google Maps app asked me my impressions of the store to help others in the future. I saw there was a possibility of posting photos so I also shot a couple of amateur shots.
Others also noticed my affinity for photography since then which built up my confidence to try and take better pictures. That’s how my little journey started. I am convinced my additions help people so whenever I can add a review about a place, upload a photo and rate it based on my subjective experience, I do it for the pleasure of knowing I might’ve spared someone some time or helped them discover a place worth visiting. I don’t have any discover tactics. My reviews, places and ratings are very different just as my city lives in diversity.
I don’t visit all the theaters, cafes, etc.
I visit places at random when I feel like adventuring and use my “voice” to say what I think though I especially enjoy writing good reviews for places which deserve to be more known, more visited or just easier to find.
The best feeling is when I add a new place on the Map. I believe all guides will admit that they love being that first person to help someone and assist those looking for a place but also help, especially small businesses to grow their business.
More often, Google Maps kept coming to me. They asked for my comments, praised my contribution and added up points. You feel like your work is noticed. Here I am near the 7th level and I admit that I did not know that it was a completely new dimension. I’m still a bit lost but ready and excited that you recognized me as one of the active members of your community. The opportunity to meet people from all over the world who will advise me on how I can be better and more useful would be an experience like no other.
I hope to see you all at the Bay. That place will be added to my private collection of diversity.