“So, where are heading today, Ma? My boy, Bo, was eagerly asking, watching me scrolling my phone enthusiastically.
"Well, according to Google Maps, we have a lot to explore in Central Park, including Belvedere Castle then The Met Museum! Look, the reviews said it’s perfect for the family and we get to see so many collections”
It was back in April 2015. One beautiful spring day in the Big Apple.
My family and I were strolling around New York City to enjoy the weekend. And it becomes sort of a habit to see the landmarks and the highlights in the city. Making memories, learning new things, meeting new people, enjoying new culinary and more. Thanks to Google Maps, our trips and adventures become smooth and enjoyable. From checking the various interesting landmarks to getting some smart, brilliant tips from the locals, as well as checking the schedules for public transports, Google Maps have become part of our day to day live. Then, my journeys are getting better and more interesting as I become one of the Local Guides and join Connect.
Hi everyone,
I hope it’s not too late to share my colorful journey of love and adventures as a Local Guide, as we enjoy all-year-long celebration of Connect 10th Anniversary. I am joining also @NareshDarji #MyConnectCaravan here.
Happy, happy birthday Connect!
10 years and counting.. 10 years of colorful journey for sure! 10 years that bring us joy, excitement, adventures, as well as challenges, trials and new discoveries.
I have been using Google Maps for a long time, just like many of us. Nevertheless, I finally decided to join Local Guides program in April 2017, when my family and I were still living in New York City. I guess one of the reasons why it took some time for me to join the program is because I was on my cancer treatment from late 2014 to early 2017. But even before that, I have been using Google Maps for many things, from deciding which restaurants to go to; finding and exploring new places; directing us to particular spots; to reading reviews of certain clinics and hospitals for my chemotherapy and more.
My first review in Google Maps is marked 10 years ago, for World of Birds, a zoo in Bronx, NYC. You can read my brief review HERE.
The journey as a Local Guide officially started on April 2017. And from there, I have been having this ‘love affairs’ with Google Maps. I guess I was firstly acquainted with Local Guides Connect platform back in September 2018. At that time, I was merely a silent observer in Connect, learning the ropes and reading more posts. Then my first post was published in April 12, 2019, highlighting my trip to Taman Safari. Taman Safari Indonesia, A Perfect Gateway for All. You can find the link HERE.
Since then, my journey with Google Maps and Local Guides Connect has been very colorful. I continue adding reviews, photos and later videos, roads, answers, new places and many more. By the time I came back to Indonesia again in August 2018, I found my new family, Jakarta Local Guides and Indonesia Local Guides.
I still remember vividly when I joined the community’s meeting in Mas Is’ house and met many of JLG,- Jakarta Local Guides’ abbreviations,- for a reunion after Idul Fitri if I wasn’t mistaken. There I met @Radjasitanggang , @doc_dells mba @ddimitra the late @PaDeSSo (may he rest in peace), @Ain_amush and more. From there, friendship flourished! I met many Indonesian LGs from Bali, Surabaya, Malang, Batu, Jogjakarta, Lampung, Batam, and more. Shout out to @dhaniearie @FahmiAdimara @br14n @elyudith and so many more..
I joined and hosted meet ups and later virtual meet ups during pandemic COVID-19, and met more LGs from different corners of the world, like dear @KashifMisidia @TravellerG @RosyKohli @ErmesT @karenvchin @AdrianLunsong @jayasimha78 @Denise_Barlock @AdamGT @Gurukrishnapriya @kasun @ravindu @JaneBurunina and so many, many more. We have been joining challenges, playing quizzes, sharing stories and awareness, celebrating our journeys and our lives. Whenever I travel, be it in Indonesia or other countries, I try to meet Local Guides friends and family.
Then I was very honored to be part of the Guiding Stars in 2020 as one of the creative contributors. Along with other amazing LGs from different parts of the world, we celebrated the creative energy and positive vibes that Local Guides can share to the world. There were 5 of us from Indonesia and all of us were women! Feel so empowered through Local Guides for sure!
After that, more excitement came in July 2021, as I was appointed as one of the Connect Moderators, joining many dedicated Connect Moderators from various corners of the world. Together with @iyudhi @NunungAfuah @NyaiNurjanah and @Velvel , we are representing Indonesia. I certainly learn more and more on many aspects of being better Local guide.
Fast forward, together with the big family of Local Guides, we share more adventures and memorable experiences. In 2023, I was privileged to join Connect Moderators’ Conversation in Tokyo, meeting so many CMs and Googlers for the very first time!
Along the way, we have more and more meet-ups. Some are conducted virtually, some are done physical.
I always cherish those moments, although sometimes I wish I could join all of them amidst my crazy schedules.
We celebrated many milestones, raised awareness on many important and impactful issues, engaged with communities and more.
Last year, I was very lucky to be invited as one of the participants of Connect LIVE - Tokyo chapter. There, I was so overjoyed to meet even more Local Guides from different corners of the world.
At that time discussed and learned a lot about many things, including fantastic features from Google Maps. Aaah, the fun and joy marked with endless photos, meaningful discussions, extending network and reinforcing friendship. Truly a memory for a lifetime!
Too bad I couldn’t join Connect LIVE - Singapore chapter in 2026 recently due to my conflicting schedule. Yet I hope I can join the next one, in sya Allah.
All of them are fun, entertaining as well as educating. We share many updates, information, and for sure, lots of FUN. But what I love about the communities in Local Guides and Connect is the fact that we are constantly learning. Learning about many things. Learning from one another, learning to be better one ourselves. May Connect continue to be our safe, comfortable home. May Local Guides communities be flourished. And I am forever grateful to be part of this big family.
HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY, CONNECT.
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