As a Local Guide I have always found it fascinating how people from different cultures and backgrounds could get on so well together, even if they have only just met for the first time in their lives.
One of my most fond memories and one of the greatest experiences was to be fortunate enough to take part in the “Local Guides Video Feature” and pioneer the “Google Local Guides Swap” series on Google Local Guides YouTube channel.
Some 5 years ago I received an email from one of the Googlers sharing the idea behind the “Local Guides Swap” video series and inviting me to take part. I felt like I had won the Golden Ticket and did not hesitate to jump into this amazing opportunity which sounded so much fun.
The idea was to get 5 Local Guides from 5 different cities in USA, Mexico and Europe (Mexico City, New York, Los Angeles, Madrid and London) to be hosted by the Local Guide in their home town and explore their favourite local places together, while being shadowed by the filming crew. And then later return the favour in your own neighbourhood.
I was destined to travel from London to Madrid where I was meeting a Local Guide Susana. I did not know anything about her and naturally was quite nervous about meeting someone for the first time, especially on camera. However as soon as I saw Susana, I had no doubt that this amazing person would take good care of me while I was in her neighbourhood. Her welcoming hug and reassuring big smile helped me to calm my nerves down.
We have spent a couple of unforgettable fun days in Madrid getting to know each other while chatting & cheering at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, shopping in Mercado San Anton, admiring art in Museo Cerralbo, eating delicious Spanish foods in Restaurante Ultramarinos Quintin and drinking exotic cocktails in Tatel.
It was then time to return the favour and show Susana some my favourite places in London.
After all those years meeting each other so unpredictably, Susana and I are still great friends. We have made a promise to visit each other from time to time and hoping that one day soon we could re-unite at the #ConnectLive event where the true friendship story would continue growing.
Thank you so much for such a lovely feedback 
seems this year all stories are creating in virtual space only 
