On September 26, 2026, we gathered live on the Go LocoGuides YouTube channel for a special edition of Know Your Connect Moderator (KYCM), taking our conversations all the way to Mexico City! With Connect Live Mexico just around the corner, this session was dedicated to exploring the city through local stories, gathering essential travel tips, and previewing upcoming unofficial community activities.
In the hot seat was @LightRich, known to many of us as Buzz—a Level 10 Local Guide, Connect Moderator, Connect Live alumnus, and two-time Guiding Star. Joining him were @Bere_Marichi, a Level 8 Local Guide and Guiding Star from Mexico, and @marcorp, a Level 10 Local Guide and Guiding Star originally from Peru and based in the USA. Both brought incredible energy, personal experiences, and excitement to the screen.
I kicked off the session with a brief welcome in Spanish. My Spanish is still very much a work in progress, but sharing that moment with our guests was a wonderful way to break the ice! 
Getting to Know Our Guests
We started with introductions and explored how each guest began their journey with Google Maps. From updating complex road layouts and adding missing pathways to highlighting neighborhood small businesses, our chat offered a closer look at the dedication behind the profiles.
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Ricardo shared the deep pride of hosting Connect Live right in his home city and preparing to welcome fellow guides from around the world.
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Bere reflected on attending a prior Google event in Japan and expressed her excitement as she heads into her very first Connect Live.
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Marco shared his genuine emotion about being selected for his first-ever Google event, describing the joy of experiencing this milestone alongside #TeamTacos.
A Taste of Mexico City & Preparation Tips
Our attention soon turned to Mexico City itself and the unofficial activities being organized by #TeamTacos starting on October 10. The planned itinerary features visits to historical and archaeological wonders, the Metropolitan Cathedral, organized photowalks, and even Mexican wrestling (Lucha Libre)!
Behind the scenes, the attendees’ private Telegram group has been buzzing with hundreds of daily messages, questions, and curated local recommendations—showing just how much care the local host team is putting into every detail.
When asked what a first-time visitor with only one day should prioritize, Ricardo emphasized the National Museum of Anthropology as an absolute must-see.
Of course, we couldn’t let our guests go without diving into the food culture! Bere walked us through daily staples like tamales, tacos, and tortas, local meal timings, and regular routines. We also touched on vegetarian and vegan dining, noting that plant-based alternatives—like veggie pastor—are readily accessible across local spots.
Addressing the 6,000–8,000 ft elevation difference, our guests shared valuable health and packing advice:
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Pack warm clothing and light jackets for the brisk October evenings.
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Stay well-hydrated to handle the thinner air.
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Audience member Yanira contributed a great practical tip to monitor oxygen saturation levels using smartwatches.
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Over-the-counter altitude remedies can easily be purchased at local pharmacies without a prescription if needed.
Friendships Across the Community
Some of the most meaningful moments came during our open Q&A:
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@KashifMisidia expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ricardo for checking in on him step-by-step over several months and providing continuous encouragement that helped him secure his visa. Ricardo’s response warmly reiterated that these bonds last a lifetime.
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@doc_dells recalled meeting Ricardo during Connect Live Tokyo and reminisced about hosting him as an invited guest speaker for an Indonesian community meetup.
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@Anil6969 shared how sessions like this bring moderators and community members together like a colorful bouquet, bridging gaps and keeping the community grounded and unified. Hearing those words meant the world to me as host.
Before wrapping up, I asked our guests for one word to capture their Connect Live mindset: Marco answered “happy,” while Bere described herself as “pumped”!
Thank You & Session Links
A massive thank-you to Ricardo, Bere, and Marco for sharing their stories, local advice, and infectious enthusiasm!
Special appreciation goes to @AdrianLunsong for supporting the KYCM initiative and managing our live broadcast on Go LocoGuides. Thank you as well to Adrian and Lalo for designing the official Connect Live Mexico City community logos, t-shirts, and souvenirs, and to Lalo for capturing our group photos at the end! 
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Meetup Photo Album: View our Community Photos
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Session Recording: Watch the Full Meetup Recording on YouTube
Next Steps & Upcoming Sessions
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Follow the Local Guides Mexico Instagram account for live event coverage and updates starting October 10, 2026.
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Mark your calendars for next Saturday, October 3, 2026, for another special KYCM edition featuring @LaloPadilla and special local guests!
Whether you are packing your bags for Mexico City or following along from home, thank you for being part of this journey. See you at the next KYCM! 
See you there!