Typically as a local guide, I would go to a new spot nearby, like an underrated mall, or an unassuming cafe in the neighborhood and it turned out to be good. Nothing too extreme, but once in a while I like to go all-out (literally and figuratively), all for unbiased reviews and pictures. (and the for sweet, sweet Google points). I’d drive for hours, walk around and experience parts for my country where tourists are non-existent, and only locals visit.
I even brought my camera along with my equipment to get a different perspective on how locals live, and what they see on the daily. My goal is to show people that even within their neighborhood, there are hidden gems within, and sometimes the journey it takes to reach there is rewarding on its own! We don’t have to spend lots of money to experience magic, sometimes we just have to look.
I had taken back-lanes, climbed stairs, had to use Google Maps to make sure I’m heading the right way, gotten lost along the way and had to ask for help,
…even used my drone for a birds’ eye view!
And as a reward? I usually get to eat these meals! I’d leave a review, and in return, hope that my recommendation could help these businesses grow by exposing them to the public. Even so, the journey it took me to get there was an adventure on its own; learning about the culture, eating food, and talk to the locals without going so far.
So, the most interesting thing I’ve done as a Local Guide?
The most interesting thing I’ve done is becoming a local guide. 