Hi stranger,
hope you are staying safe.
What is your travel type? Are you a strict planner, a treasure hunter…?
Nothing to brag about but I am a real no-hassle explorer. I mean, a bit extreme. I never like to rush all day to visit the places on the list - well even no list I make though. Rather I love wandering around and get lost in the middle of local streets. So usually I miss most of the tourist attractions, or top rated restaurants. But here is the beauty of no plan - you can find the real gems in the dust.
Travel means experiencing the local for me. And the real local can be found when you finally get lost in it. You might miss your train, so you might miss the concert you wanted to attend, or you might miss 5 star Michelin restaurants. But you can find this authentic Thai restaurant next to the train station to only locals are regular to. In most cases, it is hard to find any information online of such places. Here I find the meaning of Local Guides program.
I can give you a specific anecdote here - this Japanese breakfast restaurant. I visited there last year. I couldn’t find menus or reviews online so I was in doubt honestly. Well, Japan is close to Korea and I have higher chance to visit again; but as every trip gives us this burden of obligation to make it perfect every single second, I was so worried of failing in choice. But well… let’s give it a try:)! I brought my family there. The owner was the old couple and they were such a nice and kind persons. Though of language barrier we were having, they were all there to help us. Even customers there were also nice to offer us warm tea, gum and bring dishes. Food was just amazing. I kept wondering why this amazing restaurant has been so lack of information so far. Maybe it was too small town and maybe nobody has breakfast in this small and old spot when they are on their trip - but mainly, nobody shared what they’ve experienced there.
Anzen Nyusen Shokudo
Here I find the meaning of being a Local Guide - actively share and introduce hidden gems around the world. Slow and small, but steady with my feet. Each time I share my experiences to others, I feel responsibility to fill the gap with my feet where internet cannot reach. Based on my experience, I want to contribute to help people considering new restaurant, having better ideas around the rooms to stay in and so on. Maps leads us to the places so well. And Local Guides can add colors on it. I am happy that my canvas is surprisingly large enough for me to explore my entire life and I am so proud I can add my drawings on it here and there.
This is why I want to meet enthusiastic painters all around the world at Connect Live and share our thoughts and experiences. I do hope my writing could deliver my heart well. Look forward to see you all at the event:) Stay safe!