I discovered local guides program accidentally 3 years ago and after that has been an incredible transforming journey for me. It encouraged me to travel more, see spaces and explore things. Only this program could have done that to an introvert like me. It’s been really helpful.
It has transformed my way of looking at things. Like taking pictures, tasting the local food and reviewing it for others to see. It made me friends with the local vendors and travelers like me. I didn’t know how to take pictures of the food, but recently my friend AFREEN has taught me , how to take food picture. Along with her I went to many restaurants and tasted good food.
On this platform connect we get to explore the thoughts, culture, tradition, places and food from around the world from the posts of fellow local guide friends across the globe. I got the e-mail last year to attend the connect –live event last year. After that I was curetted and started looking for people who have been there before hence I came in contact with the local guides and previous year attendees of the event Penny Christie, Paul both from Australia, Himanshi from India ; who guided and helped me during the application process last year, who are great friends of me now. I am thankful to local guides program for gifting me these gem of friends. Their work also inspired me to do great things.
One example of how this helped to transform lives is that:
While writing application post for last year I had visited these local businesses of BIDRI work, which is a world famous art form, but they were not on MAPS. I went there, interacted with the artists about the art and the process and the reach. They were welcoming. After that I took pictures of their art pieces and the shops and added them on to the Google Maps. It was all new for them back than.
After few months when I visited back them in the old city, they were happy that I was there because they wanted to share a thing with me and the thing was that they were observing the visit of travelers especially foreigners to their shops who were curious to buy things and know more about the art form. They were all coming there after navigating the place on the maps. I was happy that my small contribution is helping the people in such a good way. It felt like the purpose has been served.
Also the notification from maps like ready to review the place? Add pictures and you have got these many likes is boosting. It also encouraged me to socialize more. But I am avoiding socializing in this pandemic situation. Hope you guys also social distancing. Stay safe.
Hope to see you guys in California for great interactive session on maps and to exchange creative ideas and to hear your story as well.
I show my special gratitude toward all the googlers who are always ready to help.
Thank you.