That question was asked in the Connect Live 2020 application and for the first time I sat down to think about it. What does the program mean to me?
My name is Carl, I’m 51 years old and I’m from Linköping, Sweden. My whole life I’ve been intrigued by the world we live in - the diversity, the people, the cultures and languages but also the geography, the borders and all of natures ingenious ways of making it all tick. I use to love to pour over maps and [sea]chart (I’m a sailor) studying winds and currents but also to dream of one day visiting these foreign places (preferably by sailing yacht).
Then Google Earth came along and I loved it from day one! It was magical! To be able to instantly travel to every corner of the world with views and clarity that was previously only seen in movies was amazing. Google Earth has then merged with Google Maps and that is now a map service second to none. One of the reasons it is so great is the community, the Local Guides.
When I started this text, to answer the question, I didn’t think that the Local Guides program meant that much to me, it was just sort of there. Now, thinking about it, I realise that it means quite a lot. It is part of that ultimate map platform where you can share your local knowledge and your experiences, a way to interact with others but above all, an easy way to help others get to know and understand your community and your part of the world - thus being a small, but important piece in connecting us all! I realise I’m quite proud to be a Local Guide.
Below pictures from my first attempt for a public list.
Laxboa, a miniature fishing village with a rustic restaurant that only serves locally caught fish.
Sandhamn, a small harbour at the outskirts of the archipelago.
Vaxholm, a small town in the Stockholm archipelago.