As a Google Local Guides contributor I like to focus on two aspects of the cities I visit or I have lived at: the local businesses that may be little known and the availability of spaces and access for people with disabilities in any place in the city. I believe that giving information about these two aspects of any city can improve the experience of anyone visiting or who is deciding what to do in a weekend with their loved ones.
Very often local business that are little known have gone through a process of innovation that make them offer things or services that are not very common or are outstanding in their quality. I always try to write reviews about small restaurants that are little known or just started to grow as a way to help them gain visibility and help people enjoy something different. In Tijuana, the city where I live, it is not uncommon to see new restaurants open with great dishes and ideas about how to accommodate everyone in this culturally diverse city, but very often they go unnoticed. Whenever I try a new dessert or coffee shop I love I go to google local guides and write my ideas about it or add it to Google Maps to help others know these hidden jewels. This is something I have done with other local businesses such as mechanical workshops that offer exceptional service but lack the backing of big companies or marketing campaigns. Google Maps is a wonderful tool for finding or making more visible this places.
I also try to focus on making my experience inviting for all people. Whenever I write a review I like to make clear if the place is adequate for people with disabilities or with special mobility needs. Unfortunately, in my city not all spots were built to accommodate people with disabilities, that is why whenever I think a place has gone through efforts to welcome everyone I write a review and let everyone this is a place with no restrictions in that matter. I believe tourist spots or restaurants that are welcome in this way deserve to be known because this would help everyone enjoy the city equally.
I hope I had more time to go to as many places as possible to continue writing more contributions that are helpful to everyone. In the meantime, I have set my ultimate goal: give information that is useful for as many people as possible to help them enjoy their journey in my city or have the experiences I have had somewhere else.