Having been born in a remote town of Nepal but brought up in the capital, the responsibility of giving a tour to my visiting relatives, of the city and the local itinerary has always been up-to me. This over the year has helped me grow in love with not just the facade but the core of my city. Google Map gives a platform where people can virtually help in deciding if a place is worth their time by sharing their experiences and honest opinions. Local guide program is a community where everyone contributes directly or indirectly. At a time like this where our social feeds are inundated by paid promotions and collaborations, this program helps us to form an honest opinion. The contributors here don’t have a hidden agenda. Here we get what we see.
For me personally, local guide not just gives the satisfaction of serving other people but also helps me to discover my city and see it in a new different light. Just when I feel I know everything I need to and have seen everything there is to see, the program challenges me, enlightens me to the fact that I haven’t even started to understand this beautiful living, breathing city of mine.
I not only contribute but also use it. Recently, when I had to leave Kathmandu and move to Hyderabad for five years for my higher studies. This program helped to, I’d not say make Hyderabad feel like home but make it less alien, less overbearing. If it weren’t for the program I’d not have been able to cope with the city. When choosing a diner, a cinema hall, a library or just a quiet place; a park; this has been my go to.
The local guide programs has also been helpful to local business who can’t afford the marketing tools needed in this cutthroat industry and aided them in surviving, thriving through word of mouth. The reviews and the positive acknowledgement of their business helps them to get the recognition which they truly deserve.
I take great pride in knowing that my contributions has helped a business, played a role in decision making of so many people.