Being alocal guide enables me to stand for what I believe. Living in the world today where there’s a great amount of income inequality, especially between rich and developing countries, contributing as a local guide can make a great deal of different. I travel frequently to my birth country, Indonesia, where the majority of people are digital illiterate: many people never heard about Google reviews, even more so how to deal with devices. My mission is helping local, small business owner by writing a good quality reviews. For example, not so long ago I was in Ubud, Bali and went to small but nice coffee place. The owner is a young student, working alone there, serving and making orders. She told me that she has a friend as a business partner and they alternate the shift, making long hours. She was full of hope and enthusiasm about her business and its prospect. Her face was glowing when I told her that her coffee and pastry are delicious and unique. I know just what I need to do after visiting places like that. Making an enthusiastic review about the place. The place has at this moment more than 40 reviews with the average of 5! I feel proud of these young people.
Another cause that I am supporting through my role as local guide is art. I believe that art in the widest sense has the power to transform us to a better version of ourselves: more compassionate, more engaging in the world and more joyful. I am proud that I contribute by making aGoogle maps list on the highlights of artworks and architecture in my city, Rotterdam. I think it’s important not only showing travellers the standard tourist attractions.
I believe everyone has the ability to transform the world to a better place, even in the seemingly small way such as being engaged as a local guide.