The Local Guides program has gotten a special place in my heart since I knew about it 3 years ago. To me, being involved in the program means family, knowledge, and aid.
Before becoming a Local Guide, I used to surf around Google Maps like crazy. I used to sit down and visit different places around the world in the comfort of my bedroom. I used to travel to Roma, Disney and even the Bahamas by only looking at the pictures uploaded by many people. I used to dream about taking these beautiful portraits on my own. However, I had to think small first.
I started this journey by adding the location of my mom’s local business to the map. She is the owner of a small stationer’s shop and hairdresser’s in my neighborhood. This action means a lot to my family because people from other neighborhoods started to know more about it. They left reviews and pictures of the place and the sales increased widely. My mom was very happy.
Caption: Celebrating my mom’s birthday in her hairdresser’s.
Every Sunday, my family and I would visit different places near our local area so I started to upload pictures of them. One day, my whole family and I made a two-hours trip to a water park. We had so much fun there, but when looked it up in the map I realized there was not much information about it. I liked the place very much so I left a review and some pics. Days later, I was checking my mail and I was shocked when I saw the views they got.
Caption: One of my most viewed review of my trip to Balsapamba water park.
After that, I could see that I am able to help thousands of people by just adding pictures and reviews to the map. I feel like I am helping my community and my city by giving brief information of the places I visit. I keep encouraging my friends to do the same and now we gather together to help our entrepreneur friends with their businesses.
Caption: My friends and I visiting our friends’ new coffee place called Prot Inn in Samborondon.