Being a Local guide for me means being a “glocal” citizen. Maybe you will ask what this is supposed to mean ! For me that means two things. First one is to know your own story and roots and in this way be able to appreciate, love and respect other cultures and places. The second interpretation of “glocal” that steams from the first one is to make an impact locally and that one spreads globaly like a wave. For me Local Guides combine both of these meanings using technology and human willing.
Local guides got into my life pretty recently and in a “silent” way. I always explored places and had a memory-file in my mind for each one of them always looking forward to show it to friends. Within Local Guides these files in my mind got the form of stars and the chance to share theme with people all around the world. I realized that I was making a step in my local paths and helping others doing steps in different places.However not only in my city but in every place I go Local Guides gave me a motive to share my experiences and in the end of the day feel like an active “pin on the map”.
I like to call myself a wanderer and an explorer and I want to offer the same thrill and sense of safety to other wanders. For me feeling safe in a new place is one of the best things Local Guides network offers. It is like you have a local friend with you most of the way.
Though I am new to this I have really enjoyed so far writing about small businesses like street food restaurants , hidden bookstores and handmade jewelry. It feels so nice when businesses say thank you about a critic.I remember the past autumn when the first Tibetian food store opened in Athens , I read about it ,went there and immediately gave them five stars! After returning home I received a response. It was the first response from an shop owner. It was " thank you " and I knew they meant it heartfully because I have seen how calm and kind where the owners.It made me feel a part of their beginning!
Something that is really magical with local guides is to share abandoned or hidden places and shops. Shops that you will surpass them at the street but are real treasure caves inside especially their people!It is like introducing a friend to other friends, reminding the old ways of sharing from mouth to mouth but this one is through technology. Local guides are traditional and modern at the same time .
Local Guides for me are all the above and many more. The heart of Local Guides are all these generous people and their motive to share. All these make me really grateful to be a part of it.