Hey everyone!
In the winter of 2020, I moved to Seattle, Washington (United States). Moving here was exciting and intimidating. In those first weeks, I used Google Maps to explore my neighborhood from the comfort of my own home. I planned long walking trips that took me past locations I wanted to explore. I added to the listings of locations which I had wanted more information on for myself. I researched my neighborhood’s favorites haunts and hunted for hidden gems. I looked into my children’s schools and found the nearby hot-spots where moms went to exercise or relax after dropping their children off for the day. I created lists with exciting options for birthday dinners, another of locations we could walk to from our home, and another with details on which grocery stores had favorite items we were used to from our old home. I used lists to centralize info about doctors, dentists, favorite places to eat and nearby parks. When I needed a babysitter sharing this list with her gave me peace of mind in a matter of moments. Google Maps gave me a sense of security in my new community. I never wondered if I was going somewhere that suited my needs - I knew. This saved me so much time and energy, and most of all helped me find places that fit into my family’s usual rhythm. Because of the information on Google maps, we were in a “normal” routine in a matter of weeks. It was wonderful.
I had moved away from my elderly parents, and we quickly realized that I had played a larger part in their daily lives than any of us realized. When my mother needed to travel across 6 states (4 flights, 3 airports), I made use of my own travel experiences to create a list for her of all the resources she might need at each airport she was visiting. She called me from a major airport - happy to have used Google Maps reviews to decide which gift shops to visit. Maps allowed me to be “there” for my family virtually when I could not be there physically.
A few weeks ago, when people started getting sick in Washington, I used Google Maps information to keep my family safe. I used lists to save information about which doctor’s offices were preparing to offer telehealth visits. I found local stores that offered one-stop shopping - pharmacy, grocery and home goods all in one location. We even began to shop during lower-traffic hours - with information from Maps. I kept notes on which locations were no longer allowing use of personal bags, or had special hours for older adults to shop without the general public.
When my children’s schools closed, first for six weeks, then for eight, I was concerned about them potentially going stircrazy. Google Maps solved this concern too. As of today, we have completed more than 16 virtual field trips to epic locations I wouldn’t have been able to show them without Google Maps. We were fortunate to have a Google Cardboard already in the house, but with two creative kids, it didn’t take long for my oldest son to make a second headset so they could both explore at the same time.
In conclusion…
Google Maps has helped me settle into a new community quickly and seamlessly. Google Maps has helped me share important knowledge with family even when we are far apart. Google Maps has helped me keep my family safe during the sudden and severe crisis our world is facing - and while we must stay home to do our part, Google Maps has allowed me to help keep my family happy (and even educated) by providing a way for us to explore the world without ever setting foot outside.
All of this was made possible by the efforts of my fellow Local Guides, and for this, I thank you all. None of us could have known that our contributions would have such far-reaching impacts, but here they are - what a wonderful outcome to our collective efforts.
