Adding photos and reviews to existing places is the most interesting thing I’ve done as a Local Guide while exploring the world around me. When I am adding new photos the people who are coming to this place later on have an idea what it looks like and with a review the place gets a whole story and others can imaging if it’s worth going there or better leave it out.
In my opinion my biggest impact for Google Maps was adding photos to Jeti-Öguz resort.
This sanatorium from Soviet times is located near the city of Karakol in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. Prior to my arrival, I did not know what to expect from this place as it was pretty hard to find information, reviews or photos online. So I went there to explore the facility and surroundings. The landscape itself was fascinating with amazing sandstone formations making a spectacular view from the sanatorium.
The facility seemed abandoned at first sight but when I entered, I found out that it is still operating and even managed to see its highlight, the sulfur pool - I even dared to take a swim.
After the exploration I had some time left and asked the staff about the offers they had and got a really good massage for an amazingly good price. Back in my accommodation I added a review as well as photos about this crazy place to Google Maps.
It’s a magical spot for everybody who loves history because it seems that this sanatorium has never been renovated after it was built in the Soviet-era.
My picture was viewed around 18,000 times so I hope that a lot of people were able to experience this gem of a building from former times and get a massage for a really low price.
Back in my home country, I sometimes take a look at Jeti-Öguz resort on Google maps to see if fellow explorers have also visited the sanatorium and whether any new photos have been posted. I am very curious to find out if something has already changed or if it is still this mystical place I discovered.