Monday 23rd January 2023
Today I got my Tour guide badge from the Gauteng Tourism Authority! That means I can do tours of particular sites.
I was quite excited about all the possibilities that started flooding my brain on my drive from the City CBD office. The government building where the Tourism offices are looking in great condition from the outside. It stands impressively across the road from the empty Carlton Hotel and busy Carlton center. I stayed in reception while my forms were processed and looked around at how fancy the decor was, yet cheap pieces of paper get posted haphazardly on the strangest of places.
The lady helping me appeared apologising for taking so long but I was still surprised I got it so easily. Mind you, this whole guide process has been a surprise. From attending the tours in 2017, I never thought I'd end up with this latest qualification.
I was thinking about how this 'title' kind of encompasses all of my aspects and interests. I love telling stories, I love buildings, I love public speaking and I love guiding people to learn something new. Years ago one of my therapy clients said I was like a 'guide into the dark side' and here I am, getting ready to guide people in the sunshine.
I'm looking forward to creating tours both in person and online and taking people along on my travels.
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