One Million Views on Google Maps

Just Started this Year

This is a screenshot, taken from today's email.

A few months ago, I began doing reviews and uploading images to Google Maps.

Travelers want to know, what to see, where to eat and, where to go drinking.

All I do, is give them a sneak preview and, tell them what, I think of the places, I've been.

It's sort of fun because, I get folks asking me all kinds of questions.

Every morning  people are asking me things.  Here's some examples:

Q. Can I bring my dog?  A. No

Q. Is it romantic?  A. Don't know.

Q. Does this place serve organic dishes? A. Not sure.

Q. Does this place serve spicy food?  A. Yes.

Q. Does this place serve breakfast.  A?  No.

Q. Does this place serve alcohol?

Lucky for me, there are only three ways, to answer the questions.

Either: YES, NO or DON'T KNOW

Most days, I answer all the questions before my first cup of coffee is finished.

Then, I go around, the rest of the day, wondering about stuff like:

Who would be traveling with a dog, looking for things to do on Google Maps?

And, want to know if, they can take the critter to a romantic spot for organic dishes!

DON'T FORGET THE TWO MILLION VIEWS GIVEAWAY

Kindergarten: The Highlight of the Day for Santa

Photo Credit: Mami Sakiyama

This was probably the first time, these youngsters encountered a real Santa Claus.

They were a little timid, at first but, they had some fantastic teachers, encouraging them.

They sang and danced, on the stage, for Santa, before receiving their presents.

Of course, Santa was too busy, to bring along a tripod and camera.

My Santa's helper, Junior High English teacher/Translator, Mami, did the photography.

The children all, thanked Santa (in English) for their gifts, which really surprised me.

They were encouraged, to ask Santa questions and, they came up with some good ones. 

They learned my age, real name (Kris Kringle) and, wanted to know, where I came from.

It's a good thing, my translator helped me. I had to tell the kids, I was from Finland.

And, was brought here by reindeer, pulling my sled, through the skies.

Before leaving, to see the rest of the children, around the world, I had a special request.

Each child, wanted to give Santa Claus a hug.

The rascals made my glasses get all steamed up.  Santa, shouldn't have tears in his eyes.

So, I told them, I had to hurry and visit the rest of the world.

 After promising, to come back to their school again, next year.

I got the heck out of there so, I could wipe the tears of joy away from my wrinkled up face.

If, you've never been a Santa or, Santa's helper, you should give it a try.

It will warm your heart on the coldest December day.  I swear.