By far, the most wonderful and amazing “local” I have ever met was a National Park Ranger at the Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta.  His name was Reverend G.H. Williams, both a minister and a Ranger.  He was approaching 80 years old the last time I saw him, about four years ago.  He spoke to my group of Brits inside the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Rev. King had once served.  This gentleman touched all who heard him speak with his deep, melodious voice and commanding presence.  He didn’t just tell the story of Dr. King.  He told us his own stories of marching with Dr. King, being jailed with him, and one particularly heart wrenching tale of a young man dying in his arms after being beaten to death for taking part in a ‘peaceful’ demonstration.
It’s not often that a tour group could be so blessed by someone who not only can talk the talk, but has walked the walk.

Ken

The greatest appeal of local guides is their ability to personify local attitudes and characteristics.  One example that sticks in my mind from a number of years back was our step-on guide in Victoria, B.C.

As he pointed out from the moving bus a row of mansions up along the ridge, he remarked, “That’s where the blue-eyed Arabs live.”

After a short double-take, I had to ask, “Blue-eyed Arabs?”  My passengers were equally perplexed.

“Yeah, you know, the oil millionaires from Alberta.”

Best regards,

Lyle McBride

Thank you for your wonderful heartfelt stories about the positive experiences you have had with your motor coach drivers.

We know that there are a number of other people that help make the tour experience more enriching.

Today we want to salute your most memorable local guide, docent or national guide.

So, the question of the week is:

How has your local guide, docent or national guide enriched the tour experience for your group?

What have you learned from them that made a difference in your own life?

Please share your stories and perhaps even a picture.

Ted, Randy and the ITMI Staff