Comments on: 3 Ways Sport Brings Travelers and Locals Together

By: Turner

Turner — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:28:44 +0000

Bar billiards in Beijing… an alliteration sport for vagabonds.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:45:39 +0000

A few years ago, in Guatamala a cool New Years Eve was changed into a life long memory when my travel buddies and I got involved in a football kick around. It was about 10 o’clock at night and we went for a break from drinking. There in the town centre was a lit concrete football pitch. Some boys were playing and one thing lead to another and soon a match started between locals and travellers. It was very competative but great fun. Our team was made up of Canadians, Americans, a Swiss and me (a Brit).
In sports, you don’t need to speak the language and despite competing against them, we also connected with the local boys, in a way that would have been difficult otherwise.
Also, all around us, there were fireworks going off, making it extra special.
After the match, we were all soaked with sweat but we went back to the bar and continued celebrating, this time, with more energy and a very special memory.

By: Janelle

Janelle — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:09:52 +0000

Marilyn linked to my piece above, but II thought I’d add my two cents. My boyfriend traveled throughout Europe attending soccer games, and all of his favorite travel stories come from there. And he’s drawing me in as well, our soccer experience in Baja was one of the highlights of our trip.

By: Amanda Kendle

Amanda Kendle — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:59:54 +0000

Kirsty, I would definitely encourage the hackey sack thing – go for it! I agree, joining a sports league (especially social sports) is great – in Australia or the UK, playing netball one evening a week is practically compulsory! Great way to meet people if you’re staying somewhere for a while.

By: Kirsty

Kirsty — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 07:49:25 +0000

Going to sports events abroad is something I love! Even if it’s just a local team of guys who play in their spare time.

Joining sports leagues abroad is another great way to meet people while either playing a sport you love, or discovering a new one. Us Canadians don’t often play touch rugby or netball but I had a great time playing both when I was in London.

Here in Beijing the locals love kicking a hackey sack type thing around. Young and old. I’m trying to pluck up the courage (and the skills!) to have a kick aroun done of these days.

Great article!

By: Ian

Ian — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:18:15 +0000

we also published a great “how-to” piece on this topic a few weeks ago:

http://www.bravenewtraveler.co.....gh-sports/

By: Quickroute

Quickroute — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 18:48:42 +0000

On my first day in Rio travelling solo years ago I went to the famous Americana Stadium with 2 Brazilians, 1 Italian, 1 Spanish, 1 USA and I am Irish. How and where else would bring together a mix of people like that! – It was great1

By: Marilyn Terrell

Marilyn Terrell — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:50:56 +0000

Watching soccer in Baja tells you more about the place than lying on the beach:
http://intelligenttravel.typep.....-beco.html

By: Amanda Kendle

Amanda Kendle — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:05:55 +0000

Matt, I agree completely. Sharing a game together (whatever sport, probably) instantly gives you something in common, even if you’re an out-of-towner.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:06:11 +0000

Have you guys ever seen America’s Got Talent? You should check it out Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC. How can you resist David Hasselhoff!???

http://www.nbc.com/Americas_Go.....mea=262134