By Tim Williams

I often hear friends lament that their vacation activities did not give them a true taste of the local culture and people. Despite seeing stunning tourist hotspots, they frequently remark it was a sterile experience that felt incomplete without meeting and talking to more locals, getting off the beaten path, and potentially making new connections that will last a lifetime.

When I suggest they should have brought their pickleball paddle along, the first reaction is often “Yeah, right!” But think about it: what could be easier to pack than a paddle (flat, small, and light!) and maybe an extra pair of shoes?

While the idea of playing pickleball in a strange city – or even a foreign land – may sound odd, it’s a proven way to meet new people and dive head-first into local cul

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