GUM BOOT DANCERS AT GOLD REEF CITY...GUARANTEED TO BRING LOTS OF SMILES!!

Gold Reef City, Johannesburg...much like a mini-Disney Park, or maybe a Knott's Berry Farm. We found the so-called gumboot dancers, entertainers who stroll the grounds and freely give a performance. Gumboot dancing originated mainly from the gold mines--black dancers who created an art form that has been characterized in drawings, paintings, and other artistic interpretations internationally. It was a way for the workers to find relief from the conditions of servitude. A light moment is enjoyed by entertainers on a street in Gold Reef City as Svetlana and Ivan join in with the dancing.





What! A Bengal Tiger in South Africa? Getting friendly with a tiger is recommended when said tiger is a baby...hence my relaxed smile and hug to the fellow! The other person in the photo is none other than fellow S.A. Fulbrighter, Ron Reese. Ron teaches math at Mandisa Shiceka High School in Kagiso 2, a township-like suburb of Johannesburg. I'm thinking of sending this photograph to the Detroit Tiger's organization...work 'em for a couple of free tickets to a good baseball game against the Chicago Cubs. Yeah, we're looking for some bear cubs here!

Ron Reese's wife, Andrea, tries to mask her fear of her new-found friend, Leo the lion. Notice the car window half-rolled down...Andrea wanted Leo to draw closer so she could throw a biscuit to him. Hmmmmmmm, was that a gravy-dipped biscuit? Andrea is enjoying her experience in South Africa, especially when a drive through a game reserve is on tap for an activity. Andrea was wondering about the difference between a game reserve and a zoo. Her analysis was that WE are the caged animals in a game reserve drive, trapped in our respective vehicles. Hey, Andrea, please get rid of that cat-nip in your hip pocket!


Any drive through a South African game reserve wouldn't be complete without being attacked by a pride of lions! These lions were hitchhiking in the reserve, with the hopes of obtaining a free ride out. The unfortunate fellow driving the truck in front of us didn't realize the free-loader on his backend...attempting to ride shotgun, I guess. We watched this exciting circumstance with anxiety, hoping the lions would "release" their captive truck and driver. It all worked out in favor of the intruder...the driver eventually sped off and the lions disappeared into the high grass. We proceeded with caution...