This article is the first in a two-part series about summer experiences in Africa. Check the Features Section soon for the next installment.

While some students spend their summer vacation at the beach, others may experience more exotic destinations. This past summer, sophomore Juan Ruelas had the opportunity to spend time in South Africa for the FIFA World Cup 2010.

Over the course of two weeks, Ruelas encountered a different culture, but saw many similarities to the U.S. Although he traveled to different towns, his family stayed in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa.

“Three years ago my family decided to go to the World Cup in South Africa,” Ruelas said. “We were able to vacation with family and friends from California, Texas, Kansas and Missouri. We thought it would be a great time to relax and have fun with our friends from different states.”

Originally named the First National Bank stadium, the location was redesigned for the World Cup and became known as Soccer City for the duration of the games. The stadium resembles an African calabash sitting on a pit of fire and is the largest stadium in South Africa, seating 94,700 people.

Run-in with crime

Following the USA vs. Slovenia game, Ruelas squeezed his way through a sea of people trying to find the exit. Although dark by then, news cameras and reporters flooded the stadium, interviewing players and spectators.

While on a detour from their route, a reporter conversed with the Ruelas party about their experience at the World Cup. As they walked away, Ruelas’s father, Juan Sr., realized his camera was missing from his back jean pocket. As the elder Juan and his friends went back into the stadium to search for the camera, Juan Jr. stayed with his mom so that she would not be alone.

“When my dad came back empty-handed, one of our friends, Leo, noticed that his camera was missing too,” Juan Jr. said. “My dad remembered that when we were being interviewed, there were tons of people standing around, and someone could have taken it then.”

Despite returning with no camera, Leo and Juan Sr. decided to take action. They pretended to hide cameras in their jean pockets. As they walked in front of the cameras, a man tried to steal what appeared to be a camera.

“My dad came behind the guy and gave him a bear hug so that he didn’t get away,” Juan Jr. said. “Leo searched the guy while another one of our friends, Sergio, grabbed him and told him to tell us if he stole our camera.”

To find answers, Juan Sr.’s friends questioned the man about the camera. Amid the chaos, five bystanders began to chant for them to throw him in a trash can. Meanwhile, another friend went to the police, but came back without any assistance.

Eventually, security came to take the man to the police station. Juan Sr. and his friends went to the police department to answer questions about what had happened at the stadium.

World Cup supplies inspiration

As the younger Juan walked the streets of Johannesburg, he admired pictures of national soccer players. Looking at these athletes reminded him of the hard work it takes to be on a team.

“It takes self-initiative to improve your soccer skills,” Juan Jr. said. “The players I watched were the ones who definitely deserved to represent their countries. Although soccer has always been a passion of mine, experiencing the World Cup has motivated me to improve my personal skills. I have developed a routine of practicing with my soccer ball thirty minutes before school, and thirty minutes after the school day.”

Since the World Cup occurs only once every four years, Juan Jr. was very excited to experience it at his age. The opportunity to spend time in South Africa was an event he will never forget, he says.

“Sitting in a stadium surrounded by thousands of people is definitely an image that will remain in my memory for a long time,” Juan Jr. said. “The feeling is so intense that you would have to be there to describe it.”

For more information on summer experiences, read the Aug. 25 column, Camp scare generates new perspective.

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