Page 126 - (DK) Danger! Open with Extreme Caution!

Leap of faith

Look skyward to witness the true terror
of land diving—a ritual performed in
the Pacific nation of Vanuatu to ensure
a good harvest or to impress girlfriends!
With a vine attached to each ankle, this
young man leaps from a rickety tower. If
he’s lucky, his head will miss the ground!

Outstanding display
Be amazed by the khareshwari, or
“standing baba.” He’s an Indian holy man
who has vowed to stand, without sitting
or lying down, for an incredible 12 years!
A swing supports him whether he’s
awake or asleep, and he can rest
one leg at a time in a sling.

Fire-walking feat

Taking center stage, our star turn
walks barefoot over hot embers
without getting burned. How does
she do it? The trick is that ashy
coals are poor conductors of heat,
and because she walks quickly,
there’s not enough contact with
individual coals to burn her feet.

HOW TOUGH ARE YOU?

The circus is in town! Come and marvel at displays of human
strength and endurance. Witness our performers pushing their
bodies to the limits. Gasp as they tolerate extremes of heat, cold,
pain, and pressure. These are tough acts to follow.

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(c) 2011 Dorling Kindersley. All Rights Reserved.