An American in Provence

Here are some answers to your questions:
The mystery continent: South America. Yep, as guessed, I lived in Ecuador for four years.
The mystery communist country: East Germany.
The difference between a Cheerleader and a Pom Pon: Cheerleaders stand on the sidelines, do short cheers and stunts. Pom pons mainly do dance routines during half-time, but can also help out the Cheerleaders. Pom Pons do not do stunts.
The famous photograph: I am not going to post it, partly because I do not have the rights to it and partly because, well because.

If you are really interested in seeing it, send me your email address (in the comments field if you like, then I will delete the comment once I see it) and I will point you to it.