Kava Night

The last few tourists we ever saw told us about Kava, the local Fijian drug which is grown all over the mountains. Interesting.
Sam & I are following Nasseem down a train track to go and see a cave.
In the middle of a conversation about Fijian football I see my opportunity and ask him about Kava. His eyes light up and he says we will drink it tonight.

That night after dinner we get invited into the family bure where Cea is sat on the floor, a big bowl between her legs and a bag of white powder in her left hand. Interesting.
Feeling as though we shouldn't all get drugged up without a reason or meaning we ask how it is made and why it is taken.
It's made by crushing up the root of a plant, the result of which is the 'given' to the sun for drying. When dry you place the powder in a rag and pour water over it to make a kind of dirty underpants colour washing up water. Then you neck it.
They drink it at weddings, funerals, parties, etc.... The fact that they drink it at weddindgs makes Sam feel a whole lot better about participating in the ceremony, and she agrees to go first.

Cea blesses the water and then instructs us to clap once before recieving it, say "Bula" to everyone and drink it in one, then clap 3 more times.
3 liters later and our mouths are totally numb. The fijians seem nervous about drinking anymore and get back to the local beer. I think the amount of beer I drank that night may of clouded any effects the Kava was supposed to have, but I do know that I slept very well. Interesting.
Chris

Parent Disclaimer : In no way is Kava supposed to be addictive, dangerous, hallucinogenic, or brain altering. It is a tradition thing to do so that makes everything OK. Bring on Colombia! Only Joking ;)