Kava

Our second night on Caqalai (Than-ga-lai) we got the opportunity to drink kava with the Fijian staff. Kava is a beverage made from piper methysticum, a plant native to the Pacific Islands.

We began by sitting in a circle with the leaders of the ceremony around the kava pot.  Everyone has their own bowl made out of smooth coconut shells. The beverage is made by grinding up the kava root, putting it into a cloth bag and dipping it into a bowl of water. The process is like making tea just with a bigger quantity and without heat. The kava itself tastes exactly how you would expect a root mixed with water to taste. However, it makes your mouth tingle.  The stronger the kava and the longer it is in your mouth the stronger the tingly / numb feeling will be.

Kava is supposed to relax and calm you.  I have not noticed a significant difference in myself after drinking it but most Fijians swear by it and do it most nights of the week. I have however noticed that going number 2 is a lot easier after drinking kava.

Typically while drinking kava you also smoke suki.  Suki is Fijian tobacco rolled in newspaper. Sukis are very long and thin unlike a typical cigarette. Since coming here my friends and I have become quite good at rolling sukis.

There are a few rules that come with kava:

• no walking past the front of the circle.
• when you receive the kava lightly clap once and say Bula Vinaka (greetings & thank you).
• you cannot set down your bowl until the kava is gone.
• once finished with your bowl lightly clap 3 times.
• a sulu or sarong must be worn to cover your knees and shoulders must be covered. (this rule is only at official kava ceremonies if it is casual drinking it is not necessary)

Since the first night I have been able to do kava three more times, each being just as fun. I highly recommend trying it if you are in Fiji and get a chance.  It is a pretty cool experience I am happy to have had.