I just returned from a trip to Fiji – what a great place! The weather is warm, the water is warm and the people are warm and friendly! I tried this drink called kava – they also call it yaqona in Fijian or ‘grog’, I guess that’s a hold-over from the British colony days – anyway. This stuff can really kick your butt!
I met some of the local Fijian guys that work in the place I was staying and they invited me to drink kava with them one night. I was staying out by this village and we went to this small house with no electricity, just oil lanterns – and it was all Fijian guys – I was the only white guy. But we sat around on the floor while they mixed up water and kava powder in this big wooden bowl.
Once it was ready they said some kind of Fijian blessing over and began to serve it – the local chief got the first cup and then I was served the 2nd cup (as the guest of honor, I guess), then each of the other 6 guys in turn. After we drank we talked for a bit until the next round. The stuff tasted kind of earthy and bitter – yeah, like muddy water – and besides my mouth getting a little numb I didn’t really feel anything.
After about 2 hours of this I had to go outside to relieve myself – as soon as I stood up that’s when I felt it! I practically had to grab the wall to keep from falling over! I was OK once I steadied myself – it just caught me by surprise. Really, your mind stays pretty clear while your body gets relaxed.
Now that I’m home I found this place online to buy Fiji kava – kickbackwithkava.com – and it’s just like I’m back in the islands again. I’m getting some of my friends into it now – I figure it’s gotta be better than alcohol!