Kava Time

Just got back from a magical evening of new experiences. We went to the hotel lobby to find a group of people sitting in a circle with three Fijians leading the group in song. They have beautiful singing voices and are amazing guitar players. My favorite was listening to them sing an island version of "Everything I Do, I Do it for You" because it's my parents song :) We sat down, crossed legged on round little pillows and were welcomed to the group. There was a large wooden bowl filled with what looked like muddy water. It was a Kava ceremony, where we drank the powder from Kava tree roots mixed with water to heal our spirits and any physical ailments. One of the leaders poured the mixed water back and forth in a hypnotic way, between two smaller wooden bowls. He poured the liquid into one bowl and handed it to the Australian guy sitting next to him. He was to clap once, say "Bula!" and drink up. Then, we all clapped three times and said "Venaka" which means thank you. The bowl was passed to me and I was the first of the girls to try it. We were all a little thrown off by the fact that everyone was to share the same bowl and the basin of Kava water. Then, one Fijian said, "We share the same bowl of Kava, our space, our stories, ourselves...we are all one." Simple as that, I lost my slight sense of uncertainty. It tasted as it looked...like dirty water, and had an interesting after taste.  The man looked at us and said, "Now, you are in Fiji." It was almost like a right of passage, that felt very natural. After two rounds of Kava and thanking our providers, we ended the evening with a delicious, light meal. I say a "light meal" because I took note of how different the proportions of meals are here compared to America. It is surprisingly satisfying to enjoy only small amounts of delectable, fresh foods. Besides, I'm already full with an immense amount of joy and laughter.