Try Kava The National Drink Of Fiji
So you've travelled to Fiji and discover that the locals have a thing for a not so appealing muddy rainwater looking drink called Kava. Well, don't stick your nose up as turning down a bowl of Kava is considered an insult to Fijians! They consider it their "national drink" and enjoy it religiously - so drink up!
Kava, also known by its Fijian name yaqona, is an indigenous plant that has been long used by Pacific Island cultures for its mild sedative and pleasant relaxation effect. It is drunk in a formal setting known as a Kava Ceremony, where everyone sits cross-legged in a circle on the floor in front of the chief or head of the ceremony. The powdered Kava root is mixed with water in a large wooden bowl called a tanoa. When it is ready, it is scooped into a bowl made from half a coconut shell called bilo and passed to the first guest, before drinking the guest claps once, accepts the bowl and drinks it in a single gulp, and then claps again and says, "Bula!". The bilo is passed back to the chief, and they clap three times, and everyone else joins in. It's now the next guests turn!
A trip to Fiji isn't complete without experiencing a Kava ceremony!
