Kava Nights and Restless Dreams

Since I met Chito and Norie last July in the Philippines and had rounds of drinks and rowdy singing at this very obscure-looking place in Ermita, I have had wild cravings for Kava. For those who are not the adventuro-totoys, Kava (Piper methisticum forster spp) is a native plant of the pacific. I admit, I was addicted to it for some time and so were 90% of the volunteers who went to live and work in Vanuatu! Of course, Chito and I became masters but I became a notch higher than him because I have had experiences with Kava plus some additives on it (secret!).

Anyways kava is grown in the pacific and harvested at a particular time (after about 4-5 months). The roots are then cleaned, chopped (or grated) and juiced so a brownish-mud-looking liquid is produced. There is an intoxicating smell characteristic of a good variety and a mud-like smell of the not-so-good kind. The effect, once you drink the liquid is variable. The first time I tasted it, I vomitted like a girl-with-anorexia-after-eating. It is an acquired taste...really! So, once you have tasted it, there is a tingling sensation on your lips and tongue and later numbness on the oral cavity. There will be an urge to spit (or sometimes, regurgitate) and should the cavity have its "peace" with you, a sense of calm and "highness" would be felt. I have had "funny" experiences with Kava but that would be another post!

Since Kava is a downer, it is used in rituals and ceremonies in Vanuatu. The chiefs would call warring tribes and offer kava as a gesture of peace. These days, nakamals (kava bars) are just there to hang out, chill and meet friends. A bit of a social get-together, actually.

So Chito has this precious pack of Kava with him and though it is expired, he treats it like it's mint money from the US treasury. In fairness, he did invite me to drink with him, but heck! I stayed in good old 'pinas for only a couple of days so I wasn't able to taste the longed for drink! And just that thought that it is there, available - made me dream of it! But just wait, expired or not expired, we will take a sip of that when I come back home.

I was also dreaming of Vanuatu for months now - missing my "family" and friends, the paradise that is Ambae, and the not so hurried life in the island. Waking up to the sound of the waves clashing against the white sand beaches, the ever-green trees, the friendly smiles of the people - I really am missing my island paradise! Kava (now, I am rationalizing) is probably just an expression of my longing to go back to Vanuatu.

Man, naoia me reli wantem go back long wei. Mi no save, be kantri ia i gat sam sam magic i kasem long me...