Here in Canada, when the end of November brings in frigid Arctic winds howling down from the North Pole and piles huge drifts of snow and ice across every sidewalk, we often dream about a trip somewhere warm. The only thing better than being on a beach surrounded by blue seas and palm trees would be to be on a beach surrounded by blue seas and palm trees with a nice cup of kava in a coconut shell!
Mark in Saskatoon wrote an article in The Star Pheonix about his visit to Fiji and it sounds amazing:
“As our group walked the muddy path into town, people would smile, wave and heartily greet us with “bula,” a word that literally means “life” and is imbued with much more meaning that a simple greeting. Fijians speak of “bula spirit” to describe their easygoing, welcoming nature.
The oldest person in our group was deemed our chief, and we were welcomed into an open room lined with straw mats. On one side was the chief and the elders of the village. On the other side were the men in our group. Behind us were the women, all of who were now wearing sarongs to cover their bare knees, a nod to Fijian tradition.
Our chief presented a bundle of kava root to the village’s chief as a token of appreciation. Prayers and speeches were made and we were welcomed us as guests and offered kava to drink. Also known as grog, the drink has a relaxing and anesthetizing affect. Kava is a bit like drinking earth-flavored Novocaine juice and is a vital part of Fijian culture.
After our kava ceremony, we were then welcomed into the community hall for a meal. Singers joined musicians with guitars and ukuleles to sing us songs of greeting. We all sat cross-legged on the floor to feast on a meal prepared by women in the village. It was simple, but delicious: chicken, chow mein, cassava, roti and Indian flat breads along with juices and fresh fruit. The musicians serenaded us with their happy tunes as we ate.
Afterwards, more kava was consumed which, of course, led to dancing. Before long, the party ended and we had to leave, but shouts of “bula” and “vinaka,” or thank you, rang out as everyone departed happy.”
Wow! What a great experience to be in Fiji and what a contrast to Saskatchewan I must say! At this time of year when my pond is frozen over and the windchill is minus 15 Celsius I would sooooo love to be in Fiji! For now I will close the curtains, light a fire in the wood stove and just pretend…maybe a cup of kava will take me a bit of the way to Fiji in my mind!
Read more about Marks trip here: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/travel/Beauty+beyond+beach/9204231/story.html
