BIP's South Pacific Tour 2006
Day 4
By Tory Anderson, Meghan Sherman, Taelor Jones
Chapter 1: Fijian Farewell
It was five in themorning. The fiji sun was just rising over the volcanic mountain tops. Monet’s skills could not have captured the array of colors through the fijian sky. As we laced our running shoes, we were exhilarated by the crisp morning air. We started down the city streets. They were so tranquil compared to the usual chaos of morning rush hour. Our run had just begun. After bathing in the cool, clear Fijian springs, we returned home to find a breakfast consisting of fresh baked pastries, newly picked fruits along with freshly squeezed milk from the neighboring dairy farm. Our last day in Fiji had begun with the oasis of paradise. We gathered for a group meeting and we were told we had the run of the city until one o’clock. Let the fun begin! In the city, which was bustling by this time, we bought an assortment of goods ranging from t shirts to sarongs to traditional carpets used for the kava ceremonies. After spending hours venturing through the hot city streets, we returned to the hotel to watch Mtv Asia. At one o’clock everyone returned with their purchases and attempted to fit them into their already overflowing luggage. Now it was time to reload the coach and return to Nadi. We first stopped at KFC to replenish our used energies from the earlier run. As we drove along the winding coastal roads we stopped periodically to capture the essence of Fiji.
During one of our momentary roadside breaks we witnessed the most beautiful gift from god, the birth of seven wild fijian puppies. We then took the yearlings from their starving mother and offered them to the village chief, Takolimante for a sacrifice to the rugby god. After this offering we packed our things and continued on our way. In exchange for our contribution to the village the chief granted us three wishes, a lifetime supply of kava, the ability to walk barefoot on white hot lava rocks, and season tickets to the rugby sevens matches. With our newly endowed gifts we set off again. Due to our curious nature we began to drill our tour guide Dan for further background of his native village. He told us miraculous stories of the cannibalism that took place only months before and how he alone was trying to escape the grasps of his eccentric heritage. He had showed us images of the freedom tattoo that he was getting traditionally administered onto the whole left side of his body. By traditional we mean, Dan is required to paddle a bamboo raft out to the middle of the ocean where he must wait 76 hours before striking the fourth male whale that crosses his path. A whale tooth is then gouged out of the mouth of the selected sperm whale. After removing the tooth he is allowed to return to land where the branding ceremony takes places. The tooth is used as the needle for penetrating the skin and inserting the ink. After a long ride we finally arrive in Nadi.
Chapter 2: Kava!
Ka-va (noun); a grounded root found only in the fijian island of viti levu used for relaxation, pain killers, sleeping aid, numbness, or an all around good time. Some may experience side effects such as numbness beginning in the oral area and continuing to spread throughout the body, the giggles, extreme euphoria, tingling sensations, drowsiness/ dizziness, consumers note: do not attempt to operate heavy machinery while under the sedation of kava.
The Ceremony of Kava
The ceremony takes place at the commencement or conclusion of a special event. A group of closely knit individuals gather in a circle around the kava bowl. The kava is poured into a cheese cloth which is set into water in the kava bowl. A designated mixer massages and kneads the kava in the cloth as water is continually showered over his dark muscular hands. The texture is tested by continuously drawing the coconut through the concoction. The desired texture is when the mixture has a translucent fog about it. The ceremony begins with the chant “Tauki” which is followed by a clap from the mixer. The mixer stands and pours the concoction into the drinking coconut bowl which is held by the presenter. The chief is the first recipient and answers to the presenter either high tide, a full glass, or low tide for the light weights. The presenter then takes the desired amount to the chief claps once, belts bula, then downs the kava. He gives the emptied bowl, claps three times then says “vinaka” which is answered by the rest of the recipients with three claps and “mace”. Then this ritual is repeated until everyone has received the first round. Then open bar for everyone!
Our personal experience with kava was thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially Tory. In between rounds stories were told to let the affects of kava set in. So our last day in Fiji was obviously an eventful one. Ttyl love, Tory, Meghan and Taelor.
Based on actual events. No animals were harmed in the village sacrifice and the cows willingly supplied us with pasteurized milk.
This story is dedicated to Dan, who we already miss very much and wish we could have brought with us.
