Sevu sevu Ceremony

Hello All,
We are anchored here on the south west side of Vanua Levu. The village of Nabouwalu lies here and is where we have been hanging out visiting the locals the last 2 days. We will leave for the Yasawa group tonight so we can arrive at the islands in the day light. We have had a very good time here and every one has been so friendly to us. Tom, the guy we brought from Savu savu has family here so he was very happy to see them again. He told us he hasn't been to this village in 2 years. He left this morning on a bus back to his village near Savu savu.
I wanted to explain a Fijian custom that has been in there culture for centuries. It is called Sevu sevu. A visiting person whether it be a fellow Fijian or someone like me presents Kava to the village chief. Kava is the root of a plant that is pounded to powder and mixed with water to drink. It is put in a big bowl called a Tanoa. Some are very big and it is placed in the middle of the room where family and friends can gather around it. They pass around a small cup, usually made of a half a coconut and every one shares the kava drink. The taste is indescribable but it is quiet good. After presenting the chief Kava he gives you his blessing and permission to visit the village. After the ceremony he also lets you know that you are welcome anytime to see him or anyone else in the village.He basically makes you part of the family. Every village that we go into we will have to find the chief and give him some Kava. I bought some before we left so we could do this when visiting. It is considered rude and disrespectful to visit a village with ut doing this ceremony and you may be asked to leave.
We gathered around the Tanoa 2 nights in a row and visited with the chief and his whole family. They all showed up to meet us and to say hello. I will quote the chief by saying "This is the Fijian way"
Well now you know what we have been up to the last few days. I will write more when we get to the other side.

PEACE