20 Jan - Got Sakau

Friday 20 Jan saw the FSM National Police finally have their Christmas Party. Better late than never. Geoff, Dean and Scott chipped in to rent the facility and the National Police all chipped in to buy food, soft drinks and water. It was basic but a great afternoon and evening.

The boys cooked up a storm. Chicken pieces and ribs done island style on top of a coconut husk fire.

When beer wass not supplied free the lads went the 'local' option of sakau. Baron started proceedings by cutting up and cleaning the roots.

It is a peppery flavoured sedative that is all the rage over here. Driving anywhere at night you can see people selling it, drinking it and if you go home late enough there is always a few fools driving home at 10 miles an hour after drinking it.

Then Alvino got stuck into smashing it all up into a pulp.

Scott was a little naughty and snuck in a couple of ribs before the food was blessed.

Hey when you live on an island it is pretty cool to get stuck into some of the culture.

After a few beers the hardest part is not smashing your own fingers as you hold all the roots on the sakau stone.

Two people pounding at a time makes for much more entertainment for the crowd.

Dinner is finally served and enjoyed (and blessed).

Mud crab and beer. Does it get any better????

Ricky (on the right) starting to so the sedative effects of sakau.

Six cups of this, on top of a few beers, and I was ready for bed. Home in bed before nine-thirty. Hungover for most of the next day. Maybe I'll stop at one cup of sakau next time. Maybe.....