Kava is a typed of drink made from the ground root or stump of the kava (Piper methysticum) shrub. The kava ceremony focuses around the communal Kava tanoa (bowl). Guests sit in a circle around the bowl which is placed in front of the leader. The ceremony commences with the actual production of the kava. The plant is pounded and the pulp placed into a cloth sack and mixed with water. The end result is a brownish coloured liquid – the Kava gold. It is then strained and ready for drinking. The host will offer kava as high tide (full cup) or low tide (half cup). When presented with the kava, you clap once and yell ‘Bula!’ (Fijian for hello). Drink the kava in one gulp if possible, clap three more times and end with the word Maca – pronounced ‘Ma-tha’. Kava may cause a slight numbness around your mouth, lips and tongue.