Making Kava In Nadi, Fiji/A Night Out In Town

Intro

Following a chaotic first day in Nadi and relaxing for an hour at the cheap Airbnb I was staying at, I decided to head out for some drinks and food. As per usual, this wasn't just a night that consisted of a few beers and watching a sunset; it turned into something more. Welcome to the life of KT 😅.

Food+ An Unexpected Surprise

Around about 4:45 pm in the afternoon, I began my mission of walking to town. My favorite time of day is golden hour, the moment when the light just seems like it is a match made in heaven. While it might be a slight walk to town, it was peaceful to walk by all of the neighbors chilling on their porches, saying "hi".

It's a beautiful walk to town, and yes, very safe

Almost arriving at town, I found some kids playing football in a park off to the side of the road. As someone who adores football, I asked if I could join in on the penalty taking. With how welcoming the Fijians are, they allowed me take a few, and save a few 😉 for the next 10 minutes. It was beautiful.

I'll say it again and again, but put yourself out there when you travel and get involved. It is the small moments that frame your perspective on life.

But this is what it is all about: kids being kids and playing outside. Not doom scrolling TikTok, actual connection, which we lack in today's consumerism society

Whatever, taking a picture and moving on, it was time to get going to grab a beer. See, the issue with me is that if you put me up in a tropical place with the sun shining, 99% of the time beer is involved 😂. Naturally, I waltzed into town and found a little bar with a rooftop place, perfect for watching the sunset.

Fiji Gold is a top-notch beer that I highly recommend. It's also not too expensive, either, I think 3-4 USD at a bar. Cheaper than the US, that is for sure!

I relaxed for a little bit, enjoying almost all of my beer, when I checked my phone and discovered something quite disturbing: my best friend had been arrested after being in a car crash.

Now, in recent years of my life, I cut off all ties to friendships but this guy right here. He is my ride or die (not to sound cringy haha) to the point where we have matching tattoos. If he jumped off a bridge, I would follow 😅.

So when I found out that news, I started looking into flights to see if I could go back and post his bail. Unfortunately, all of the flights were sold out that night, and thankfully, his family and friends were in town to assist with the matter.

And I am not sharing this because I want you to know that my friend was arrested, I am sharing this because the most important thing in life is showing up for the people that you care about ❤️.

Anyways, with my mood deflated, I decided to head off down the road to Burger King and grab some dinner.

It was cheap, and this was a budget trip, so it all worked out.

I brought it back to the same spot to enjoy my nuggets and have a fresh Fiji Gold. Delicious!

But I will tell you this: watching the sun go down on that rooftop bar really did help me process this news. It was a peaceful environment, and I was able to connect with my emotions, which is rare.

So peaceful here, even if you can't see the ocean. You know that relaxing shiver that goes down your spine...

Meeting Up With The ATV Friend

As the sun dipped below the Horizon, I got a message from the new friend I met while ripping ATVs, saying that we should meet at a bar for a drink. See that's what I mean! Just put yourself out there!

Sunset in Nadi, Fiji

Anyway, we got to the bar and began chatting away about life. He was off to the US for vacation for a few weeks, and actually was heading to where I live in LA when I would be back.

Now for Kava:

As we sat around the bar, the bartender began making a drink called Kava. Now, for those unaware, Kava has become the latest hit, especially for those looking to stay "sober". It is a native root of the Yaqona plant found in this region of the world that produces a calm effect (supposedly, I didn't try it). And we got to witness what it was like to actually make it, the real way.

So you basically get this packet, pour it into some bag, rinse it, strain it, etc (I am not entirely sure the full process, you should Google it).

I was a little scared when a package says "use in moderation 😅"

But it was cool to witness the making in real time

Anyways, we chatted for a while and went to a restaurant with my new mate, Nick, as he wanted to eat before his long flight up to Los Angeles.

It was the perfect way to end night one and take my mind off the news that I had just received. All in all, I walked back home and was asleep by 10 pm local time, ready for a crazy day the next day!

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a place to go out in Nadi, just head downtown and you will find plenty of different clubs and bars that have good views and plenty of vibes. It's just like a whole strip by Burger King and the supermarket. If trying authentic Kava is on your list, you can find it at almost every major bar, as it is a foundation of Fiji 😅. Defo give it a try, and don't be scared of the color of the water 😂.

Fiji Series:

Intro: A long weekend to Fiji

Fiji Airways A350 Economy LAX-NAN

Good coffee in Nadi, Fiji

Staying at a cheap Airbnb in Nadi, Fiji

ATV Tour In Nadi, Fiji

Pizza and chats in Nadi