Day Tripping
Today John and I went to drink kava. I didn’t feel anything. “All we are is dust in the wind…” (Kansas). The bartender, Dawn, gave us the low- down: she explained to us what kava is and what it is used for. First, she gave us kava in its raw form. Then she joined us in a toast of “Boola!” She told us “it’s got a very earthy flavor.” I didn’t mind; I thought it tasted like tea. So we ordered a strawberry kava drink, and Dawn served them in little coconut cups. It tasted good. It did not, however, give me the feeling I anticipated. John said he did feel it. “It’s kind of like the mushrooms.” I was bereft of any elation or sedation or unity or oneness. Then we went to downtown New Smyrna beach. I wanted to go to Cool Beans coffee shop, but they were closed, so we just admired the bamboo and orchids on the patio. I got an espresso at a little outdoor bar. “Don’t you want cream and sugar in that?” “No, the suffering is part of the experience.” We walked to the beach and t...