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times before the process was reversed and we skipped into the vicinity of the traditional dwellings. The beat and chants became soothing, an almost hypnotic rolling that encouraged the visitors to enter and then the music again fell silent.
A spokesperson for the community came forward to announce, through a translator, that we, in the presence of his people and through expected gifts of the physical and open minds were welcomed to join the celebrations. Parcels of betel leaf, betel nut and limestone powder had been gifted us although, we were not expected to consume as outsiders.
Betel nut is the fruit of the areca palm and offers a stimulant effect that drives faster response between the brain and body. The chewing of betel is a common practise throughout south-east Asia, and here it was firsthand being used in a ceremonial practise. The use of betel is a debate for another time, yet the evidence of oral issues was evident throughout the Mambae people we were guests of, I refused to judge, I have my own vices with the only difference being that mine are heavily taxed by varying governments of the world.
Formalities out of the way we were welcomed into the community, two of our grouped had been welcomed
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