Oh, daughter dear, I forgot you were reading this. Please forgive your father for trying the local lifestyle including the DRUGS! *grin*

Actually betel nut is something the island peoples have used for generations. There are special cutters, they look a little like scissors, for cutting the nut and rousing the kernal from the husk. Then they cut the kernal up into pieces and pass them around. Apparently it gives you a mild rush. It didn't seem to affect me.

The more dedicated (or addicted) of the betel nut chewers add lime and tobacco and wrap the whole thing in some kind of leaf. Yesterday at lunch Nando mentioned that the people of Palau chew the nut when it is green because they believe it is stronger. Nando says it is only more bitter and harder to chew.

I can only say it must be a learned taste. And I don't think I have what it takes to learn that taste.