11.16
Let’s talk about Khat – and to talk about it is only natural, since Khat and conversation go hand in hand in Yemen. Sure, it might strike us gringos a bit odd that the whole country would just throw in the towel after lunch time and spend the next two to three hours chewing these leaves of stimulating effect. But the main reason to do so is largely social. This is the time when men gather together to make decisions, talk politics and ponder the mysteries of life.
Such gatherings are something that is missing from our culture – or is at least they are very occasional and even then, they aren’t as large as the typical Yemeni ones. The Khat parties we attended had dozens of people there, talking about all aspects and problems of their lives with each other. Nobody was overtly intoxicated (except perhaps yours truly, because the rush from the leaf was a bit too much for unaccustomed), the effect Khat had on the chewers was more coffee- or mildly amphetamine-like stimulation that kept the conversation going and the mood positive.
Like anything natural, the fresh produce is always more enjoyable. The khat you can buy from the cities tends to be less than fresh and more dry, so if you have the chance to travel to the valleys and mountains where khat is being farmed, this maximizes the enjoyment. And don’t just chew it in your own company – strike up a conversation and become a part of true Yemeni tradition!
R
Want to see our whole trip in Yemen? Order the DVD here.
So weird that westerners would deem something sociably stimulating as evil and strange. You guys have to come back to my country! Nothing is scarier and more strange than the United States.
Khat is most potent within 48 hours of harvest, so not only is it more fresh, but the amount of Cathinone (the active ingredient in Khat) is far higher… after 48 hours it changes to Cathine which is less potent.
Unfortunately Cathinone is a ’schedule 1′ narcotic in the United States, as well as Europe (excluding Britain), and some illegal labs have created a synthetic form of the cathinone, called Methcathinone or Qat.
Personally I do not believe Khat should be illegal in any country, as it is part of a culture. Plus when you make something illegal, it is generally abused more so, and things like Methcathinone are created… which is purely synthetic and not ‘cultural’ at all.
We should all learn some lessons from Yemen… where an “illegal” drug is consumed on a daily basis and only strengthens their social and cultural bond. I admire this, and am jealous of Riku and Tunna (as always!!) for having experienced it. Western cultures should stop trying to control everything and let people make their own decisions. As long as their decisions do not negatively impact my life, it is none of my business.
Thanks for the write-up! Can’t wait for the DVD.
My last comment lead me to a question for Riku and Tunna… What are you political beliefs? I am guessing that based on your travels and how open-minded you both are, that you tend to be ‘libertarian’… that is, the belief that each person owns their own life and property, and has the right to make their own choices for how to live their life… as long as you respect the same right of others to do the same, and do not negatively impact anyone else’s life through your own actions.
Of course I could be far off the mark… but you both seem to embrace all differences between people, and celebrate the way others choose to live their life… essentially a belief in freedom.
I bet Khat could help people w/ attention disorders. I’m sure it’s better than taking some prescribed medications.
Call o Da Mads! I’m there dudes!