BETEL NUT CHEWING
Flores, in Eastern Indonesia, still conserves some of its villages traditional ways. Despite the impact of tourism, its inhabitants live in little houses sheltered only by stone and hay, and rarely any electricity or running water.
​
Life is quiet over here, and not much happens aside from selling handcrafted goods to foreign visitors. However, everyone seems to be chewing something.
​
Chewing betel nut is a practice that can by traced back as far as 2000 years. It's use has cultural and social importance in the South and South East Asia regions. Due to its natural alkaloids, the substance produces a mild feeling of euphoria and well being.
It is one of the most popular psychoactive substances in the world, in fourth place after nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine. However, prolonged use has been evidenced to cause oral cancer and tooth decay.