Friends sometimes drop in on one another, but it is mostly relatives who visit one another, and daughters frequently visit their mothers. The traditional timber-framed house does not have permanent walls, but shutters that are lowered, so visitors rarely need to knock to announce their presence. If a mat is not laid down, the visitor waits for one to be spread out. One also says Tulou when reaching for something above another person s head. One sits cross-legged on the mat, although a woman may extend one leg to her side and tuck the other under it.
Hosts normally offer guests fresh toddy, or share green drinking coconuts or tea.
If it happens to be mealtime, guests are invited to eat. The passerby will stop and chat briefly but does not normally stay to eat. The meal ends when the main chief is finished. It is followed by formal speeches, dances, and more speeches as hosts and recipients thank each other. Recreation Sports popular in Tuvalu include soccer, basketball, cricket, and volleyball.