Friday 14 March 2008

Things I like # 3 Drinking mate with friends



Mate is like a pungent green tea that is probably a bit of an acquired taste but it´s a massive part of the culture in parts of South America. It´s a social ritual that has been around for 100s of years and is still popular with young people.

Even in 35 degree heat people will be carrying around their flasks and Gourds, sharing the drink pretty much anywhere. People have been friendly enough to offer us a taste on several occasions which you obligingly take but it´s a great opportunity to strike up a conversation in Spanglish.

Many brands such as amanda even have free hot water dispensers at bus stops and petrol stations which I think is a nice touch. It beats paying for over priced crapy coffee at the services.

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