Mate' is friendship

What is mate'? Mate' is a tea-like plant popular in South America, among other places. Stroll into any park in Argentina and you'll probably see people with mate' gourds, bombillas (the silver straw that also filters the leaves) and smiles.

People share mate' and usually drink from the same bombilla. Why? Because mate' is friendship. Drinking from the same bombilla is said to be like a kiss.

Do you know of a particularly good mate'? My favorite is the semi dulce mate' from Buenos Aires. It has just a little sweetness.

My favorite memories of mate' began at the park near Recoleta in Buenos Aires. I noticed people with what looked like wind sacs and thermos bottles all over. They would spread blankets on the ground and serve mate'. I had to try it. And, once I did, I was hooked. It's tasty, good for you and a definite conversation piece.

Here's a picture of a bombilla: