Tereré is a drink and a ritual which is both traditional and incredibly popular in
Paraguay. The associated equipment consists of a
termo (large thermos flask),
guampa
(the cup) and
bombilla (metal filter
straw) looks like this:
 |
| Esther’s termo is decorated with ñanduti, a special kind of Paraguayan lace. Others are made of blue
plastic. I saw some in San Ignacio displayed alongside matching shoes and bags
as fashion items. |
The flask contains water and lots of ice, plus possibly a
herbal “remedio” such as rosemary.
The guampa is filled with yerba mate (mate tea leaves) and a little
of the water is poured out into it – just enough for a few ice-cold swallows
through the bombilla. Repeat.
Tereré is usually drunk socially, in which case one person
pours, offering the guampa to everyone in strict rotation. People take their
termos everywhere – taxi and bus drivers in the capital will be drinking tereré
with one hand and steering with the other, and everyone on the bus probably has
theirs with them too.
 |
| Some yerba mate in Demetria's shop. |
I actually tried tereré for the first time with Paraguayan
friends in Austria. It is deliciously refreshing in hot weather and I am
already looking out for a termo of my own…
No comments:
Post a Comment