El Prado

So yesterday my Uruguayan Literature class took a field trip to, "El Prado" which is an annual fair that displays the culture, products, animals, and people of rural Uruguay. It definitely reminded me of the fair back home. There were vendors, cotton candy stands, rides, and lots of food. In the center arena they had a livestock auction taking place and all around the arena there were various lifestock buildings that showcases the animals of interior Uruguay. Beautiful horses, cute little goats, enormous bulls, and lots more. It was really fun! So a group of us spent the day walking around enjoying the atmosphere and buying things here and there.

One thing that stands out when you come to Uruguay (or Argentina) is the amount of people drinking mate. Half, no joke, of the people you see are carrying around a thermos and mate. Mate is a herb that when added with hot water makes a type of drink. I really don't know how to describe it. People carry it around and drink it from a bombilla (straw like thing). They are addicted to it here! There are signs on the bus that say, "No toma mate (No drinking mate)" because of the necessity to limit the drink on buses for safety hazards (like if the bus suddenly stopped and you had a metal straw in your mouth). There are many traditions about mate and drinking it is part of the culture down here. But anyways, enough description. Google it if you want! I tried mate the other day and really disliked it. It almost burns your mouth its so hot and the taste is very bitter. They say you get used to it after a while, I dunno though. I have my doubts!

3 more days until Daniel arrives! Yay! I'm using this weekend to study and get ahead a little before he arrives. Catherine has left for Mendoza for the entire next week and Anna (my host sister) is away as well. So right now its just Susanna and I. The picture is of her and I on my birthday. She had made me a cake and little card (their on the table). Alright, this blog is starting to be a distraction. . . back to studying!