Mate, the Museum of Fine Arts, and meeting with the other exchange groups

During the day our group spent sometime learning about the origin of the native Argentine drink mate. We came together with other students from Georgetown Prep where we learned that the mate had first derived from the Guaranie Indians who lived in Northeastern Argentina in Misiones. Also the group learned that within mate it included the mate cup with the bombilla, a straw like instrument for drinking. Within the drink itself there is normally water but can be substituted by other drinks like orange juice which is called terere. The water is kept in a termo or thermos at 80 degrees Fahrenheit in order to stay hot. Everyday students all over the school drink it and share it with others. 

  

 

Not only did the group spend time learning about mate but we also got to learn about ancient history and the arts at the museum of fine arts as well. There were paintings and statues from all periods of time ranging from Greek mythology all the way to modern day. As we spent the time roaming the museum admiring all the art in front of us it all really helped teach us parts of the history of Spain and Argentina. 

Towards the end of our day we spent time with our host brothers and all the other students from the United States from other schools such as Loyola from Los Angles and Georgetown Prep from Washington D.C. We all shared many delicious foods together such as cookies and chocolate milk and later on played against one another in soccer and basketball. 

All of us had a great time walking through the city, getting to hangout with other fellow students from the United States, and learning about mate and cannot wait to learn more about Argentina during our trip.

-Joe Galvin '21