Nuestra Paraguayita

Our Little Paraguayan

Although we didn't follow through with getting her the legal documentation to be a "true" Paraguayan (we figured being a citizen of the U.S. and of Trinidad and Tobago was enough), Jasmine was born in and only has known Paraguay. She is our paraguayita. This morning at church she showed her true colors by asking Felix for his tereré. This was the first time she tried the national drink and past-time.

Tereré (the liquid inside the thermos and cup Jasmine is holding) is a typical drink from Paraguay. It is very popular among young and old people. It is common to see students going to school with a guampa and their thermos underneath their arms filled with plenty of ice and water, for summer temperatures can reach 40° to 45°C (104° to 113°F).

Workers used to have a "tereré break" instead of a coffee break. In most workplaces, tereré is allowed among other things because the yerba mate has stimulant effects that can be likened to the role of coffee in an American workplace.

As a popular remedy, the people of Paraguay heal various ailments such as headache, stomachache, and diarrhea by adding medicinal herbs into the water.

The act of drinking Tereré is more than just that, however. It is often used as a reason to share and chat with a partner, meet new people, or just for meditation when drinking alone at the end of the day.

Jasmine will always have her roots in Paraguay.

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