Today was our day to see some of the Glaciers of Patagonia. They were billed as an incredible sight. And indeed they were. Please see the photos below that of course don’t do justice to the beautiful and awe inspiring experience.
As many of the readers of this blog already know I’m much more interested in interacting with people than I am seeing sights. Patrice and I conversed with a bunch of people on board the catamaran that carried us to the glaciers. One Argentinian custom we have learned about was drinking the “mate” (“Mah Tay”). “Mate” is an infusion. They put herbs in a cup and add hot water. Then they drink the liquid through a metal straw with a strainer that prevents the herb from getting into your mouth.
We saw numerous people drinking “mate” on the boat (see below). When we asked different people about the custom, they ALL offered to share the “mate” with us (using the same straw, of course). We declined each time making them think we were a couple of uptight Americans when in reality were are just a couple of germaphobe Americans.
Hasta luego,
Roberto
And our Captain with his “Mate” close at hand on the control panel.
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 
Looks like the most fun day!
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Excellent job with the photos. Great to see what a great time you and Patrice are having.
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The glaciers are magnificent !!! Your photos of the people interesting and their customs entertaining. Nature is my thing so you made my day by posting the photos of such incredible scenery! Thank you!😄
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Thank you
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It looks unbelievable I always wanted to go. Talk to your brother how close are u to the South Pole.
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We are about 3,000 miles from Antarctica.
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Spectacular scenery, but it’s the encounter with mate culture that has me chuckling. We made a trip to Paraguay 30+ years ago when we were introduced to this deeply embedded tradition- both hot and cold. We still have close friends who grew up in Argentina and elsewhere for whom mate is a regular part of social life. I’m not so freaked out by the germs as the taste – a sort of bitter hay 😝.
Joy of the journey to you both!
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