This was my day long companion yesterday, my yerba mate gourd. The ritual of mate is can be simple or complicated depending on to whom you speak. I opted for the easier, toss in the mate and add hot water method. Since the gourd is small and it is sipped slowly, you have to have a thermos of hot water with you all the time. Not a big deal and if you are serious about it, they make special mate water bottles in carrying cases. I also went for the simple and inexpensive gourd and straw ($5) instead of buying one of the very beautiful and expensive silver decorated versions.
My initial reaction to the stimulating effects of the mate was completely unlike that of coffee. I like the flavor and drank quite a bit reasonably quickly, yet I didn't get the caffeine jitters. I guess the best way I can describe it is by saying it is like being light headed but not absent mindedly so. It was a weird feeling. I didn't feel overly alert either. I just felt weird in a good way.
Today marks 8 months on the road. I feel like I have seen an incredible amount of things, and also nothing compared to what I have not yet seen. In any event, my decision to travel was one of the best decisions in my life. I love it. I am having more fun than should be allowed, my outlook on the world is expanding everday, and best of all, I met an incredible woman that makes me very happy. Some days I cannot believe how exciting my life is now compared to what it once was. I took a chance giving up my previous life and now I am living my dream.
Life is good.
