Female 1: Bariloche is the central town of the beautiful Argentine Lake District and lures its fair share of tourists year round. The attractive log and stone buildings of the main square reflect the town’s European roots.

Culturally, Bariloche is a perfect mix of Swiss and German orderliness with a healthy doze of the southern hemisphere’s relaxed friendliness.

There is one purely Argentine cultural icon, Yerba Mate, a tea made from dried holly leaves that is consumed through a filtered straw from an ornate gourd. This is something we’ve seen everywhere in Argentina. And I'm wondering what it is. It’s pronounced ma-te.

Female 2: And this is typical of Argentina because it’s part of our culture. And this bag is to carry the equipment, the mate and the water so you have to prepare a mate with a plant that grows in the north of Argentina. Nearly everybody in Argentina drinks this. It’s healthier than other. And it’s not so delicious for foreigners.

Female 1: And we’ll see here.

Female 2: Yes. They find it a bit sour.

Female1: It tastes like herbs. No, it’s good.

Female 2: It’s good?

Female 1: And with a little sugar.

Female 2: With not boiled water, it tastes better. This is delicious for us.

Female 1: Never turn down an offer to taste mate as sharing it is a traditional sign of acceptance and friendship even if the bitter taste does take a little getting used to.