Under the weather

Last week I came down with a nasty cold that lasted into this week. Sadly, I used up the rest of the DayQuil that I smuggled in on the first day of my cold. This hot pink cough syrup is what I've been taking since then.

And so I've turned to tea for it's soothing powers. While I typically make a special trip to Libertad to buy Twinings tea, they were out of vanilla so I got a variety box of inti zen (made in Argentina).

Flavors include:

• Silencio Andino: Green tea, chamomile & orange peel
• Chaman Chai
• Patagonia Bee: Vanilla, honey & cacao
• Inca Rose: Earl Grey with rose petals
• Don Juan: Dulce de leche & berries
• Tea for Tango: Jasmine Mate
• Amazonia 12: Tropical Fruits
  
• English Breakfast

Maybe I'm a sucker for packaging but these colorful packets and interesting flavor combinations are good for lifting your spirit. Most of these make a good cup of tea, though Patagonia Bee is really really honey-y and the mate tastes like mate (it's not that I'm trying to be un-Argentine, I just don't like it!). The variety box is definitely worth a try and could be a nice 'with love from Argentina' gift. You can find inti zen in just about any supermarket and at La Fazenda.

Argentine Gifts - Drink Edition

I'm running out of time but wanted to mention a few other uniquely Argentine gifts. If you've ever been to Argentina you probably recognize the bottle of Fernet Branca above. This tiny version was found at a wine store and will be much easier to lug home than a full bottle but it still gives the recipient the full Argentine experience. Read more about Fernet here. 

If you want to give a mate to someone who won't actually drink it, how about a keychain from Raices instead?

And finally, I've mentioned Inti Zen tea before, but it's worth a reminder. The variety box gives you 8 blends including yerba mate and dulce de leche. Happy Holidays from Argentina!