The rain is pouring down, the lightening is shockingly bright and we are sitting inside enjoying the t.v. I believe everyone is getting ready for merinda time (where they eat a small snack and drink tea or mate to hold them over until dinner. This usually takes place at 5 or 6pm).
   Mari's dad made an asado with chicken for lunch, and he explained to me that he only used lemon for flavor. We cut up hard boiled eggs, onions and tomatoes and mixed it with oil and salt. And to drink, concentrated juice with soda water. Speaking of soda water, it's a popular item. A lot of people here mix soda water with their red wine... it was a strange sight at first but now I'm used to it. It's either juice or Coca Cola. Like I've told you before, Coco Cola runs in their blood here.. they drink it with almost every meal.

Here was the small section of soda in cans: notice how little there are?

     I went with Mari and a friend to a shopping center, very similar to a Wal Mart. We found the isle where sodas and drinks were, and Mari saw some cans of Coca Cola. She quickly pointed to them and shouted "I haven't seen these in years!!!!!!" I've never seen coke in a can either, or any soda in a can. It all comes in bottles. Everyone saves the glass bottles; you trade it in when buying a new bottle for a small discount.

 Another thing: It's not strange to touch some one's baby while you are waiting in the check out line. Evey one is very friendly in that manner. A lot of the times, complete strangers will start pinching the cheeks of some woman's baby, and she doesn't mind at all. I think in the U.S., that would anger some people... I think it's great though!

This was the woman standing infront of us in line. Mari reached out to hold the baby's hand.. and the mother only turned and smiled.