Uruguayans love their mate

A nice, lazy day today in Colonia.

We woke late and walked to one of the local beaches which front the Rio de Plata. Whilst the river may look an unappealing, murky brown color it sure was warm and refreshing.

Uruguayans seem very content, happy people and share a number of traditions with their Argentine neighbours. One of them being they simply love to drink mate or a blend of herbal tea. Everywhere you go you can see whole families sharing the mate.

In today's shot the father is proudly holding his mate cup and straw whilst sitting with his family by the Rio de Plata. They seem very happy and sharing a joke. The mystery is what is the significance of the fluorescent yellow wristband on the mother and son?