After the requisite “Awww!” I started to check out the package contents. First I found a crack pipe.

Ok, It’s a bombilla, but I thought it was a crackpipe at first. I’ve been in Memphis too long.

And a Gourd, though I think the one I’m linking is a different style, it’s the same idea.

Seems to be a polished hardwood vessel. The one I was sent is absolutely beautiful.

I believe the traditional way is to put the loose tea in the bottom and pour nearly boiling water over it, then let it steep before drinking it through the bombilla. Here’s the tea.

Looks like pot, honestly.

Everything together has an undeniable old world charm.

Now, your job is to tell me how to make this tea without ruining it. Should I use my French Press or just rely on the straw for filtration? Do I let it steep for long, or drink it fast? Should I add sugar, milk, etc, or drink it as straight tea? What should I send the lovely Maria in a futile attempt to match a gift this cool? Help!

Don’t really have any details on locations or anything, but I figured I would share.

Update: Added the panoramic shot from http://www.flickr.com/photos/kelseyw/

I meant to post about it then, but I drink a lot, give me a break. He’s riding a motorcycle across the country and back and made a stop in Memphis for a night. We hit a few bars and he got cockblocked pretty hard core. Such is life. His blog has some amazing pictures though, check it out. http://www.biketrip.liveinmyhell.com/

Here’s the one blurry pic I took with Max in the background, then we got drunk and I forgot about taking pics.