A gourd used as a mate vessel in the Río de la Plata region. In Uruguay 'porongo' also works as a mild insult for someone dumb or useless. The original porongo is the oldest natural drinking vessel in the region.

An old, beat-up car that barely runs and makes noise at every traffic light. In Uruguay and Argentina the cachilo cruises the humble neighborhoods and rattles at every stoplight. But it keeps going, which is all that matters.

Stumbling from one setback to the next, struggling but not quitting. Going 'a los tumbos' means things aren't going well but you're still moving forward — it's the Argentine way of describing a tough but persistent fight.

A fine, persistent drizzle typical of Buenos Aires weather. The garúa isn't real rain but it soaks you anyway. It's the porteño's rain — subtle but relentless, showing up uninvited and staying forever.