Mate has been my morning drink of choice for around 2 years now :) I love how much energy it gives me and doesn't have that jittery feeling that will result from to many cups of coffee! I just purchases my first bombilla and it has made the drinking experience so much better. 

I have heard that it is considered friendship tea in many South American countries because of the nature that you described above of pouring more hot water and passing it on to the next person. One of my Argentinean friends told me that the person who prepares the first cup drinks first then passes it on for the next person to drink then refill with water and pass on to the next person. Is this the same cultural tradition in Uruguay? 

I can not wait until I get to see this tradition in its place of birth. Soon enough hopefully :) Cheers!