Costa Rica Cost Of Living Update: Marchamo, the equivalent to limited liability insurance based on value of your car-  $200/year for older SUV

Holidays can be a stressful time of year.  Recounting when your big sister left you tied to a tree, for 2 hours,  30 years ago always adds the perfect dash of Christmas hostility.  But somehow after all the dishes are cleared and everyone is getting ready to leave, you can’t help but feel thankful that this wacky family is yours.  And somehow the wackiness feels oddly reassuring in your otherwise unsure life.

Disclaimer: By no means do I wish to compare these angry howler monkeys with my lovely family.  I will certainly get a better reaction when I walk through the door. That’s if my sister doesn’t tie me to a tree first.