Since we’re on the subject of the cost of living, I wanted to throw my two cents in about something. Though many things here in Costa Rica (such as automobile and electronics) are more expensive than other parts of the world, I am still amazed at innexpensive other things are.

For instance, I had not been feeling well for about a month. Suddenly my symptoms got much worse yesterday. The last thing I wanted to do was to drive to San Jose, which is over an hour away, and wait in an emergency room. My housekeeper took it upon herself to call a local doctor. I didn’t even know there were any doctors where I live in Paraiso de Cartago!

The doctor actually came to my house 10 minutes later. He perfomed an examination, scheduled tests (also nearby) and wrote me a prescription. All for $24. Amazing! What’s even more amazing is that my prescription cost only $1 to fill.