We were hoping for low-key, year-end holidays. Instead, we battled a homegrown fire — on Christmas Eve! Nothing a little recovery time by our pool didn’t cure — along with two weeks of nursing Paul’s minor burns. Sadly now, our three-month visit to Costa Rica is ending. But included are nuggets on two reasonably priced Costa Rican properties we rented — one, a killer cabina near playa Bejuco with a pool for less than $50 per night and, the other, a modern two-bedroom with a balcony and a stunning view of wind-swept Lake Arenal (near Tronodora/Tilaran) for less than $40 per night. Medical tourism, our upcoming travel to Panama and more. Have a listen.