The comment about bundling up to go to the toilet brought back memories. I lived with a girlfriend one winter in Tokyo and a layer of ice would form in the toilet bowl at night. There's a reason that the Japanese developed warm toilet seats.

My wife and I lived in Mexico for eight years and even bought a house in Merida on the Yucatan Peninsula. We loved Mexico but there are things that will drive you crazy about typical houses.

No one has a bathtub - everyone showers.

Closets are small - people don't have big wardrobes.

You cannot drink or cook with tap water most of the time.

Almost no houses have central air.

Electricity is expensive.

Postal service is dysfunctional.

Garbage service is a DIY arrangement with independent services.

But hey, no place is perfect. The food was to die for and the people were great.