Useful terms and definitions.
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Abbonamento RAI
(Italy) the obbligatory and expensive television licence. It’s not just that the programmes are bad (and they are) but there’s so little value for money. There are very few original programmes for children, the rare examples of cultural programming are put on after midnight in August, and the three networks are dominated by inane shows with dancing girls and screaming C-list celebrities.
Source: http://shakespearepoliticsitaly.wordpress.com/2008/11/04/rai-not/
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Caja
(Costa Rica) Public health care system.
You can insure yourself for under $60 per month depending on your income. Many Costa Ricans pay under $20 dollars monthly for full medical coverage.
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Calvo Clause
When a foreigner is buying land out side of the restrictive zone (see Restrictive Zone) they must waive the right to ask their government for protection to defend the property they've acquired. This covenant is known a the Clausula Calvo.
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Cedula
In Many Latin American countries this is the only valid form of ID (to open a bank account)also known as a tax certificate. (Chile, Philippines, Costa Rica...)
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Ex Parte Proceedings
(Panama)-Allowing one party in a trail or civil suit to meet with judges and prosecutors without the presence of the opposing party and without notifying them in advance
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Expatriate
A person temporarily or permanently living in a country other that that of the person's upbringing or legal residence.
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Fideicomisos
A Mexican real estate trust.
The Mexican Constitution prohibits foreign ownership of land in certain parts of Mexico (see Restricted Zone). The bank, as trustee buys the property for the foreigner. It holds the title to the property in a trust, then has a fiduciary obligation to follow instructions given by the foreigner who is the trust beneficiary. The foreigner is entitled to use, enjoy, and even sell the property that is held in trust at its market value to any eligible buyer while the bank holds title to the property.
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Las Posadas
(Mexico)
In Mexico, Christmas is an important holiday season with strong traditions. One of the most colorful traditions is the posada party, celebrated every evening from December 16 to 24. These celebrations commemorate Mary and Joseph's cold and difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter. "Posada" in Spanish, simply means lodging or shelter. Nowadays, the posada has evolved into a religious and social celebration, paying a festive homage to the journey.
Each one of these nights before Christmas, a party is held in a home in the neighborhood. There is plenty of food and drink, with candies and fruit for the children. At dusk, all the guests gather outside the house. A small child dressed as an angel leads, followed by children carrying figures of Mary and Joseph. Boys and girls dressed in silver and gold robes constitute the procession, followed by the adults and musicians. Everyone sings melodious songs as they walk slowly along, carrying their lit candles. When they reach the house, the group divides in two. One half remains outside and begs for shelter from the other half, which is inside the house. The doors are then opened, the religious part of the celebration ends, and the fun begins.
The happy end to each posada has always been the piñata. A piñata is a fragile earthenware jar covered with paper mache, traditionally made in the shape of a star, to recall the one that so mysteriously guided the Three Kings to the newborn Jesus. Now piñatas come in all shapes and sizes and are filled with candy, toys, and sometimes money.
In the old days, the last posada held on December 24 was most popular, because it was followed by midnight Mass. In the provinces of Mexico, this tradition lives on.
The following article is reproduced with the kind permission of
the Consul General in Austin Texas.
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Lese majeste laws
These are laws that forbid anyone from speaking ill of the King, the Queen, or their Heir-Apparent. In Thailand these the punishment for breaking these laws can be very severe with sentences ranging from three to fifteen years in prison.
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Ponche Navideno
(Mexico)
The Traditional Hot Christmas Punch of Mexico
It looks like a bubbling pot of hot fruit salad. It smells like heaven. It's a classic symbol of Christmas all over Mexico.
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Restricted Zone
The restricted zone includes all land located within 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of any Mexican border, and within 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) of any Mexican coastline. See Fideicomisos
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Salario Minimo Interprofesional
(Spain) The Spanish minimum wage. Also known as SMI. Created in 1963, It is a guaranteed monthly salary that encompasses all occupations, businesses and economic sectors.
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Third Culture Kids
A person who has spent a significant amount of time in one or more cultures other than their own. Also known as TCKs or 3Cks and Global Nomads.
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Tio' de Nadal
(Spain) The Christmas Log. An upright hollow tree log with a painted face. The Christmas Log (Tio') is "fed" each night up until Christmas. On Chiristmas the Tio' is beaten with a stick to a special song and ordered to release it's treats.
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