Ivan's place was fantastic for me. A well-decorated, comfortable, artistic oasis in the heart of Mexico Cities somewhat chaotic Central Historic District, it has fully functional kitchen, and a washing machine.
Full of individual pieces of AMAZING authentic art and a library, and overlooking a small plaza/park with an outdoor gym, it was a safe, pleasant place to view all sorts of activity. Children playing, young men exercising, old men on benches, cultural events, people walking by, locals washing cars for money, etc. – all visible out the window any time of day.
A plethora of sounds permeate the space from the streets below, from operatic music from a nearby church, to children laughing, to celebratory yells and hollers, conversations, pop music, church bells and more. The apartment is alive with the sounds of Mexico city.
Just two or three blocks through the park is Barrio China, or Chinatown which is surrounded by streets lined with restaurants and traditional Mexican market wares and shops. Zocalo (Central Square) is within easy walking distance as is a high-end market, and and many, many, other shops and market where absolutely anything is available. Museums, roof-top bars, cultural centers, Central Park, etc. is all within a ten or fifteen block radius.
On the opposite block is a grocery store with an ATM within easy walking distance. And public transportation and a main thoroughfare is just up another few blocks.
All in all, a perfect launching pad to explore the grittier, more realistic, authentinc beating heart of Mexico City.
And I haven't even gotten around what a great host Ivan was. We spent a number of evenings together, and he graciously showed me around the neighborhood when I arrived, sharing his perspecitves on Mexico City and life with me. I could go on, but suffice it to say, this is a great, comfortable little apartment, and Ivan was a great host.
One last thing. The apartment is on the fourth floor of a corner apartment building. There is an elevator, and a locked door to the street. And when you enter, there is a security point with a friendly 24-hour guard (Juan) who is there to make sure no one gets in who doesn't belong.
The apartment is in the outside corner of the apartment overlooking the park, inside the building is a courtyard which is overlooked by balconies outside the apartments. I saw very little of the other tenants, but the ones I met were friendly.