Loving and not loving so much

Things I like about Mexico:

• They shut one of their biggest streets, Reforma, every Sunday for hours on end so people can cycle, rollerskate, walk etc. There are also a plethora of free cycle surgeries available.
• The views! The city is massive and it is fascinating sitting out on my friend's balcony and drinking in the sights and sounds of the city. 
• The people are generally very friendly and always want to practice their English on me, which works for me, as my Spanish is still painfully lacking. 
• The wine. It's certainly not Californian, but I thought it would be more like Bulgarian wine, and it is surprisingly pleasant.
• The food. Is tasty and super, although I have to say not that much like anything I have had from the allegedly authentic 'Wahacca' in London.
• The buzz. The city is really noisy, and everyone feels like they are going somewhere, without the freneticism of NY or London.

Things I am not sure whether I like or not:

• There are lots of American stores here. This is great from a comfort level as I know they will have lots of things I like and menus etc in English, but it is further evidence of corporate globalisation. Two new US stores that have opened up nearby is Olive Garden and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Starbucks is everywhere. Probably more here than there were in LA (Or maybe I am just more attuned to them here?)
• The weather. I know it seems strange saying that as it is so sunny, but it is pretty hot for a city to live in. This time of the year it is averaging in the mid 80s every day. Great if you are on a beach and can dip in the ocean whenever you want, but not so great when walking through the city. Although there is often a nice breeze. 

Things I am not so keen on:

• The noise. The thing about staying in the centre of the city is that it is great to get everywhere, and the flat I am staying in is lovely, but the sirens go all through the night, and it can play havoc with a relatively light sleeper like me - even with ear plugs in!
• The pollution. I am constantly blowing my nose because of all the crap in the air!
• Mexico City is not based on any water like most cities I have been too. The oceans are hundreds of miles away, and there is no major river to speak of.
• BBC Latin America is a bit rubbish. It is full of repeats from a long time ago, repeats of adverts and I think is really missing the point of BBC programming. They have so many channels available at home, and have some great programmes, but instead feel they need to fill up the channel with Total Wipeout, Dancing with the Stars (American Strictly Come Dancing) and The Voice (American version from last year not this year) and Sport Relief from last year. My friend says it is much better than the BBC used to be in Russia, but really I was am pretty disappointed. (I was however delighted to see The Boat Race on BBC World News this morning).
• Montezuma's Revenge - for those of you who don't know what this is I suggest you look it up. I won't go into details here, suffice to say I have been struck down a number of times...