This was very interesting. I would not recommend it for conventional travelers but it was definitely a unique experience. I will provide more details in my trip report when i get back.

I went to a Chinese restaurant in Santo Domingo once. Dominicans cover everything they eat in garlic, and this "Chinese" food tasted much more like garlic than anything Chinese. Luckily, I love garlic, so it was fine with me! :-)

Bookmarking for the TR. Please post a link when you get it done. We almost got an apartment in the Buttes aux Cailles area for our October, but ended up in the 11th, instead.

Looking forward to your TR. We have considered renting in this neighborhood too.