Company!

Last weekend marked my transition from solo living in Paris to hosting company in Paris. My aunt and her cousin (my first cousin once removed, hereafter "cousin") came to visit for a long weekend before heading to the south of France. We had a fantastic time. I'd never met my cousin before, but we all got along fabulously (and the true test of getting along fabulously is sharing a 150 square foot room with them).

We did the usual museums and landmarks, and I was able to show them around the neighborhood. It's nice having a traditional French market a couple blocks away so that I can give people a genuine French experience. I took them to Place de Vosges for a picnic and to my watercolor artist who sells his work in the corner of the park. We walked to Notre Dame at night and sat in front of the Eiffel Tower waiting for it to light up. We went to an Alsacean restaurant near my flat to celebrate my aunt's 39th birthday. But I think my favorite night was their last night. We got a poulet roti, cheese, fruit, and a baguette, finished off two bottles of wine and some macaroons, and talked and laughed around my very small table until we realized it was after 11, and we had to get up in less than six hours.

Their visit made me feel more at home in Paris than six weeks of being here on my own did. I hadn't quite realized how well I've gotten to know my little neighborhood and the idiosyncrasies of the language and culture. It was fun to share it with other people. And I'll have the opportunity to do so. Charles arrives for his second visit tomorrow. Two days after he leaves, my parents arrive for two weeks in and out of Paris. I have a friend who will visit just before I leave. I will also visit Burgundy, Provence, and Marseille. It's going to be a busy and very fun six weeks.