I come from a long line of hostesses. Not from a line of formal, bureaucrat-schmoozing housewives, but from an extended and immediate family that likes to host gatherings and be with friends. If you visit any of the houses of my grandparents and aunts, you will see how this translates into cleanliness and an always welcoming home. Indeed, growing up, my brothers and I learned this with "cleaning Friday (and sometimes Saturday)" while our friends were out in the neighborhood. After moving to Colorado, our back deck became a perfect setup, and my mother is the master of the last minute salad and appetizers, while my father enjoys playing grill-sergeant.

Upon entering college, my laundry-savvy and semi-cooking skills translated into advisor for a few friends.

It wasn't until this last month however, that I finally realized the extent of my 'hostess blood'.

After Kelsey left at the beginning of the month, I took a few days to play catch up before Sarah J arrived to visit Paris for the first time. S is an easy person to show around because of her already global-adventurous attitude. When I was in class, she just jumped on the suburban train and headed for Versailles or the Eiffel Tower. For her first time in Paris, I think she had the city pretty well mapped after only 5 days.

On the 8th, I turned 21 but didn't get to enjoy the U.S.-ritual celebrations...this will have to wait for my return. Instead, a group of us went to a super famous jazz club called "La Caveau de la Huchette". The location is incredible, in underground caves that have hosted everything from Knights of the Templar meetings to Revolutionary executions to the beginning of the Swing sensation. I can't complain, how many people can say they turned 21 where someone had their head chopped off 250 years earlier?? :)

In just a few hours, Jamin arrives with a few friends and will stay for a week before I welcome, Sarah M, with Tina to follow, then my German family, then Marsha, and then my dad! Of course, trained since birth for this moment, my homework is done weeks ahead of time, my studio is clean, and I have a big list of places I think are pretty awesome in Paris. Now I just have to cross my fingers for the rain to stop! :) For once, I can truly appreciate the dreaded friday afternoons of my childhood. (Thanks mom!)

Sometimes pictures tell stories better then words, and so here is a recap of the last few weeks:

For one of the first times since I have been here, I broke out the "hoodie" so despised here, to join S in my school pride! Out to dinner in Montmartre, we went to a super touristy place serving wine in baby bottles. The 65 year-old woman next to us was smart and squeeze it out into her water glass, we preferred not to be so classy for once.
Spring has arrived. One friday afternoon at the garden beside Notre Dame.
Every 1st Friday of the month, Notre Dame placed the Jesus's crown of thorns on display. Real or not, the church is packed with people in veneration. This is as close as we could get without waiting in an unending line.
The Paris Marathon was on April 6th, as a true Boulder-ite, I was at the finish line to cheer them on! The first picture is the winner.

A wedding party on the Seine.

The Cluny Middle Ages Museum

These are the original heads of the kings at the front of Notre Dame, chopped off during the Revolution and found buried in a backyard about 20 years ago. Noseless of course!

SNOW!!! It was just overnight but was enough to stick to the windshields in the morning!!

The Sonia Rykiel window display next to my school. The dogs move. There is a window next to this where the woman has a bunch of men on a leash too.

Down in the caves of the jazz club.