a passion for Paris

Kirsten Steen is one of my long-term blogging friends.  I visit her to get my regular dose of beauty and Paris.  She is a woman who pursues her passions with grace and dedication.  It is a delight to introduce you to a traveler and fellow shutterbug.  I know you'll love Kirsten as much as I do. 

My sister moved to Paris over 20 years ago

and since then, it has become a captivating passion for me. 

We began going every couple of years to visit and then as times got better, every year. 

With time, planning and luck, we bought an apartment, a car 

(and a parking space, yes they're real estate too) 

and took a year off from our jobs,

 living in and traveling France and nearby countries. 

Since travel and photography are also my passions,

here are a few photos to show you some of the things I love about Paris. 

Sooo many shops...

and such ancient beauty...

Ohhh their balconies...

Who can resist the many fountains?

And the window shopping...

Another passion for me is doors and windows

and in Paris, there is a magnificent shot on every block and around every corner...

I love their pasttimes...

Of course, le PAIN!

the FOOD...

And the dizzying variety of those patisserie yummies. 

I understand that Paris belongs to everyone

but...

it seems we each have our own little slice of it

filled with the sights, sounds, smells and people we come across daily

all wrapped up in that dream-like hue called memory. 

And each time we visit that dream,

or someone else's,

we get to return again and again

to our own little neighborhood, restaurant or cafe

and dream of the next time. 

(Photos copyright: Kirsten Steen)