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Friday, June 8, 2012

Who doesn't love Paris!?!


What makes Paris so irresistible? 
It's a love affair! 
It starts with one of the most famous, and romantic, of all symbols:
The Eiffel Tower.





Who hasn't heard the stories of lifetimes together
starting at the top (or even bottom) of the Eiffel Tower. 
I've heard personally of several people who either proposed 
or were proposed to atop the tower or on a boat on the Seine while cruising past. 
for one such romantic love story. 




Then the love affair moves to the Seine,
a river flowing with history, fame and glory. 




One only needs to say the word 'Seine' and the world knows where you are. 




And of course there are the cafes!
The perfect place no matter the weather
be it a chilled kir in the summer
or the ever popular chocolate chaud in  winter. 



And for me,
the affair always includes the open-air markets...



with their vibrant colors,







and tempting flavors,




seasonal freshness,



and delicate seafood.




I love the glitz and fun of the holidays...


...the hidden courtyards,


the doors,




and windows,












And the metro,
night or day...



I adore the bread





and the cheese




of course the wine



and don't get me started on the luscious, decadent sweets...




and hot perfect frites,





...the art,



and architecture,








and the fabulous photo shots,








...don't forget the myriad choices and flavors of
'real' champagne...





...and the ancient finds on every walk. 



But above all else,
the biggest draw for me in Paris
is my very own heart...
My family!

My sister and her children live in Paris 
and it's because of them that Paris shines even brighter for me. 


There's no one in the world like your sister
and mine has given me Paris.
Not sure I'll ever be able 
to return such a favor. 

************************



Be sure to stop by Anita's
Castles, Crowns and Cottages
for the Simply Irresistible Paris Link Party. 



See you there! 




(Photographs copyright: Kirsten Steen)

28 comments:

  1. We all love Paris... especially your Paris! Great images Kirsten... Happy weekend... xv

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  2. Oh Kirsten...
    You have brought tears to my eyes...
    First of all, you mentioned my love on la Tour Eiffel (xo)...THEN...your fabulous photos that capture Paris SO perfectly, all of it...And the FOOD, mon dieu I am Starving right now! And then,to finish off...it makes me teary that your sister is there, because my sister was there for so many years, and I know how it is to miss your sister, and then to arrive in Paris and feel the love of family...the best love with Paris there is. How fabulous is this virtual party in Paris of Anita's, I am having so much fun! AND, I have found you on Pinterest now, so we can share there too...
    Have a fantastic weekend,
    nathalie

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  3. Oh, how nice it is that your sister lives in this beautiful place. I loved all your pictures, but especially the ones of the yummy foods - the breads and cheeses and desserts. My girls said that the food was delicious when they visited there. I am glad that I stopped by to see your unique and sweet post.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  4. Hi Kirsten...

    How lucky to have a sister in Paris.
    It must be so much fun to visit!!

    I love your blog post, it makes me feel like I know so much more about that beautiful city.

    I am now a follower and I would like to invite you to visit my blog and be entered in my blog giveaway.

    XOXO
    Dessa Rae

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  5. Ok, Kirsten, I want a book of your photos, a big coffee table book so I can look at these photos whenever I'm missing Paris. They're gorgeous!
    Next year, next year, next year. Ah!
    xxoo
    Val

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  6. Oh a most wonderful post for our Paris Journey with Anita!So moving and such beautiful images.

    Anita's Parisian Party
    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  7. Welcome in Paris darling...nice to met you here....what a great party this is !!...love Anita.....she is such a great friend for all of us.....happy week enjoy your time here....xxxx..

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  8. BONJOUR MON AMIE!!!

    I am finally making my rounds here for I got a late start yesterday! This is such a special post for the Eiffel tower has a special meaning for each individual who loves it. It symbolizes love and dreams and each one of us has a distinct story to tell. I am so happy that you participated in this my dear and I wish you a FUN PARTAAAY TIME! Now I just wish I had some CHAMPAGNE!!! Anita

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  9. What a beautiful post! To have a sister that lives in Paris - wow! I would love to rent a place and live there for a year and really get to know it, not just as a tourist. Your images are fantastic and I say amen to all of it. Thanks Kirsten for taking me along. Come have breakfast with me in Paris at my blog.

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  10. How special to have family there, to be able to know the nooks and crannies. Your images are so beautiful, I especially love that almost every one of them had a lavender glow to them, not just because of your background.
    Glad I stopped by via Anita's Parisian blog party.
    Much love,
    Marcia

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  11. Beautiful photos and journey through your Paris. My husband and I rented an apt at the corner of Dominique and Rapp, and dined at the Champs de Mars. It was our first dining experience in Paris as we waited our apartment to open. We shopped at the Rue Cler market, local fromageries and wine shops. It was a dream...
    Truly your sister has given you a precious gift.
    Wishing you a most lovely weekend! xoxo, B

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  12. I am just a little country mouse who has never been to Paris, I wish MY sister lived there. Of all the beautiful Paris pictures I have seen today, yours made me the hungriest. Yummmm, where can I find some of that divine bread? I guess I have to go to Paris! Wonderful photos.

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  13. If I had a sister, and she lived in Paris ~ Oh What FUN!!!!!

    This has been delightful,

    ~ Violet

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  14. That is the best way to see a city... to have someone close to you who lives there give you the tour. Looks like your sister took great care of you.
    Thanks to Anita for bringing us together in Paris!

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  15. i agree that it is the most romantic city in the world and i did read nathalie's sweet story :)
    i love this tour of paris you have given us, i am glad you took us to the market because that is one of my favourite things about france.
    it's so lovely meeting you here, thanks to dear anita.

    wishing you a magical week xx

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  16. O seester o mine, I'm so touched that you give me credit for giving you Paris. But, you and I both know that the fabulous City of Lights that you have made your second home was always there, waiting for you, and that I have been simply the whining little sister whom you had to prove wrong. So, if you will one day publish my "gna-gna's" (French onomatopoeia for gripes) about this dream city, I promise to give you my own list of what I truly do love about Paris. It would probably illicit more than a few laughs. I love you so much, Kirsten. And there's so much for for us to discover together. I'm so grateful for that. Grows bees, Anne

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  17. Hi Kristen,
    I have never been to Paris, so this wonderful journey has touched me.. Yours is a beautiful post.. A thank you to dear Anita for bringing us all together here.
    Blessings,
    Penny

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  18. BONOJUR KIRSTEN!!!!

    Whew....what a party, non?

    THANK YOU SO MUCH for participating....and this provides a nice COAST and REST from posting for a while...although some are posting new posts, this is a great way to just take a break. I am so happy that you decided to participate! ENJOY THE FUN! Anita

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  19. Wow your pictures of Paris took me back there for a moment. Really enjoyed visit. Lovely that your sister lives there. :-)

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  20. What a wonderful collection of photos ! You cover all the reasons I love Paris, but for you the City of Light is really special ! Delighted to have met you through Anita's wonderful party.

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  21. KIRSTEN MA BELLE!

    Well my friend, you and I go back a long way. I remember when I first started to blog almost five years ago, you were there. Here we are, in Paris, and still going strong. Have you had fun? I have had a blast.

    Be well, smile and LOVE with abandon, Anita

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  22. This is a lovely post of Paris and the music fills in any gap. Thanks for a great one. I am late joining Anita's party, you can come by a see my post for Monday if you like. I'm your current newest follower, Merci, Mary

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  23. What a gorgeous trip to Paris.Your photos are the best.Enjoyed My visit with you. Denise

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  24. Delightful collection of images! The open pic of the tower was a knock out! Thanks for visiting me on my own Paris excursion.

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  25. Someday... sigh... someday.

    By the time I get there, it will all be familiar, thanks to your wonderful photographs.

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  26. Dear Kristen,
    Thank you so much for visiting.. I am sorry I am just getting back to you, I have been without a computer since thursday.. I had to replace the monitor..
    Blessings,
    Penny

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  27. I am still making my Paris rounds. It has been such a lovely party. How wonderful that your sister gets to LIVE there!!!

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  28. GREAT POST:)Im happy to go to Nice for my birtdday, I love France:)

    Your blog is so wonderful and Im following...I hope you follow me also:)

    If you want some cute swedish decor inspiration...check out my new post:)

    Have a great weekend

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
    (sweden)

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Hello and Welcome!
Thanks for coming and for making your thoughts and feelings known. I appreciate all comments greatly.
Hope to see you again!
Kirsten