The Truth Behind My Move to Paris

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 88

  • @andyshacks7812
    @andyshacks7812 4 วันที่ผ่านมา +15

    You’re not alone. It was love at first sight for me too regarding Paris. As a fresh-faced 19yr old in 1982 who’d never even been abroad before, I was just blown away. That love is still very much there all those years later.

  • @tea98988
    @tea98988 2 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    Simple. It’s a past life memory. I was born and raised in Taiwan but moved to U.S. 40 some years ago. However, the very first time I went to Paris, I felt more at home. I kept coming back ever since. I’d very much like to spend half time in France when I retire.

  • @amyspeers8012
    @amyspeers8012 วันที่ผ่านมา +11

    I did not have a dream to move to France. I thought I might live overseas for a couple years due to my husband’s work. We came on a two year contract, with the agreement that of either of us were unhappy, we would go back. In month 17, something clicked and I knew I didn’t want to go back. I’m now working on citizenship and loving my life in SW France.

  • @timbofromkeno
    @timbofromkeno วันที่ผ่านมา +9

    It's so funny to hear about your love for Paris and how the city felt so much more like home after you initially spent time in Nice. I've been in Paris and the surrounding burbs a lot this last month, and it just doesn't feel like me. And every time I go back south to Nantes, it feels like a completely different place - more comfortable, more fun, more like home.
    For many of us who've felt some sort of pull to France for a long time, I think it's good to frame it that there's a place here for all of us, even if that place isn't as obvious as Paris, Nice, or whatever place we're initially dropped.

  • @PokhrajRoy.
    @PokhrajRoy. วันที่ผ่านมา +13

    “I did love Tintin books….”, said Jay while walking with a cute little dog.
    If that’s not poetic, I don’t know what is.

  • @thedavidguy01
    @thedavidguy01 4 วันที่ผ่านมา +13

    It’s quite mysterious why we’re attracted to any particular place. I also grew up wanting to go to France, but in my case the reason was straightforward because my mother’s family is French by way of Québec and my mother and maternal grandparents spoke French. Once I started going to France I found that the special place for me was la Bretagne. While I’ve enjoyed every place I’ve been to in France, Brittany just felt extra special. I don’t really know why.

    • @JaySwanson
      @JaySwanson  วันที่ผ่านมา +5

      It's a wonderful mystery to be sure. I hope everyone gets to experience it

    • @huguetteleblanc3678
      @huguetteleblanc3678 18 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      Bonjour, je suis Québécoise et j'ai épousé un Breton !!! Nous vivons cependant au Québec, je ne suis jamais allée en France, ma peur des avions m'en empêche.

    • @thedavidguy01
      @thedavidguy01 17 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@huguetteleblanc3678 Bonjour, on peut s'y rendre en bateau. C'est un peu cher et cela prend du temps, mais c'est possible.

    • @huguetteleblanc3678
      @huguetteleblanc3678 16 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@thedavidguy01 😊

    • @willnelson3362
      @willnelson3362 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      Interesting comment. I've never been to la Bretagne, but I've heard so many wonderful things about it. And I love the old Arthurian legends rooted in the area. I can't wait to visit one day, hopefully take some very long bike rides through the area.

  • @kaliou6645
    @kaliou6645 วันที่ผ่านมา +10

    ❤Seen your video colab with Les Frenchies, excellent as always Jay 🧸

  • @SueIsRetiringToFrance
    @SueIsRetiringToFrance วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Somehow your channel showed up on my feed today - great thoughts and expressions, thanks! I am leaving from Texas for France in three days for a two-week scouting trip for long-term living locales. Making the hop end of May. I have my summer residence booked already as a precaution, so I can really enjoy this trip for the purpose of getting to know my hit list places better. Your messaging here is good timing!

  • @thistlenstar
    @thistlenstar 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    This video obviously touched a lot of people, myself included. We've been looking into moving to France for several years now. As I read the comments, I see how many viewers have similar feelings and experiences. They are so well expressed that I can't add anything, except, thank you for another great video.

  • @RAD6150
    @RAD6150 วันที่ผ่านมา +5

    A lot of people are running from things, mentally or physically. I'm glad that you stopped, looked around, and decided to work it out... a lot of people just keep running. Plus, you got Paris in the process. I think those are some pretty good wins!

    • @shinyshinythings
      @shinyshinythings วันที่ผ่านมา

      No kidding! People who are still in the same place they grew up in and doing the same job for forty years might be running away through workaholism.

  • @VFRCapBob
    @VFRCapBob วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    What a great story. I know growing up my chaotic disfunctional family that I needed distance to heal and find myself. My go to was Boston and NewHampshire to become a great writer. Visited but never stayed. 45 years later and I'm finally traveling to Paris this March.

  • @shinyshinythings
    @shinyshinythings วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    I’m happy to support you, Jay. Your emotional honesty is a breath of fresh air (and would be on any topic, but the ‘expat’ space on YT often seems to lack some level of introspection … for what are probably valid reasons … but your candor is so very appreciated). Big hugs.

  • @vintagemel6358
    @vintagemel6358 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Watching your videos, I think our mothers went to the same parenting school. I can relate to so much of what you're saying. Especially the part about getting annoyed by people don't get, or blow off your reasons for moving. I felt that in my guts.
    For me, that type of response, wanting validation from others, usually stems from the hole that is left from knowing you will never get validation from your parent. I'm so glad you're healing.
    I think running away from something or running towards a place where you can be healthy is just a matter of perspective.

  • @scottfbradley
    @scottfbradley วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    Jay - thanks for the shout out to your Patrons…glad to have been on board since 2018. Keep it rolling! Side note re: the final shot, we stayed over your left shoulder on Rue de Rene Boulanger last week…love area of town.

  • @brianlooksaround6125
    @brianlooksaround6125 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Much of what you say I connect with. I hope to move to Paris in the next few months - at age 70!

  • @lohphat
    @lohphat วันที่ผ่านมา +4

    You're breaking my Parisian heart...your opening street shot is Rue du Plâtre right around the corner from my old apartment above the chocolate shop on Rue des Archives.
    Plans still are to move back to the area but I have a large 5y work project in NYC to complete.
    🤫

  • @pamelasimpson5212
    @pamelasimpson5212 7 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Thank you for being vulnerable enough to share this. This seems like a real key set of truths about what you've been sharing with us lately.

  • @anndemoor3150
    @anndemoor3150 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    You are a true gem dear Jay!! ❤️

  • @agyos
    @agyos วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Truly…when you post videos like this, I honestly want to get down on my knees to thank you! (Okay…so, I’m a bit dramatic, LOL!) Nonetheless, I hope that you will come to deeply recognize the GOOD you do for others with your vlogs….(or, at least for me)! You come across as someone that, I believe, many would find to be a precious friend, and my guess is that you ARE such; especially with those you have become close to. Gifted are we that have the privilege of those things you see fit to share! Thank you!

  • @hubjohnner
    @hubjohnner วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Love your story and how it unfolds as you discover more and feel comfortable sharing more

  • @allwaysbemoving
    @allwaysbemoving วันที่ผ่านมา +3

    That was a lot of words to say the reason you came to France was you looked at your past life and country and said, "Fuck that!" 😉
    Enjoyed the video. Nice editing, especially the cuts. And, of course, Paris is beautiful.

  • @tfcasper
    @tfcasper วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    So much of what you say is true for me too. I think that's why I became a patron. I am so glad to see you finding yourself and living your best life. Even though you have had a difficult 2024, you are on the right path.

  • @PokhrajRoy.
    @PokhrajRoy. วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Growing up, I wanted to ‘move to France’ too. Teenage me is so happy I subscribe to this channel lol

  • @kristid4246
    @kristid4246 7 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Thank you, Jay, for sharing your story🩵

  • @conniemeulemans3461
    @conniemeulemans3461 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    You seem like such a stand up guy, and to be honest I would be really proud to have you as a son, you remind me of my own wonderful son.

  • @wtfveganfood
    @wtfveganfood 20 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Loved this one, Jay. Thank you! 💜

  • @renatafvb
    @renatafvb วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    OMG this was so important to me! crazy how we all share some kind of common story and revolve in it in different levels of conscience through life… gonna take note of that and go to therapy as well.

  • @kueller917
    @kueller917 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    I had a very different situation since I only really started desiring moving after university, and focused on France once I started making internet friends there. But when you talked about falling in love with the city spontaneously on a second visit... I felt that exactly. I spent the next few years visiting a lot of American cities for various reasons but secretly to "scout" places to live since it would be so much easier to move domestically than internationally. And I was hoping one of those cities would give me a spark even close to the one Paris gave me but it never happened.
    Came back a couple weeks ago after a 3 week holiday visiting family. It was cold and foggy, I was tired after a 10.5h flight, and I was dragging heavy luggage, but even then a few minutes of walking outside here and it was like instant rejuvenation.

    • @shinyshinythings
      @shinyshinythings วันที่ผ่านมา

      Really only Montreal comes even a little bit close to the feel of Paris.

  • @AAbshier
    @AAbshier 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Wow, your personal history mirrors so much of mine. I had a neglectful mother as well and even now I deal with the repercussions of that. I talked about visiting Paris as a kid, but didn't finally make it until 2019 when I was nearly 60 years old. I can't say I fell in love with the city, but I could see how many others do.

  • @verakanaan7363
    @verakanaan7363 11 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Hey you! Been following you for quite a few years now. I’ve never actually pursued writing until recently.. I began following you only based on the fact you moved to Paris. Now I feel even more relatable to your content. I love Paris , truly love Paris, I love Paris like she was my long distance girlfriend that is not faithful to me but I love her anyway. I can’t even describe why Paris and not any other great city in the world- like Rome for example (I also like Rome but not the same). I don’t think there’s a better city for a writer… it just has this magic❤️

  • @wilsonaish
    @wilsonaish วันที่ผ่านมา

    I love that I recognize and was in many of those locations last summer!

  • @goodphotoideas
    @goodphotoideas วันที่ผ่านมา

    I've always wanted to live in France after watching a movie on a black and white tv as a young kid in the 60's called Gigot with Jackie Gleason. There were a few other movies and shows on tv back then that took place in France. My parents used to used a few French expressions. I don't know. I just felt a connection. I took Spanish and French in high school. Then I took an intensive French course in college. So I guess I could say I've felt a French connection most of my life. But alas, I never ended up moving there. Been there a few times. Coming again soon. That's why I watch your channel, Jay. I admire what you've done with your life by moving there.

  • @starks1974
    @starks1974 วันที่ผ่านมา

    It's always about a leap of faith...in yourself. I did so by moving across the country by myself with no job or any idea of what to do, but I knew I had to do it. FWD 20+ years it was the right path to take.
    Stay safe on your path Jay!

  • @AngelWilcock
    @AngelWilcock วันที่ผ่านมา

    Bonjour Jay! I saw this saying and thought about you.. "Work for a cause, Not for applause. Live life to express, Not to impress. Don't strive to make your presence noticed, Make your absence felt" Merci Beaucoup for changing my life

  • @BGTuyau
    @BGTuyau 11 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Looks like it's been a chilly January in Paris.

  • @debracoulter1250
    @debracoulter1250 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I have been to Paris 7 times now. I’m stuck on it! lol Our family came from Alsace before they moved to Iowa. I’d love to see all of France but, there’s something about Paris! When I was a kid, I wanted to move to Switzerland. No particular reason but later found out I’m Swiss, French and German.

  • @KarinLynnBates
    @KarinLynnBates วันที่ผ่านมา

    I’m so happy about this all for you. And yes, you are worth it. 🙂

  • @LockedinAHazee
    @LockedinAHazee วันที่ผ่านมา

    A move with intent. Inspiring video. Thank you.

  • @iamdeo1724
    @iamdeo1724 5 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Bonjour Jay Swanson
    Great video…thank you for sharing the “why” behind what brought you to Paris…very insightful
    Up until 2021, I too, was a Francophile, that all changed during the mid JUNE 2022 when I first visited Paris w/ my family. Of course we did all the “tourist-y” things which were fun but then…
    - My pocket was picked of 250 Euros
    - I sat with my hungry family to be ignored for more than 30 mins with no waiter even acknowledging us
    - the hotel we stayed at …took room service order only 90 mins later to find out no one is there and the night hotel manager giving me attitude telling me to go to McDonalds
    The nicest memory of Paris was the day I went past Notre Dame (under construction) to visit an old book shop “Shakespeare Company” oh it was magical absolutely loved it
    And then I got COVID at Paris
    --
    I could not leave Paris fast enough
    I wanted to get away from Paris and Parisians and never return
    --
    The way you describe Paris is how I fell in love with an old city one of the worlds first metropolitan city - LONDON
    I absolutely love LONDON
    However one day I hope to return to Paris keeping an open mind as it will be my 2nd time and as you said you also fell in love with it on your 2nd visit.

  • @JourneywithJosh
    @JourneywithJosh วันที่ผ่านมา

    I totally relate. Similar reasons why I moved to Boston in my 20s from the South. Wishing you peace. Not why I moved to Miami lol.

  • @anndemoor3150
    @anndemoor3150 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I hope i will have the honour to meet you dear Jay! Xxx Bisous dAnvers xxx

  • @steveramirez8270
    @steveramirez8270 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Great look inside your emotions and the city....thanks for sharing. Another topic, I want to but that winter cap, coolest color of black. I've looked online no luck. It has very light white coloring. Looks great!

  • @BassComb
    @BassComb วันที่ผ่านมา

    2:37 Would it be possible to know the name of this street?

  • @michaeltims1827
    @michaeltims1827 วันที่ผ่านมา

    My mother came to the US as a teenager with her parents and two younger siblings, followed later by several other close relations. I myself was born and raised in Michigan, so my own desire to live in London was based on natural familial and cultural affinities, most notably literary, which I can pursue at a high level in both the US and Britain. I love French culture as well, but my merely functional French is quite inadequate for the sort of literary life London could afford me.

  • @charlesblack1086
    @charlesblack1086 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Great vlog! I have the same love but have yet to act on it. I will. 🙋🏽‍♂️😃👍🏽

  • @arcstudio85
    @arcstudio85 13 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Jay, I’m romanticizing to live in Paris all my life. I visited 4 times there for the past few years and almost get a place in my last visit. What makes me pull out because I’m in a wheelchair and afraid of difficulties that I may face everyday life which will in turn make me hate Paris. Any advices and ideas you might have? Thanks

  • @camdenhetherington3382
    @camdenhetherington3382 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Thank you for sharing.
    I am thoroughly enjoying your perspective of Paris and it is helping in my visit next year with my partner.
    If I may ask, what camera do you use for photography around town?

  • @seancatacombs
    @seancatacombs วันที่ผ่านมา

    Many people, especially Americans, who live abroad are running from what they feel was a cultural hegemony stifling them growing up. They want something diametrically opposed to American culture, but still somewhat familiar and navigable, i.e. France and Japan. It also helps many high schools in the US offer courses in French and, to a lesser degree, Japanese

    • @shinyshinythings
      @shinyshinythings วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      I think there’s an emotional link to France because so much of what we learn in school is also linked to France: Ben Franklin, the Revolution, Lafayette, the Louisiana Purchase, right up through WWII, the liberation of Paris, etc. Plus our language is something like 27% French words. (“Tish! That’s French!”) And yes, Spanish and French are often the only options for foreign languages offered in high school.

  • @joyal77
    @joyal77 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    That’s me with the USA…😅 I’m from Brazil … lived in the USA for 22 years, became a citizen. Moved back home couple years ago, happy to be closer to family again.

    • @joyal77
      @joyal77 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      Jesus and capitalism don’t go hand in hand… funny I became a Christian in America. Ex catholic. My life is so much better now, more secure…

  • @EdithMacklin
    @EdithMacklin วันที่ผ่านมา

    Greetings from New Zealand. My maiden name was Swanson.

  • @ck2d
    @ck2d วันที่ผ่านมา

    I have been intrigued by Australia since I was eight years old. In 6 weeks I'm taking my first trip there. It will be my fifth continent. I've been all over the place , but not the countey that sparked my travel bug. And I have no idea what i'm doing when I get there. I was going to go to 4 cities but I've dropped it to 3 because I'm not that crazy. I want to see a platypus so I'm going to a zoo and I want to go to an afl game if I can get a ticket. But basically I just want to exist there and I'm kind of afraid that I'm going to be massively disappointed and I'm kind of afraid that I'm not going to want to leave.

  • @walkerck
    @walkerck วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    I am middle aged and of french descent (heugonaut) and don't love the US as a native... My French is quite terrible (un peu) as non immersive language education is difficult for me. I want to leave my birth country but it seems an unreasonable thing to achieve. At the same time I am embarrassed with where the country I was born in is behaving/has been behaving. Is this an actual thing people can reasonably do, or is it really just an aspirational thing that isn't practical?

    • @FanNy-ku6wt
      @FanNy-ku6wt วันที่ผ่านมา

      Some people came here at 60, 70 or even 80, so, your idea is not more "unreasonable" than literally millions of other people from around the world.
      If you start to think about it, where would I like to live, in which region, what would I do professionally, would I have to apply in a company or create my own business, etc, it will become clearer in your mind, it will become more tangible, more concrete than just a thought, a fantazy.

    • @walkerck
      @walkerck วันที่ผ่านมา

      @FanNy-ku6wt My family (of French descent) is from La Rochelle and if possible I would want to relocate there.

    • @FanNy-ku6wt
      @FanNy-ku6wt วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@walkerck Well, that's nice, it's a first step. Did you visit France already ? If not, you can spend a few weeks in the region, just to feel the mood, to have a better idea.

    • @walkerck
      @walkerck วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@FanNy-ku6wt I've been to France many times. The notion of discarding everything else is a consequence of the last ten years of my life becoming more disheartening.

    • @FanNy-ku6wt
      @FanNy-ku6wt 18 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@walkerck Oh I see. You need to fix other things than just moving to France, it's a process. You can have a 2 to 5 years goal.
      I just wanted to point that it's not unreasonable by itself.
      Best wishes to you.

  • @ninafritz2089
    @ninafritz2089 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I felt that too…..

  • @liltrench5862
    @liltrench5862 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Wait if that guy was in the witness protection program, why did he tell you that he was in the witness protection program?

    • @JaySwanson
      @JaySwanson  วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      I'd guess it was less an official witness protection program, and more the FBI telling him "You might want to skip town until this trial is over"

  • @beckcollect
    @beckcollect 2 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Oh, what street is that at 1:27? It has the large invader artwork.

    • @JaySwanson
      @JaySwanson  วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      That was on Rue de Moussy 👾👾

    • @beckcollect
      @beckcollect 14 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @ thanks Jay!

  • @tiestu7612
    @tiestu7612 12 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Tin Tin never went to Paris .

  • @privatetatum
    @privatetatum วันที่ผ่านมา

  • @oakpope
    @oakpope วันที่ผ่านมา

    Will you be able to vote for the next French election ? Can you vote for the Congress in the US ?

    • @loustic59vda
      @loustic59vda วันที่ผ่านมา

      Only european citizen can vote for municipal and european élections, thus if you are naturalized french, I don't think you can participate to all french élections. Jay should confirm it.

    • @oakpope
      @oakpope วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@loustic59vda Jay is French now.

    • @shinyshinythings
      @shinyshinythings วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@loustic59vda No, if you’re French, you’re French, no matter how you became French.

    • @shinyshinythings
      @shinyshinythings วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      To answer your second question, if you’re living abroad as a U.S. citizen you are still registered in the state where you lived last, but you need to register as living abroad. You can usually only vote for national office, but that might vary by state as well. French elections are for parliament (national and European). And sometimes ballot initiatives. Oh and cities hold direct votes on budget priorities, which as an American I think is pretty cool.

  • @RH1812
    @RH1812 วันที่ผ่านมา

    The pilgrim fathers have a lot to answer for

  • @privatetatum
    @privatetatum วันที่ผ่านมา

    You give me serious (eats) Alton Brown vibes.

  • @heyjoemedia
    @heyjoemedia วันที่ผ่านมา

    I can hear the new audio, Jay. I don't think I like it. It sounds a little too overproduced and makes the street scenes less authentic. Of course, nobody else is saying anything, and you're probably growing your audience. So, ignore me!