Unpopular Opinion [BTS]
Рет қаралды 10,978
8 ай бұрынI feel like I have more than one unpopular opinion about Paris, but that's fine by me. Get access to my guide to Paris at parisinmypocket.com/ and help me make better videos at / jayswanson 🥳
Subscribe to my bi-monthly newsletter here: jayswanson.me/newsletter
Get a copy of my book on how I got to Paris here: amzn.to/3LoYuDi
My gear list on Amazon (affiliate link fyi): www.jayswanson.me/gear
Follow me here:
/ jayswanson
/ jay.swanson
/ jayonaboat
bio.site/jayswanson
My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa. Paris (yes the one in France) has been my home for years now and I have every intention of staying here for as long as they'll have me. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much. Now I make videos about visiting Paris, traveling in Europe, and try to share what I've learned along the way. I hope you enjoyed what you found.
Links are affiliate links where they can be - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)
Edited by: Moi
Music by: @dcuttermusic
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Hope you enjoyed this BTS of an upcoming Louvre video, and don't forget to check out my guide at www.parisinmypocket.com!
@amyspeers8012 8 ай бұрын
The first time I went to Paris was in 1985. It was with a tour but we a lot of free time. Most people were going to the Louvre. I decided to not go and another woman decided to not go as well. We bought a baguette, some cheese and some wine and went and sat along the Seine and people watched. I remember these two beautiful men came and sat near us. They stripped off their business suits down to their underwear and sat in the sun. After about 45 minutes they got dressed and left. Loved that afternoon more than any sculpture or painting.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Top notch Louvre swap right here
@jlafunk 8 ай бұрын
My mom was an Art History major so I grew up loving art. When I went in September 2023 I couldn't just pick my Top 10 and sail on through. So, I knew I wanted to devote most of the day and I used the "Visitor Trails" on the Louvre's website. Sure, I got lost. But, I swear I saw more things that day that when I lived in NYC and went to MOMA every month. Visitor Trails. That's the secret sauce. I got in at 9:30, left at 2:30pm & had coffee and a Mont Blanc at Angelina's.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
I'm not a huge Louvre fan, but this sounds like a gorgeous day.
@suitable4137 8 ай бұрын
It requires education to understand real art. It's an intellectual activity. Apparently this guy can't even tell the value of real art.
@jenniferr6967 8 ай бұрын
May all go well ! What a wonderful day when Jay Swanson posts !!! Thank you ❤
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
You're welcome 🥂🥂
@pokeyjeanne 8 ай бұрын
Like finding good salsa, every museum in Paris can be a personal treasure trove. Even if you live in Paris, it is still an ongoing exploration. Feel better Jay, and happiest of holidays to you.
@vickialschuler816 8 ай бұрын
Congrats on the upcoming interview. You got this! After viewing the delightful video involving your experiment with ice cubes awhile back I have fewer issues with seeing your underwear than I might have. Enjoy your time with your Dad and Merry Christmas to you both.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Hahaha, the levels of shame around here are headed to zero
@chriskigen 3 ай бұрын
I live in australia and your daily vlogs are the first thing i watch as i do my stretches to start the day. it’s amazing how quickly your daily vlogs became a habit. All the best!
@JaySwanson 3 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@andyshacks7812 8 ай бұрын
Hope the physio has helped and that neck strain is continuing to improve. Have been there and it’s no joke. Your landlady is incredibly kind letting your dad stay in her apartment which looks huge btw! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you right up to your interview mate!
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
It's definitely helped!
@acbc3543 8 ай бұрын
I became a naturalized American citizen in 2009 . It gave me a sense of real identity and belonging. I belong to Austin Texas . Where was I born ? It’s abroad ! Austin is home where I yearned to belong . Claudia . Austin Texas
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
🥂🎉 Austin's a great place to belong
@agyos 8 ай бұрын
😂 great video and filming…and I love to see peeks of Cooper and your dad, and your friends having fun. I actually loved the Louvre, first time I went, but did skip it this last time…expect to go again, though, sometime in the future. I believe in physical therapy and massage! I will feel overjoyed when you receive your French passport…which is, no doubt, inevitable! Thank you, again, for a fun video which puts a smile on my face!
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
I love the Louvre but man, it's an event 😆
@MJN0922 8 ай бұрын
And you should always watch my videos to the end 🤣 It's awesome that you know what you want. Good luck with the interview! Have you ever utilized the street workout park in the Luxembourg? I'll be in the 6th for awhile on my next visit but can't be away from the gym that long!
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
I haven't used that one, but the outdoor gyms around town are often decent!
@TMD3453 7 ай бұрын
Agreed, and I even guessed that going to the Louvre can be like going shopping. It’s good in small doses. What it’s really good for is you can see a room of an artist’s work. That can help you see their perspective. Thanks for sharing your life in Paris. It really is like being there. Cheers and hello to Coop! PS a joke or two in the interview might not hurt…☀️👍
@Otaku_Insight 8 ай бұрын
Good luck with the citizenship interview. I know you'll do an amazing job!!!
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@johncrwarner 8 ай бұрын
Bonne chance pour ton entretien! I have done a lot of museums in Paris but never done the Louvre.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Merci! The Louvre is one that some people make a point of skipping I think 😆
@johncrwarner 8 ай бұрын
@@JaySwanson I plan my visits and to be honest the Louvre is so big I would need to make multiple visits I have interests in their Egyptian collection and the middle east too plus I haven't seen their 1300 - 1848 Western Art collection. As when I was in Washington DC for a week I spent TWO days in the National Galleries there and they are combined smaller than the Louvre I think I need a week in the Louvre and still not see that damned picture.
@PokhrajRoy. 8 ай бұрын
4:34 Omg this is so cute!
@erinmh 8 ай бұрын
Places like the Louvre can be overwhelming for sensitive folks like myself. Massive crowds of people are super draining for me. Years ago on my first trip to France, I skipped the Louvre and headed to the Musee d'Orsay, where there happened to be a fantastic exhibit of Alfred Stieglitz photography. Much more manageable for my system. Good luck on the interview!
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Love the Orsay! And the Orangerie, for something even smaller!
@icytoe 8 ай бұрын
i enjoy watching your videos even if I'm born french parisienne ❤
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Merci!
@yaowsers77 8 ай бұрын
OMG I TOTALLY HAVE THE SAME SHOULDER ISSUE!!! Even with just a light sling, after a day of carrying it, my shoulder and neck hurts. I just made my own sling that transfers more of the weight around the lower chest with the neck part as a sport. Game changer! No more shoulder pain from it.
@elebelle51 8 ай бұрын
You live here. Get a subscription card to the Louvre which will allow you to go frequently and take things in small doses.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
That is the way to do it (Amber took me on hers)
@peofilm7654 8 ай бұрын
First of all, good luck with the interview! And then the crucial question; I know why I'm going to the Louvre. Prior to my first "real" Paris trip 1992, i.e. not just a transfer passing by, I was recommended the Egyptian Collections of the Louvre. It was magnificent. But, my photos from that occasion is not in the desired condition. (Photography in insuffient light has developed tremedously the last 30 years.) So, I revisited the Louvre in 2018. Halfways through the collection the fire alarm started, the entire museum was evacuated. My next attempt is planned for september next year, let's hope the Isis statue will not be on loan to any other institution... 1992, late November, the museum was not deserted, but close to. I had a quick peak at Mona Lisa, but I have no intention, nor desire, to repeat that particular experience. I think that visiting the Louvre if you really know why you're doing it, is well worth the effort, otherwise skip it. A visit just because it's a "must see", is just a waste of time.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Sounds like you have a great plan!
8 ай бұрын
100% agree! Also i think the Louvre lack of much more cafes and restaurants options for its size. They should also improve the visitor experience with more benches and visual sings indicators.
@bogieboog 8 ай бұрын
I agree when I visited the Louvre after a few hours fatigue overtook.
@chrsf589 8 ай бұрын
Sending positive energy your way You got this Jay !
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Thank you! 🥂🥂
@kookymunster75 8 ай бұрын
My first video after being away for a long time and I get a glimpse of your knickers? 😂
@marilynleslie472 2 ай бұрын
I am not sure if you are still having migraines due to your neck and shoulder issues. I suffer from those as well. I have found that using a foam roller helps to break up the tension in the muscles.
@buckybarnes3803 8 ай бұрын
Did you seriously put your camera in the freezer to get that one yogurt shot LOL that was great
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Gotta chill the frame somehow 😆
@moshe1arem 8 ай бұрын
I know that feeling.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
🥂
@megamoze 8 ай бұрын
The Mona Lisa was probably the least impressive thing we saw there. My favorite was the remains of the ancient fortress that the Louvre was built on top of. So amazing. Also just loved the architecture and history of the place.
@mlomarechal6877 8 ай бұрын
Bon rétablissement Jay ! et puis profitez bien de la présence de votre papa ici en France. Sinon je vous souhaite le meilleur pour l'obtention de la nationalité française, vous ne devriez pas avoir trop de problèmes pour cela. Comme c'est "l'Administration" il vaut mieux éviter les "blagues", sauf si votre interlocuteur (fonctionnaire) est cool !! 🙃
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
C'est clair 😆 Je resterai sérieux alors
@TeddyAura 8 ай бұрын
For me, the only reasonable way to visit the Louvre is by theme or by area. But for the people who travel to Paris the first time, these might seem completely crazy. I understand it but I think is better to pick a topic and go for it. For example, last time I went, I chose Islamic Art. The Louvre has a wonderful collection and the area was renovated a few years ago.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
That's a great way to go! I think having a plan that genuinely interests you is always going to lead to a better experience in a place as endless as the L
@waynehanley72 8 ай бұрын
As a French cultural historian (or as I was once corrected in France ... a cultural historian of France ... because I'm not French), I don't disagree about the Louvre. It can be overwhelming ... and everyone crams into the dead-ended room that contains the Mona Lisa ...arrgh! But, if you take the Louvre in focused bits (and you know just a little about the art or history) it can be great. The problem is people who know nothing about it try to do it all and, thus, create a bad experience for themselves. If you go (and I think you should), learn something about a few of the pieces (that you'd really like to see) and take your time in a few of the rooms at a time ... and, by the way, there is a better DaVinci in the hallway leading to the room where the Mona Lisa is: Virgin of the Rocks. And the great thing is that everyone is rushing right by it to see the rather smallish Mona Lisa, meaning that there are no crowds and you can take the time to admire DaVinci's work! The Louvre also has a great website that you can use to plan your visit.
@jennifer_u 8 ай бұрын
love the louvre but it is indeed exhausting! I will be skipping all museums on my next visit as I’m bringing my dog and he’s sadly not allowed in them
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Honestly a trip to Paris filled with little more than great food and drink is one of the high successes in life
@jennifer_u 8 ай бұрын
@jayswanson so so true 🙌🏻
@PokhrajRoy. 8 ай бұрын
3:34 I’m a very determined yet chill shopper. I know my way around a huge mass of sensory overload.
@PAWS0810- 8 ай бұрын
Been to Paris twice in 10 years but no interested in Museums !! Love the sights all around.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
The whole city is a museum :)
@1982Bulldogs 8 ай бұрын
Ahhhhh ... gotta disagree to some degree. I've been so don't need to go back and would rather see other things on our next trip. However, we visited the Louvre on a family trip last year as my wife and son (21) had never been. We did a 3 hour small group tour with a great guide. She hit the major and some really cool lesser known exhibits. My wife loved it, but it was really great to see my son get into things like Napoleon's throne, the Code of Hammurabi and the Medieval Walls exhibits. Really glad we did it. Next time ... perhaps Deyrolle.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
That's great! And actually the follow-up point of the video we were filming [not to spoil it], that the best way to do it is with a guide like Amber. Makes a massive différence
@1982Bulldogs 8 ай бұрын
Forgot to ask ... what watch are you wearing? Looks really good on the video. @@JaySwanson
@jjsc3334 8 ай бұрын
As retiree, how to long stay in Paris?
@PokhrajRoy. 8 ай бұрын
As someone who makes jokes every 5 seconds, I’m never getting that French citizenship lol
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
😆
@debisusan4338 8 ай бұрын
I would agree with you Jay or at least go to the Louvre several trips down the road. So many better choices in the 100 museums in and around the City of Lights!
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
We're lucky to be inundated with choices
@paulbyrnewexford 8 ай бұрын
I was supposed to go to louvre in 1998 on a school trip but I skipped it and went shopping for CDs.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
So 90s. So relatable.
@Chrisb8s 8 ай бұрын
note to self (as I just deleted a comment asking about the healthcare system) Wait until the end of the video to ask a question . :)
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Hahaha, I love this brief act and sharing of learning. 🥂
@BasicAmericanDadAbroad 8 ай бұрын
Best wishes on your citizenship exam/interview!! 🙏
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Thank you!!
@Paul_C 8 ай бұрын
There is something to be said for museums around the world to do that the Rijks did. There is so much stuff to see, where to begin? Right? Luckily the Rijks became a blanc canvas when they restored it. Today it is a pleasure to be there, sure, still a museum, just the routing became easier to understand. Where it was before you had a 'technical' structure, now it is structured a more chronicle way.
@balecalduin1993 8 ай бұрын
How TF is your comment 2 days old on a video from 11 minutes ago????
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
He's one of my epic Patrons!
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
(They get previews days in advance)
@palukens 8 ай бұрын
The Louvre is awesome, go on Friday nights.....
@benjaminvg8018 8 ай бұрын
Jay, are you into (french) comics ? Tu peux me répondre en français :).
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
En théorie oui, mais ça fais vraiiiiment longtemps que je les ai lu
@benjaminvg8018 8 ай бұрын
C'est un peu hors de propos, bien que potentiellement utile pour ton entretien de naturalisation, mais je te conseille une BD s'intitulant Le Monde Sans Fin. Extrêmement pédagogique. Bonne chance, en espérant qu'on devienne compatriote :). P.S: il y a plein de conseils sur internet et KZfaq pour réussir l'entretien.
@DCReels 8 ай бұрын
It's a good take. Don't skip the d'Orsay tho 🎨
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Thanks!
@samanthagaudet1461 8 ай бұрын
I actually knew why I wanted to see it. I desperately wanted to see Cupid and Psyche. Ohhhhh it was breathtaking. I also wanted to see Winged Victory, Liberté leading her people, the Pyramid, the café with the Statues outside, the architecture etc. my mom basically saw the Mona Lisa and some painting and sculptures she knew nothing about. She was a good sport. At one point we saw a statue that said it was from 100 ad and she said it must be a replica because they wouldn’t put something that old where anyone could touch it. I answered “they don’t usually allow fakes in the Louvre mom. 😂”
@samanthagaudet1461 8 ай бұрын
Also it helps to go in the off season. November 12th and it was perfection that year.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Haha love that! Who knows maybe she's right...
@user-yd6ix4zl3u 8 ай бұрын
Bonne chance de Montréal Québec 😊
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Merci!
@PokhrajRoy. 8 ай бұрын
6:19 Bonne chance!
@mamaandharry4573 8 ай бұрын
Did you go see “The Raft of the Medusa”?
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Not this time, unfortunately
@lorenzocardoza1665 8 ай бұрын
Bon courage avec l'entrevue de citoyenneté!
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Merciiiiii
@kyleheimbrock5439 8 ай бұрын
Solid unpopular opinion
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
🥂🥂
@kaleidoscopeallie 8 ай бұрын
Dude, SAME with the overwhelm. Especially where you're looking at a bunch of stuff that was stolen and or obtained under shitty circumstances or that should just generally have been left where they were. Too much of an emotional and psychological onslaught.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
There's a lot to process
@RH1812 8 ай бұрын
Someone’s had a coffee. The US tax thing is insane
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
US taxes are a bane to my existence
@icytoe 8 ай бұрын
skip it if it's overcrowded , naturally
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
And eat something before you go 😆
@JBugz777 8 ай бұрын
It's better to buy some artwork & hang it in your bathroom or living room, so you can enjoy it at your leisure. UO. They will accept you for sure - If not you who?!
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Bathroom artwork is peak
@PokhrajRoy. 8 ай бұрын
Ngl I thought this would be an unpopular opinion on the boy band BTS. Guess that saves me a call to the Army Headquarters.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
😆😆
@PokhrajRoy. 8 ай бұрын
OGs will know the previous video based on a certain location. Just saying.
@PokhrajRoy. 8 ай бұрын
Goals: Camera falling down in the laundry
@hbeerman372 8 ай бұрын
🍀♥️🍀♥️🍀♥️🇫🇷♥️🍀♥️🍀🇫🇷🙋🇫🇷
@domitiennegegou5967 8 ай бұрын
Not "livrette", Jay... You don't pronounce the T in "livret" !
@teabagfc 8 ай бұрын
"My French is good" No it's not, it's so much better than "good", Jay. The interviewer will enjoy speaking with you. But yeah, no jokes for that short time 😂
@pamelawing5747 8 ай бұрын
I'd give the Mona Lisa a pass, I just do NOT get it. Ugly painting. On the other hand, you're there, it's the most famous painting in the world and buzz through, take a peak and way you've done it. My friend and I like the shopping underneath the Louvre better than the museum. 😱😱😃😃 There is a Musee des Arts Decoratifs associated with the Louvre and my friend and I saw a gorgeous exhibit of Dior dresses from over the years, at that museum. I also found out that Yves St. Laurent's home was bring opening as a museum and we decided to put that on our list. They were only open three days when we went there and they had a LOT of work to do on getting people in and out of the house efficiently but was really glad we went. You can see a pattern here...fashion...certainly may NOT be of interest to all but the idea is, do some research before going. So, if you go to Paris, there are a LOT of different museums, exhibits going on, depending on your interests but it' might pay you to do a little research. It might be better than buzzing through the Louvre just for the sake of it. Most peoples time in Paris is limited so don't waste it.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
So much to do, to be sure
@jackiec1175 8 ай бұрын
BTS?!
@thomascook578 8 ай бұрын
Be there soon, maybe
@jackiec1175 8 ай бұрын
@thomascook578 thnx for the clarification.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
Behind the Scenes ;)
@jackiec1175 8 ай бұрын
@@JaySwanson Ah, that's the answer.
@PokhrajRoy. 8 ай бұрын
lol if only Jay had informed his opinion to the team of ‘Heartstopper’. Would’ve saved the students a trip 😂
@maud375 8 ай бұрын
OMG please don't pronounce "livret" like you just did ("livrette"), because it's awfully close to "levrette". And since you mention you don't want to joke, a sexual innuendo would be even worse. Bonne chance! Je suis sûre que tu vas tout déchirer.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
😆 Bonne correction
@user-digitalfarmgirl 8 ай бұрын
You have a migraine because you don't like BTS. My family line , is directly from Europe & my family line goes back to the 1200s & has paintings in the Louvre & the Vatican . My family were the original founders of Venice. Can you make those claims?
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
BTS means Behind the Scenes!
@suitable4137 8 ай бұрын
Haha what? Skip le Louvre? Maybe for uneducated people.
@JaySwanson 8 ай бұрын
One could argue the opposite, with all the alternatives Paris has to offer
@suitable4137 8 ай бұрын
No alternative can match the artistic and historical value le Louvre provides. A truly educated individual would be able to recognize these values.@@JaySwanson