My other half is French but lived over in Northern Ireland for 34 years so her accent is a bit of a mixture.
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Me too, 33 years and counting 
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Do you find you can’t remember English words sometimes without really thinking? I automatically translate everything into both languages as I go so my poor brain gets addled sometimes. The accent down here is like a blocked nose, very nasal and hard to understand but up north it was very clear.
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I’ve still a lot of French to learn.. But my partner understands what you mean.. She is from South France and finds the accent very different from up here in Normandy.
All the time, which I’ve put down to the habit of responding spontaneously in French in my French-speaking environments, so that those words have become reflexive rather than conscious decisions. I then have to stop and think about some of the words I use less frequently in English.
My work environment has shifted over the years from 100% French to about 80/20 French/English, so there’s an increasing ingress of English into French business, but fortunately I have been spared the majority of the inane modern “speak” of mispronounced, misapplied English words that have become trendy in some circles of French society.
My wife also finds it funny that I count out loud (well, in a low voice) in French, when I’m totting up, rather than English.
This might be TMI, but my realisation that French had become ingrained was following surgery. As I came out of anaesthetic, I kept repeating that I needed the toilet but it was in French which, in hindsight, I found surprising.
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Hi, welcome to France and to the Forum! I was born and raised in 61. I hope you like it there!
Thank-you.. I love it here..
Are you far from it now?
Hi Jim Tom,
Welcome to France. I’m from East Belfast…like so many others … but am not an ex-pat but a fully functional immigrant. I won’t be going back.
Arrived in 1980 after ten years in Berlin…lived in Strasbourg, Paris, Corsica and now Toulouse.
If you need any help or advice do get in touch: someone in the group is sure to have an answer.
Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome
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Hello Jim Tom and a warm welcome from me. I’ve enjoyed reading your replies to everyone - short and informative! This quoted reply made me curious, it reminded me of a concert I watched on TV - Van Morrison played Cypress Avenue (Up on cypress Avenue?) - maybe a nod to his song on Astral Weeks. (Edit - Cyprus Av, apologies)
I wonder if forumites have seen that broadcast - heaven if you were there ! - and if you sir, are a fan of the man?
You’ve brought back Belfast memories - seems a small town, like everyone could know everyone, friendly when I passed through in early 80’s though a rude introduction to a Scottish student having guns generally pointed at oneself at the Donegal checkpoint before returning (or going, probably both).
Small town because of -
and
Nice. I’ll have to do a proper visit, though I don’t know if we’ll have another cypress avenue concert…
Well, van Morrison was a local but I’m afraid I’m not much of a fan.
He plays live in Belfast often so if you do go for a visit, you might get to see him once more.
Belfast has changed a lot since the 80s, it’s a very good place to visit now, no idiots like the Scottish guy you ran into.
Another famous musician from that area was Gary Moore.. Do you know him?
Belfast is very compact so its easy to get from one part to another.
Thanks for your reply..
Have a great weekend 
Wow! Another one..
Ive not lived in Belfast since the early 70s, I won’t be going back either, we’ll maybe for a visit bit that’s it.
My other half is from South France, Rodez.. We have been to Toulouse and loved it.
Thanks for the reply, I’ll be sure to ask on here if I need advise. 
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Thank you, merci beaucoup
Bienvenue Jim! Are you a musician by any chance? There seems to be a dearth of them on SF. Good luck in your new venture. You won’t regret it! A tip. Learn some French, if you don’t have it already. It helps.
Hello Volcanic
Not really a musician although I dabble with a bit of guitar every so often.. Haven’t played in a while though so I’ll have to get at it again. I played drums in my youth for a rock band but nothing serious. I deejayed for years too.
I see you play guitar?
I know some French but a bit to learn yet..
Enjoy the weekend..
Hello JimTom,
I hope that you enjoy your new life in France as much as I enjoy mine! I’m 73 and lived for almost all of my life in Holywood, but came permanently to La France Profonde - Dordogne, to be exact - as soon as I retired, in 2018.
When people ask me why I came to live in France, I say “… because it’s not Northern Ireland!”. I love it here and, although I do go back to visit family and friends about twice per year, I don’t currently intend to return to live there.
I too learned to swim in Templemore Avenue Baths and I was at Van Morrison’s 70th birthday concert on Cyprus Avenue!
Best wishes,
Brian D.
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Yes, Northern Ireland is Northern Ireland, it doesn’t change much and never will..
France is great, people are really nice, great food etc.. I think i might stay for a while
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Last time we were there we stayed in the Titanic centre. I look quite swish in the Titanic captains hat I bought there. Ideal for the Dublin Cherbourg crossing. Don’t forget to visit the Crumlin Road jail and maybe do one of the black cab historical tours.
We never stopped going “up North” to shop during the Troubles. I guess when you’re young you never think “it’s” going to happen to you. Now it’s nostalgic to wander around and think back to the barriers, soldiers, police, bag checks etc. of that unhappy era.
I like his music but he takes grumpiness to new levels. I suppose that’s reflected in his songs 
