On sectarianism:

There are parts of NI where sectarianism continues to dominate almost every aspect of life. But in much of middle-class suburbia, or in boho enclaves round universities, it can be almost irrelevant for most visitors.

The various lunatic fringes of both sides still behave psychopathically, often create controversies about things no-one else can take seriously, and these controversies can spill over into violence that can disrupt traffic, or make some places temporarily unwise to visit. Sectarian hypersensitities can often crop up in normal working life, and many visitors can easily cause offence, or personal unpopularity at work, by not understanding the effect of seemingly innocent remarks. Most colleagues understand outsiders can't be expected to appreciate the nuances of the Province's insanities - but that can't be guaranteed.

It's almost certain that what you've picked up in the US about all this is downright wrong, particularly if you're from the NE.

It's well worth keeping as quiet as possible for several months till you've had a chance to absorb the Province's peculiar culture. DON'T take the nonsense from sectarian tour guides as anything other than more propaganda: DO copy the local obsession with news programmes. Read BOTH local newspapers daily: one of the reasons everything's controversial is that few NI people, Pape or Prod (there is no third alternative), do apathy.

Ancient Athenians developed the term from which our "idiot" derives to describe people so absorbed in themselves they took no interest in public affairs. Most people in NI have a similar attitude to life.

Your BF begin Dutch should know about Willem III and his reign. This has influenced the politics of what is now Eire and Northern Ireland.

yes, they are not the "Orange Day" parades for nothing.

good luck in your move, Azalia. i've never made it to NI yet, but everyone I know who has says how lovely the scenery is, how warm and friendly the people, etc. BUT the troubles are very recent and their ramifications persist. avoiding any political comment let alone involvement would be the way to go.

Honestly, sounds like a horrible place to live.

Be very wary if anyone in N.I. asked what foot you kick a ball with!!

cindy - people rave about it, honestly. but it's not without its difficulties.

I have been to Belfast several times and I have work dealings with people therre. It's a great city but not without it's tensions. A lot of people I know in Belfast refer to England or the rest of the UK as "The mainland"

Ideally don't talk about politics and just enjoy the city. Plenty of vibrant areas and some great restuarants. Although take warm clothes it's ALWAYS cold /cooler when I have been there
Good luck with the move, what a great adventure!

I ran a business over there, the people are lovely, the countryside is pretty good (a little bungalow blight), just a little tension, and of course the walls, I'm not sure if you can get the BBC where you are but there are BBC NI shows on the web and the humour is very much about the politics and the criminality that is associated with it.

Just like most countries.