:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

I work with a group of ESOL learners at Dundee International Women’s Centre. They never fail to bring a smile to my face when they say what a wonderful place Dundee is to live and how friendly and welcoming the people have been to them. I would like to share the voices of these women, who come from many different countries and many of whom now call Dundee home.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cultural quarter.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has an incredible history, has reinvented itself after years of decline and now boasts many intereting things to see....galleries, museums etc. The University is a major driver in this and is one off the best in Scotland. Voted one of the best palces to study in wordldwide recentlty at least in the lifesciences sector. It should be celebrated!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The first thing that surprised and delighted me about Dundee was that it still has many of its old buildings and cobbled streets. It has a strong sense of history, but not in a way that holds it back. The historic city is cherished and involved, without sacrificing the space the new city needs to flourish.
Besides that, the support for the arts is obvious all over. This is most obvious in the city centre, and makes the space one that people care about - it's rare to find bollards, lamp-posts, benches and notice-boards that are all designed to be “nicer than they have to be" (to quote a friend).

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing place. As someone who has moved here, I have always been made to feel welcome. The city has a great feeling of space, wide skies, large parks and the Tay. My favourite area is Broughty Ferry, with the Fisherman's Tavern live music, Vissochi's ice cream and the beautiful sandy beach.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the atmosphere in the new Caird square on a cold crisp winter evening after listening to the Dundee Symphony Orchesta in the Caird hall, coming down the steps and looking at the Christmas lights and the tree and the people in Henry's coffee house enjoying the view. I love Braithwaite's coffee shop and the Cheesery on Exchange street. Drouthy's and the jute cafe and Dukes corner, the art bar. The macmanus Gallery

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The architecture! Some of the most gorgeous gothic and 18th century buildings, completely hidden. So much more rewarding and arguably beautiful when they are hidden amongst or disguised as houses/shops.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a city of its size, Dundee has a wealth of cultural activities from the DCA, free lectures at the universities, theatres, an art gallery, to name but a few things - all within easy reach. The two universities and FE college have resulted ina youthful population and plenty of entertainment. Dundee is also ethnically diverse with with Polish, Russian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and Philippine supermarkets. I moved here last year and wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views in Dundee are fantastic. There is lots to do and see! You couldn't visit Dundee for just a day, you would have to take a whole week!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I visit my family every year and every time I come back to the city it's buzzing. There's always something new to see, the landscape changes every year for the better. There's some fantastic restaurants and everyone is really friendly.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place that is reinventing itself.
Arts health, education, culture, history, geography and the people's of Dundee all contribute to to a strong identity and sense of
place for the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The range of independent shops, the great work going on at both universities and the focus on education in general.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most vital about the town is the local people, that are the most wonderful and calm staying people Ive ever seen in my life. Just imagine how much things could be done in a small place but with such variety of people - thousands of students all over the world have an opportunity to do whatever they want and they do so, local people is so reach by their culture and education always ready to help.
The Dundee Top is the most beautiful place just cause of the view from it to the city, two bridges and the sea.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The many great things this small city has produced that have changed life for the btter not only in scotland but the world over

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is not only a place of wonder, but is also the city of discovery!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunny weather.
The SPECTACULAR setting on the River Tay.
The world class Universities.
The rich history. Even Glasgow doesn't have its own stone circle.
The mince roll.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I enjoy the fact that the supporters of both big teams in the city get along so well before and after the Derby's in the local pubs. Both sets of fans want their team to win with a passion, but after the game they enjoy a pint and a chat together win,lose or draw.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My first time in Dundee was on late november last year, when Christmas lights turned ON for the first night and there were this fantastic atmosphere in downtown!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This is an exciting time for Dundee and I look forward to the completion of the waterfront development and of course the V&A. I actually live across in Fife but look upon Dundee every morning as I come over the bridge and have always said 'Dundee looks beautiful from across the water'

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So many wonderful Victorian buildings and 9 times out of 10 the sun is shining

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the hidden vaults below the city. I wish more people knew about them

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its History

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Blues Bonanza and the huge amount of live music available every weekend in the city's pubs.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That we have the best variety and good quality eateries of any city in Europe . Lots of places to go on a night out whatever your income and the Caird hall

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am excited by the work of Literary Dundee - the literary festival and book prize, their monthly salons and sundry projects and publications. Literary Dundee celebrates the bright creative talents of writers in the city, and brings exciting literary figures to Dundonian audiences.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The imagination and determination of our young people. Take the recent "Dundee Roundhouse" initiative, where a group of young people have transformed a derelict factory site into a hidden organic garden.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of the city's music scene. From big bands and jazz at the universities to punk rock and indie in small venues, Dundee is again beginning to be recognised as a place well worth visiting - whatever sounds you prefer to have in your ears.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The University Gardens

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> little coffee shops with amazing homemade cakes

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Moving from Edinburgh to Dundee 3 years ago I didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised by all the wonderful things on offer, I am now proud to call it my home.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always surprised how Dundee feels like a smaller place than it actually is, with it's unique geography. I also like how proud Dundonians are of their city. And the waterfront development can only help make this city even better.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I used to travel through Dundee on my way to and from Uni in Aberdeen. I always thought it was a grey gloomy city of roundabouts. Now that I live here, I couldn't have been more wrong! My favourite places have to be the Botanic Gardens and Camperdown Park, and my absolute favourite thing is the ever-changing view of the River Tay - stunning In all weathers!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has gone through an incredible creative regeneration. With the imminent arrival of V&A, the refurbishment of McManus and a flourishing dance community, the city has an abundance of creativity. It's already a City of Discovery. A city ready and well poised to further discover it's creative future. Bring on the City of Culture!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having studied at the University of Dundee for almost three years now, the way in which the university runs itself in relation to the city is incredible. I have really enjoyed the uni bringing in all aspects of Dundee to uni campus. It makes me feel like I not only belong at uni but I belong in Dundee itself.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view, from riverside you get stunning vistas of the Tay and Fife, from the Law you get stunning views all around. The people are intelligent, engaged and forward thinking.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Rep, been delivering great theatre for years and has a commitment to the community excellent.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city feels more vibrant and diverse than ever before. The mind is never bored in a place like Dundee. Hidden secret has to be the various collectives operating in the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee buzzes with creative energy. For a city of its size, it has a large and very active scene. Best of all, it has imaginative, creative, dynamic people who make it special!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I came to Dundee it was quite a sad place, burdened by the disappointments of the past. Today it is a new city with a new and much more confident view of itself and its place in the world.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing view of the city as you walk over the bridge

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Some of the best assets of Dundee is it's small bars and cafe's. They are very inviting and have a great atmosphere. Due to Dundee's landscape there is many hills which give you tremendous views over the city centre and the Tay. Dundee also has many fabulous parks such as Baxter park. The best thing of all though is that everything is very central, so it's easy to get everywhere.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are wonderful and the place is absolutely smashing

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The heart of the city to me is the university of Dundee and the Duncan of Jordanstone. Even before I was a student I was impressed by how it was a self-contained area and I enjoyed the atmosphere and diversity of life all along the Perth Road. In the summertime there are always new faces and this breathes new life into the city. It's a creative, buzzing place.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I relocated to Dundee from Glasgow 10 years ago and I love this city. It has everything, restaurants, shows, casinos and lots more.. Loads of stuff for the little ones too, from the Science Centre to Camperdown Park AMAZING city to live in

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spent three years in the city as a student in the 60s and loved it. Now come for cultural events eg at the Dundee rep thatre which we love. Always excited by the changes taking place while preserving some of the old haunts c.f .Hawkhead.
Nostalgia mixed with anticipation would describe my response to Dundee in 2013....well deserves City of Culture 2017. Incidentally 50 years since my graduation in Medicine!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The incredible generosity of spirit in the people. Unseen at first, but just waiting to be uncovered.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its not so much a 'secret' but the views from the law hill are stunning - i will never get tired of looking at those views that you get from the top.

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