We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

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 humour, the sky, the clean air.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing situation by the Tay
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful situation and Dundee Contemporary Arts - fantastic venue, fantastic atmosphere, amazing works of art, and workshops. Lucky Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In face of many negative social &amp; economic factors and compared to all other urban centres in the region, Dundee has a vibrancy and energy about arts and culture that can be felt. It's the pride people have, in themselves and their city that, despite adversity, creates this exciting environment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's national contemporary dance company is based in Dundee at the Rep.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved away 14 years ago, just moved back to the area, what a difference. So multicultural and diverse with some great redevelopment of stale and uninspiring buildings making Dundee a city to be proud of again.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Braithwaites Tea &amp; Coffee shop! So good i spend most weekends shipping orders to my friends and family who cant get into the shop in person.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A bright, blue-sky day and the sun shining on the beautiful River Tay and glinting off the railway bridge. Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic riverside walk between the boatyard along grassy beach to Broughty Ferry Castle
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great place to live and work, has great links to other cities and places throughout Scotland. Its also one of the sunniest cities in Scotland!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it evolves; how it's not afraid to take brave steps into the unknown. Dundee people are not afraid of change - they embrace it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee University Archives are innovators in their attitude to accessibility and in addition to the richness of their local collections have surprising hidden gems like their collection of early photographs of the Beatles.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is this vibrant, buzzing, creative cosmopolitan hub, where there's culture, entertainment, education and leisure at one's fingertips. Yet it has havens of peacefulness too, in its parks, the Botanic Gardens, Magdalen Green.
With its wonderful situation overlooking the Tay, and it's huge potential as a desirable destination to visit being helped along by major redevelopment, there is no question that Dundee is worthy of the title UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> World-class music events like the Jazz Festival where I saw the Esbjorn Svensson Trio, by far one of the best concerts of my life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a thriving music scene with some really good, more intimate venues, like Clarks Bar, Number 57 and Fat Sams. Dundee is big enough to be diverse and full of life, but small enough that its people can enjoy the peace of the countryside as well as the bustle of the city. From anywhere in the city you can be in the countryside within twenty minutes. I love that about Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite place in the city is the Verdant Works museum and its surrounding industrial area. Just walking down the streets around there you can almost feel the history around you. You can picture the workers, the carts of jute, the sound of the 'bummer'... Being in that part of the city brings to life the rich cultural history which Dundee is lucky enough to have bucket-loads of. It is not a city of great affluence, but it is a grand city in its own right. It is a city teeming with community spirit, scientific innovation and civic pride.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The weather always makes Dundee a great place to visit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> culture in the city is for ordinary people, not just the elite
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was a wee lassie, living in a Dundee housing scheme, then i got involved in Youth Theatre at Dundee Rep - that was 30yrs ago!! I am still there!! - in my role as a community drama officer, i see daily the impact the arts have on peoples lifes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Highland cattle beside Riverside Drive! Seals in the Tay! But most of all, to a long transplanted Canadian, the people of Dundee. I'm proud to say I live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay park in the west end with the Mills observatory and the walks around Balgay hill.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> a beautiful city with great attitudes amongst the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The historical buildings, the Scottish culture, the use of traditional teaching aids in the University, the lovely River Tay, and when I was there, a new casino opened!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Just down off the road bridge to the east, right on the front, theres a little spiral-staircased platform on which one can spend any amount of time in tranquility and contemplation looking off into the river or back into Dundee's heart. Beautiful place, have been atop it many times with many people. I guess its somewhere to catch a breath amidst the wild and constant cultural offerings of the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has always been a place where people just do it, just make art, just make culture happen, just work together, just get on with bringing art to the city in new ways with funding or without. The energy and vibrancy of the like of Generator, Yuk and Yum, and Duncan of Jordanstone and countless other initiatives large and small have shown that over the years. Whether it wins the bid or not, Dundee will be a city of culture in 2017, and every year. Good luck!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me most about Dundee is the continual diversity of our City in terms of people, its space and location. Dundee is Scotland's fourth largest City but yet it's small enough to allow for strong community bonds and a shared cultural past and future. No matter how long you live or stay here there is always something hidden away that will one day jump out and surprise you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is so such better than its reputation. I enjoyed it is being so cycling friendly,. And all city- things to do in a town size place and love to just sit outside the McManus Museum enjoy that beautiful building.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For one weekend every summer the pubs, clubs and music venues around the city are host to the Dundee Blues Bonanza! There loads of bands playing amazing live music, and they come from all over Scotland (and beyond) to do it!
It's great planning what gigs to go to in which venues. One of my favorite things about it is it gets me to go to places other than my usual haunts. There is always a really friendly buzz at Blues Fest gigs and I would strongly recommend any visitors to the area to check it out!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Over the last couple of decades Dundee has become a hub of creativity, not perhaps something which those not familiar with the city would realise immediately. There are exhibitions and arts events and festivals throughout the year ranging from the DJCAD degree show in May to the Light Night in November.
Dundee being a compact city, everything is accessible
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've been invited by my scottish friend to experience the family Ceilidh. Though one word is not enough the describe it all, I would say: AWESOME, I had a really good time. You definitely need to experience it at least once in your life (with a kilt of course!). I think I'll cherish these memories my entire life, and I'll sign-up in the second when the next ceilidh is planned!

Dundee is a nice, peaceful place, where you can breath fresh air, swim in the water, or walk on the beautiful shore. There are plenty of museums around to visit too.
<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> Dundee is the backdrop to my childhood and holds so many indelible and personal moments in time. But beyond my personal experience, this little city on the river has a richness of history, a truly international legacy and some of the best takeaways in Scotland. From Scott, through Victoria to Dennis the Menace, Dundee consistently punches above it weight and although I now live far away, a part of my heart will always be looking out at those two bridges spanning the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's people are it's greatest asset. The vast majority are helpful and honest. It's been said that if you're lost in Edinburgh and ask for help, you'll be giving directions, in Glasgow they'll draw you a map, in Dundee they'll get in the car and take you there!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I lived in Dundee for 4 years as a student. It is truly wonderful and inspirational,made all the better by the Dundonians themselves,who I consider contributed to making me the person I am now more than my degree!! - Dundee and all those Dundonians who made my life wonderful will always have a big place in my heart!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The stunning views across the Tay River are a delight.
Dundee's south facing sunny aspect - indeed the only city in Scotland to face South- is a secret bonus.
It has a "can do" attitude giving the City an air of quiet confidence, based on a rich and strong cultural heritage and identity, and a present day wealth in Education and Technology.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each time I come back to Dundee I love to walk down by the river near Broughty Castle. It always brings back great memories of the harbour swim training and the cross-Tay swims that I participated in many years ago and that still continue today. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the impact artists past and present have had on the city.

Currently Im looking forward to exploring more of Vince Rattray's work, as he is talked about with so much warmth by Dundonians. And I was fascinated to discover Pat Douthwaite's amazing paintings.

She was born in Glasgow but chose Dundee has her home because she liked it so much and took up a permanent residency at The Queens Hotel.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Literary festival brings a terrific selection of authors to the city every October.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's like Glasgow's wee bruv!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2 universities each prominent in its expertise draw in students and researchers from all over the world. These visitors bring the rich diversity of so many different cultures to the city and many become long term residents . Living in the West End I am constantly reminded of the cosmopolitan nature of Dundee in 2013 which was largely absent as I was growing up here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazing speed at which it has developed into a cool city i.e. over the last 18 years since i went there to university
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The location and the beautiful views from balgay park and the law
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ideal nature of the city,situated facing the Tay,much of what Is needed Is but a quick bus,taxi or car journey away,going to see Dundee play on the Saturday,the rare event of the Dundee Derby hopefully soon to return,fireworks at Lochee Park,the meeting with mates at Boots,shopping at Officers Club,buying the Evening Telegraph or Courier,picking up the annual fixture list provided by the Tele,the beauty of the West End,in particular Magdalen Green,the familiar sound of the water at Broughty Ferry,the famed ice cream shop,turning on of the Christmas lights,Desperate Dan and the dragon In town,the views from the Law.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Almost everything about Dundee surprises me. Its location is fabulous, its new found ambition and regeneration of the waterfront, its positive partnership working and its people. All result in a place where culture, creativity and community thrive in spades.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> a mélange of cultures, young students from all over the world who feel comfortable and welcome in this city. Dundee has a strong history, and you'll find the roots in every little corner of the town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's such a creative city, with arts and literature galore. An art college, 14 libraries, a fabulous museum, a modern art gallery, a science centre and not to forget it's bulging at the seams with history. Dundee has hidden depths.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Up in Balgay Park on the hill looking out over the Tay on a spring morning. Glorious
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is very nice because of firth also there are a lot of parks. What is more there are lot of places to have fun with friends such as Dundee Law Hill where you can meet sunset and sunrise. People are awesome, so kind and always ready to help. I have never met such a nice people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The thousands of people who turn up to the Art College degree show opening night - year after year. The small city that has the most enormous pride in its new creative talent. And in return - the creative community that champions and celebrates the city that sustains it. Together, they will reinvent Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The spirit of inquiry and learning
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Symphony Orchestra is full of committed, talented musicians who constantly challenge themselves with their 3 annual concerts, and receive enthusiastic support from their audience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The return of its self-confidence and ambition - its always been there , but it's now being recognized. Go on Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I recently worked with elderly pensioners in the city on a food project entitled 'Food as a Trigger for Memory'. The narratives of Dundee described by the people of Dundee was a very humbling experience. What was most striking for me was the sense of community that existed in Dundee. One woman explained that in her family on a Saturday if you worked you were given a Wallace's Bridie and if you didn't you were given a pie. Another pensioner could tell the time of day by the smells coming from Nicol's Bakery.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is lovely city, I was impressed by the cleanliness in the city and the commitment that people have in their jobs. I attended the epidemiology classes and it was amazing. the reception on arrival was fantastic, the organization was lovely. we had wonderful lecturers who were knowledgeable. The rooms where we were putting up were lovely and we also had a wonderful kitchen where we prepared our meals. I also admired your public relations. keep up the lovely culture. bravo and have a lovely time during your Bid. I would love to visit Dundee again and enjoy their hospitality
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyone is treated equally here with no pretensions. People come before money in Dundee.
Dundee men are less likely to patronise women than other places. For example, Dundee men are comfortable to take and collect their kids to school if their wives work.
If I would change anything it would be to get Dundee folk to eat more fresh food (and that doesn't mean cakes), I should say Dundee bakeries are really fine.
Dundee would warmly welcome visitors who came to this event and they themselves would blossom from the experience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> love all the green open spaces - there is so much to do!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee isn't an 'obvious' place - you have to dig a bit deeper than in other major cities. Once you do, you start to find places like Generator (pop up exhibitions by emergent visual artists) you see Performances in community centres and other strange places (by the Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre) and mini festivals for families all across the city. The difference is that you need to seek it out. You need to talk to people and make connections. Communicate with people and Dundee is one of the most exciting places you'll come across. It's all there for the taking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the combination of rootedness in its past with a progressive forward thinking attitude towards the future.

Dundee is enjoying a renaissance &amp; there are lots of exciting things happening in the city. From the amazing waterfront transformation to the exciting world class science &amp; medicine in the city linked to Dundee University. This learning city has 2 universities and Abertay is a trailblazer in computer games among other areas.

The 'cultural quarter', the creative energy, and the depth of all kinds of artistic expression in the city attracted the V&amp;A to choose Dundee above all other cities in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is very dynamic and currently the regeneration near the River is inspiring. Dundee deserves this accolade.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city full of quirks and quirkiness. I think there are more quirks per head of population than anywhere else I know! Yet its hard to put my finger on it. There's a quirky humour, quirky attitudes, quirky language, quirky culture, quirky history - in fact its just DIFFERENT. There's always a surprise just around the corner waiting to smack you right in the pus (excuse the quirky Dundee vernacular!). And that's what makes Dundee a wee bit special
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city of Dundee has to be one of the friendliest places I have been to. there is always a smile and a welcome and humour without the sarcastic aggressive tone that often goes with Scottish humour. Good luck Dundee URIT
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two closest football stadia in the world. Smallest city to have had both clubs reach semi final of both European competitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has emerged from it's dark past like an ugly duckling becoming a beautiful swan. Those who knock the place tend to never have been here. They need to visit and open their eyes to our wonderful, vibrant, buzzing reborn city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful restaurants and great people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the best city in Britain for seeing red squirrels.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of musical talent Dundee has to offer as well. The beautiful beach at Broughty Ferry. But most of all the friendliness and humour of the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The universities and museums! Two universities mean that there are fantastic opportunities to acquire knowledge, both formally and informally (through diversity and cultural enrichment) and the newly refurbished McManus galleries offer an insight on all aspects of life in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I first was considering studying art at Dundee I took a train journey up for the open day. The conductor was horrible refused to accept my card and was very unhelpful when I asked what I could do as I had no money on me. A stranger sitting next to me offered to pay my fare and I could repay her when we got off at Dundee. Once we were in Dundee and I had given the money back she turned out to be an art student and took me to the art college! Dundee's friendliness inspires me!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of creativity coming out of the city at the moment is outstanding and makes me proud to be from Dundee. The city is buzzing with great designers, artists, musicians and other talents who are firmly putting it on the map as a major creative city in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Douglas Sports Centre gives the local community access to excellent facilities on their doorstep providing opportunities to be active in their community.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very caring and friendly. I was so overwhelmed by the caring of neighbours when my mother developed Vasular Dementia. They were so good at looking out for her before she eventually had to go into care. I nominated one of her neighbours (and she won) a Wave 102 neighbour of the year award a few years back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The citizens of Dundee are what make it such a vibrant city. They are open, friendly, and helpful, and seem to adapt easily to change. This approach to life is fully deserving of the City of Culture award.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's industrial history as a centre for textile production is apparent throughout the city. Numerous former jute mills remain standing and while some lay derelict, many have been converted into alternate usages. Of particular note are the Tay Works, built by the Gilroy Brothers c.1850-1865, Camperdown Works in Lochee, which built and owned by Cox Brothers, one of Europe's largest jute manufacturing companies, and begun in 1849, and Upper Dens Mill and Lower Dens Works, built by the Baxter Brothers in the mid 19th century.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> River Tay is amazing on any day with its many facets. Dark and gloomy, foggy and mysterious, bright and sunny, and the occasional seals.
The research ongoing in University of Dundee and Ninewells Hospital aiso punches above its weight internationally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cultural quarter of the DMCA, the rep and all the events happening!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, one of the oldest cities in scotland has such rich heritage, and a fascinating history from back when it was just a small settlement between two hills. So many museums, fantastic art college, theatres, parks, the list is endless. Dundee deserves a bit of respect for the way it has been revitalised over the past 20 years amid the shutdown of industries and the emergence of new industries. People need to be encouraged to look again at Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> something for every age group
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> THE FOLK
THE VIBRANCE OF THE PEOPLE
THE SELF BELIEF OF THE PEOPLE
THE VIEWS OF THE CITY FAE THE LAW HILL
TWA BRA FOOTBALL TEAMS
BEST EVER MUSIC LIVE
BEST ART SCHOOL
BEST UNVIERSITY WITH MULTI CULTURES
BEST PIES IN THE PLANET
BEST JAM , BERRIES,
BEST COMICS IN THE WORLD THE BEANO ,THE DANDY AND OUUUR WULLIE
BEST OF ALL YOU ARRIVE WITH NO FRIENDS YOU LEAVE WITH MANY !!!!!!!! THATS THE SURPRISE !!!!!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee has some magnificent trees and green spaces, renowned for some of its champion trees and some really remarkable trees in urban areas . Dudhope gardens is an amazing space with view of the city and the tay which is breathtaking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is given a bad name. Really the city is vibrant, bouncing and full of lots of little surprises. From the quaint coffee shops and boutiques to the busy night life of the city centre. The grandeur of the Caird Hall to the spectacular views from the top of the Law.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The tabletop gaming community! A great and growing group of diverse individuals, shops and organisations who help make amazing things happen in the city on a daily basis!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each time I travel over the bridge by train, I am alsways filled with such pride being greeted by the simply stunning views. I've seen many a time where people have never travelled this way before are excited by the views, getting up out of their seats to try and see more, and the lovely comments you overhear people make, makes you smile from ear to ear :-) ...also, going down to Broughty Ferry Beach and watching dolphins - just wonderful. No where better in the world, and the sands and shores compete with any mediterranean coastline on a sunny day B-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the ground roots style activism that seems to make the City belong more to the people of the community than any other city I know. The very strong games community is one example. Another is the West End Festival that is organised by some very cool Dundonians!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having worked and travelled around the UK &amp; further afield, Dundee has its own unique personality. For example, it's nigh impossible to stand at a Dundee bus stop for any length of time without a fellow traveller striking up a conversation with you. It's been a city for a long time but it still feels like a big village.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's commitment to nurturing the talents of our young musicians, dancers and actors through supporting the Dundee Schools' Music Theatre and Orchestras and Bands. The public performances at the Caird Hall and local theatres are widely appreciated.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee is very broad and would excite those who are into its study.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendliness and warmth of Dundonians; the huge number of independent shops, bars and cafes; and of course the sunshine!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the city with a village mentality. It has a great community.
From arts venues like the DCA and the rep which continue to provide thought provoking art, to pop culture such as the comics industry and DOJ-con there is always something on offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great buildings - Gardyne's Land - original elements 1560, now preserved as a backpackers' hostel. St David's Rooms, - original elements early 1600's. 2 cathedrals - St Paul's and St Andrew's.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact that Dundee has the most friendly, funny people and that once you break the ice we are all global citizens.
That and the fact that we are grounded and there are no pretensions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even after 10 years of living in the city I seem to stumble onto new things in and around the area of Dundee. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are always new people to meet and connect with, there seems to be a continual flow of people coming into Dundee, some stay a month, a year or maybe 4 or more, and the city takes them all in.

Though not born and bred in Dundee, I have done a lot of growing here; I moved to Dundee at 18, and 8 years later I am still exploring and discovering new streets, communities and people. As a student and then lecturer, most of my time has been centered at DJCAD, University of Dundee. The university often provides a reason for people to come to Dundee but the communities pre-existing (and yet to form) are the reason people care, contribute and continue talking about Dundee.

For me, Dundee's hidden secret is its adaptability in itself and the people it hosts. It is not a perfect city, nor does it pretend to be, therefor people take on the challenge of shaping it, in turn shaping themselves. In this continual movement Dundee has witnessed many a success, and failure, but it (and the people it hosts) keeps on trying because that is the nature of the space and place it inhabits.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city steeped in culture with so much to see and do from theatres and restaurants to museums and ships. With the waterfront development it is set to become a must visit for tourists both from Scotland and abroad.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The way that Dundee's communities embrace creativity as a tool to bring people together, to break down barriers and to look positively at what the future might hold.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is so welcoming!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The university is fantastic, I honestly believe it offers one of the best student experiences in the UK. There is no night out quite like a Union night out.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity - so many people who paint, sing, write and want to share it. The enthusiasm and love of the arts sets this city apart from anywhere else in the UK
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The big sky and light quality of the estuary. Havana Swing and "The Smiling School for Calvinists". Dry weather and humour.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the Darcy Thompson museum. The university has a wonderful collection of art as well. The breadth and volume of cultural events in the city is amazing. Dundee's siting is handsome being on the river and its parks are a wonderful asset - areas like Balgay and Magdalen Yard, Camperdown, etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The density of amateur theatrical groups in such a small area is amazing for one of Scotland's smaller cities. The nurturing that young people are given to participate in the performing arts through Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Dundee Schools Orchestra and Dundee Unuversity Music ensure the continuing breadth of involvement of the people of Dundee in the performing arts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the Top of the Law (hill) - on a clear day you can see just how far Dundee has come in the past 100 years. Look north and you see the chimneys of old jute mills, look south and you see the University and Welcome Trust building at the University fo Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, history both football clubs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Enjoying the views from the Top of the Tower Building cafe, (University of Dundee, main campus) and see how changes of the weather are reflected upon the city, the rooftops, the parks, the bridges and the river. And if you are lucky, this is prime location for spotting rainbows in the distance.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee to me is a city of perseverance, passion and pride.

I chose to live in the city because of my strong families ties. In my family, storytelling is important, whether it's reminiscing about past events or passing down fables. These stories transfer a rich tapestry of experience on to the next generation.

The regenerating of Dundee's industrial heritage has reinvigorated the City and can be interpreted as a symbol for personal transformation.

My secret spot is the mosaic bench in Finlathen Park next to the Dighty Burn. A little bit of public art that adds to its setting. I would love to see some stone sculptures from a nearby artist on display there too. His work is inspiring and amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How it adapts to the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much it has changed for the better since I was an undergraduate in 1978-1982!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The long history of the Trades of Dundee - the Three United Trades of Dundee and the Nine Incorporated Trades and their link with St Andrews Parish Church. The beautiful stained glass windows in that Church commemorating that link and the stained glass at the entrance to Ninewells Hospital again displaying the City's links with its historic Trades.

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