We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The city of Dundee was the first Scottish city to have suffragettes bringing to light the inequities if the time. When you scratch the surface of our understated city you will find such depth, humour and humanity that this example shoes. Also a rich dialect that will educate visitors-do you know what a circle is? 🙂 Dundee is a truly lovely place

<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> Dundee is an ideal city for students who are living for the first time away from home. It has a vibrant creative industry, a diverse night life, good shopping and everything is within walking distance.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The growth of the University of Dundee &amp; the student activities it offers is fantastic. I worked in the students association for 4 happy years &amp; it inspired me to develop my career. I now live in New York!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of culture to be found in such a small geographic area.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its friendly people always eager to help and lend a helping hand in times of need - in fact I never felt away from home. Further the city has a fair share of foreign students throughout the year which makes it a good platform for exchange of foreign cultures and heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city centre with music, art, history, theatre and more in about one square mile
<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> Ever since my wife and I moved to Dundee, we have been delightfully surprised by so many public lectures on various topics in the forms of Saturday Night Lecture Series, Arts Cafe and Science Cafe. I had my favourite book singed by the author in one of the lectures. In addition, the City is full of exciting galleries, restaurants and cafes, many of which are used for the public lectures. Surrounding the City, there are so many breathtaking natural sceneries, which are very much intellectually stimulating and at the same time emotionally comforting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sheer welcoming atmosphere from the people who live there. I'm not a resident - in fact I live on the other side of the globe. But I visit frequently to see family. Every time I visit everybody I meet in the city is extremely friendly and welcoming and eager to chat it up. The people are amazing and I have yet to be received the same elsewhere in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Family! Dundee is where my family and I were born, where we grew up and where I go home now to catch up and visit them all-that's why I love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its ability to adapt and reinvent itself in terms of hardship
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We all know about the Three J's, but I only recently found out there's a hidden and covered-over network of old rail tunnels crossing the town. 14 years of living here and I still find new surprises.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 1) Old train tunnel through Law hill- could reopen as exhibit
2) River cruises- Tay is beautiful. Could get more like Taymara.
3) Mills Observatory- only free public one in UK &amp; great fun at nights
4) James Chalmers- inventor of stamps. Could have international philately expo
5) James Bowman Lindsay- first inventor of lightbulb. Could have huge illuminated lightbulb sculpture or combine with-
6) Could have UK's first "Bellagio" style water fountain combining movement and classical music.
7) Jimmy Shand- lived in Dundee and bought his first accordian there. Could have National Accordian Championship like Glasgow's successful Piping Championships.
For more ideas- email me!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That my city of birth keeps on reinventing itself and appreciates it's rich history!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Looking across from Fife as the winter sun sets, the silhouette is unmistakable and the bridges dark against the pastel flow of the river. There not many other cities in Britain that create such an instantly recognisable horizon. Then the sun sets and Dundee sparkles into life as the myriad of lights paint the river with trails that stretch gently towards the fife coastline. Beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> countryside on your doorstep
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a mass of hidden creative talent that is slowly coming to the fore. The imminent V&amp;A building is helping build a massive buzz in Dundee. Inspiring all of those talented people to come out and do their own thing, or join up with others to form collectives, enhancing Dundee even further.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> perth road dundee is really a melting pot with dundee's large international student population.it feels very cosmopolitan and you can almost sense a creative feel about the area as you walk down the perth road with the university /old art colege and also the dca /rep all in close vicinity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee Contemporary Arts should be the "Centre of Culture" in the UK! Due to its quaint nature, the workshops and events it runs are very heavily community-oriented, attendants to these events feel the cultural message a lot more personally.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant city, with so many exciting developments taking place. It is the obvious city to be the UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Coming from Edinburgh, I didn't know much about the rich history of industry and the variety in which it came in. But after studying at the university's art college for four years, I have learned a great deal about that history. I imagine a successful bit would help bolster and reignite the city's connection with what once made it a great place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is known for its large cultural variance, the achitectural layout ofthe city is one that seems to fascinate. The location of the law hill, providing an enigmatic view of the whole city. The weather is one that is highly intriguing. known to be the sunniest city in the scotland, hail stones in august spices up the flavour of the Dundee life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the amazing views from Ninewells Hospital - got to be the best views of any hospital in Scotland
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> - Braithwaite's tea and coffee shop in Castle St
- Summer Sunday free brass band concert at Magdalen Green followed by drinks and food from one or more of the many bars and restaurants on Perth Rd
- The brilliant Dundee Blues Bonanza .... It introduced Home Bargains and the TJ Morris Company to the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has been more prominent in the history of Scotland than many people realise.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> strolling through parts of Dundee it can be sometimes uncertain whether we are beholding the longings of yesteryear or the imaginings of today. Dundee's old mills are fascinating reminders of its industrial history, intriguing features in the city fabric. Dundee feels like a contrast between a little scottish town and a truly cosmopolitan vibe. Facilities like those of the Print Studio at the DCA draw artists &amp; creative people from all over the country.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It always has something new to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The D'Arcy Thompson collection is amazing and something for Dundee to celebrate. I think more attention should be placed on the collection and the art works it inspires. What a great attraction.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee always surprises me. Each time I visit I seem to discover something new that makes me want to return.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How rapidly Dundee is charging forward.
<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> 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> Great place.....great past, present and future
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fantastic universities attracting great staff and producing top talent in a variety of fields.

Stunning setting -The views /sunsets along the Tay are beautiful and unique to this city.

The Mills observatory is the UK's only public observatory allowing people to learn and enjoy the night sky.

Dundee has great potential and is evolving for the better.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If you see Dundee in sunshine, it is a lovely place. Yet seeing it when it rains and all is grey and the Tay river whirls with the wild currents, that is what summons the bitter-sweet nostalgia of the past, of the industrial times and streetcars passing through the city center.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was the place where I learned how to be a designer and how to think about my future. I work all over the world and take Duncan of Jordanstone everywhere I go. The scenery takes my breath away and it has a sense of opportunity in the air. I'm proud of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Speedwell bar,dundee university,rep theatre,dundee utd,dawn at the law,sunset over the tay bridge and braw folk everywhere means dundee will always have a place in my heart.And this is from a weegie....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> After one year in Dundee, my life has been changed. I discovered myself and the world in new ways. This is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I learned how to communicate across cultures and had chances to see historic monuments and famous arts. Due to my immature thinking, I might have caused some misunderstandings, but the lecturers had a sympathy, they forgave mistakes of mine. I studied on ​​a topic that I love and received invaluable advices from Professor. I believe these experiences would translate into benefits throughout my life &amp; ... I miss the city :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a wonderful sense of community , people are proud of their city and show this by pulling together to influence change and improvements in their local areas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Born in Dundee nearly 80 years ago. Educated and qualified in Medicine there. Proud of the way Dundee has moved forward over these, quite difficult, years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I don't think people understand the sheer level of creative ability that derives from DJCAD each year. Making the move to Dundee from Northern Ireland 4 years ago has been the best thing for me as a creative individual. The people make the city. They are the culture and they are the future. I feel privileged to have been part of a thriving art school, so much so that I'm basing my final year 'Interior + Environmental Design' Degree Show project on the prospect of a design graduate event space on Dundee's very own Tay Road Bridge, that would exist not only as an cultural and creative interface for DJCAD, but to commemorate the desired '2017 City of Culture' status.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It has everything we need in terms of culture: we have the DCA with it's exhibitions and workshops and the cinema which brings films not always shown at Cineworld. Both cinema's have regular showings of live opera from the Met, and cineworld had regular showings of big rock bands. Soon we will have the V&amp;A which I'm so looking forward to.

In terms of leisure we have a brand new swimming pool opening soon, and Dundee has two major league football clubs and several amatuer clubs. There are many great places to eat like Marco Polo in the centre of town and several Indian and Turkish restaraunt up the Perth Road. There are many places to drop in for coffee and home made food like the wonderful T An Cake (not sure I've spelled that right) There is also a wide variety of shops including tradtional shops like Braithwaites who are sellers of teas and coffees from around the world.

Last, but not least, is the setting of the city itself: there are many green spaces with Camperdown Park as the main place to go for a picnic and a stroll, there are the walks along the Riverside, and there are the beautiful beaches at Broughty Ferry....and beyond, the coastal scenery going toward Monifeith and Carnoustie.

I came to Dundee 25 years ago to College and much has changed in the city since, except it's friendliness and welcome of the outsider. With the two universities and colleges and the Duncan of Jordanston School of Art, Dundee is a cosmapolitan city, with students from around the world and Indian, Pakistani, Polish and Romanian folk settling in the city and rubbing along together very well. Dundee has many churches; a beautiful mosque and a Sihk Gudwarra. This melting pot gives the city it's richness and expansiveness.

I now live across the water in Fife but feel Dundee is my city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has long been the central hub of video games development in Scotland. The days of 300 employee developers are gone, but in their place a thriving, vibrant community of smaller developers has emerged. More agile, more creative and more suited to the constantly changing world of video games. It's an exciting time for Dundee. :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people. I now live on the opposite side of the world and I have yet to encounter such a braw, open-minded community full of life, acceptance and comical banter as my home tribe. Never a dull moment chatting with a friend, acquaintence or stranger. I miss you Dundee!
<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> I am constantly surprised by additional facts about Dundee and Dundonians; from the Neolithic to the space age, Dundee has hidden its light under a bushel, and needs to be recognised for the amazing place it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is an early 16 century brass astrolabe in the McManus galleries. As an object it represents remarkable craftsmanship, it has a story to tell about seamanship, discovery, imagination, and those whose hands it passed through - it is one unique part of the story of this fascinating city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wonderful staff at the DCA who brighten up the day no matter what time it is.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The architecture across the city is beautiful. From Morgan Academy (my personal favourite!) to Custom's House and the old D.R.I. They are stunning examples of design and construction!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The parks and the people:

Inspiring.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> history of the jute mills , history of the discovery.
dundee REP theatre, and the scottish dance theatre the inspiration the ambition and the talent from all people involved so much happening in this small city !!!
not to mention the DCA and McManus galleries just a few reasons of why i am backing DUNDEE :)
Dundee might be a small city but it has BIG things happening... past , present and future!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Take a walk through Balgay Park on a frosty winter night. Wind your way up through the trees till the heavens open up above you. The observatory is there but you won't need it; the stars are close enough to touch.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant music culture, there is a lot of support for local bands that play regularly around the city at various venues. I like the fact that you can go to different bars and coffee shops and there will be open mic nights on where you can sit and listen, get up and play or ask for requests. The jazz and blues festival is a great asset to the city. In addition the botanical gardens is beautiful, I like to go have a coffee and wander through the gardens.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cherry blossom 'avenue' in full bloom at Dawson Park. Its beauty surprises me every year and it is a reminder that spring has finally arrived!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a great centre for some scenic bike rides. Whether it be heading from downtown to Broughty Ferry or up to Camperdown Park and beyond. One of my personal favourites is heading over the Tay Road Bridge and looking back on the city. Coming back over the bridge, it has to be one of the best entrances and views entering a city anywhere in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having returned to Dundee after 12 years I am constantly surprised it how Dundee has changed for the better. It has become an articulate and confident city, one that I am proud to say I come from.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> McManus galleries offer a wonderful insight into the rich history of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians are very welcoming and friendly people, Also the history of Dundee is very interesting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The strong sense of community identity. All over city local people are working together to celebrate and improve their neighbourhoods through local festivals, drama performances, litter picks, mosaics and gardening projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Im Proud Dundonian. I Love how GTA was created in Dundee! and look out for the next top selling title to come from our city :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is Scotlands best kept secret . With stunning backdrop, vantage points &amp; fantastic history.
We should have a looking up day with that much architecture to feed the soul.
Its no wonder Dundee isone of the top student choices. With top clubs and Djs and pubs with character and a thriving Celtic Culture in abundance. if you want to visit a real Scottish city come to Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's not just about the Ferry or the west end : even smaller local areas have marvels like Fortes cafe, the Balmore Bar, Jessies kitchen and so many others. Dundee has wonderful architecture all over, not just in the currently affluent areas, and around every corner there are wonderful parks and green spaces. Dundee is beautiful if you look past the billboards and industrial sites....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was born and grew up in Broughty Ferry- a beautiful wee town in the most idyllic of situations- a suburb of dundee. However I spent my teens exploring and adventuring around the streets and meandering cobbles of Dundee's city centre- I had a relatively sheltered childhood but Dundee's surprisingly vibrant fashion and music scene opened my eyes to a world of culture and diversity. I loved sitting outside st Mary's in the sunshine soaking up the rays, atmosphere and architecture and taking in art and cocktails at the DCA in the evening (the terrace is a godsend) and catching an abstract array of DJ's at the Reading Rooms until the wee hours...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundonian dialect :) Sometimes difficult to understand, but really intriguing and beautiful!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA is amazing, we travel there all the way from Perth regularly to see inspiring films and music we'd never otherwise know about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a wonderful place. It is beautiful, the Tay gives the city an amazing backdrop. It embraces freedom of experience. My daughters learnt Highland dance in school but also grew up steeped in Bharatnatyam (Indian dance culture) and this was supported by the Dundee City Council and Creative Scotland. There is much personal space, Dundonians get on with their lives, the city's culture is one of non-interference and mutual respect. My daughters now study in Edinburgh and Riga, I work in Brighton, but we are looking forward to experiencing the magic of Dundee over Christmas and Hogmanay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Only in Dundee can one find such an eclectic choice of specialist shops, in particular specialist food shops
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee science community has a really appetite for collaboration, innovation and growth. Exciting new projects between disciplines are creating a new future and discoveries.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Grassy Beach is my favourite Dundee secret. I'm sure it has it's own microclimate as when the weather is dire elsewhere, it usually feels much milder there. I also love beachcombing and once picked up a large wooden crucifix wih a silver Christ on it. I decided that there must be more treasure on the beach so continued searching and found a brooch which I pocketed whithout much attention. The crucifix disappeared but when I took the brooch home, I discovered that it was gold with garnets in it - so I did find treasure that day on my magical beach. Twenty years on I'm still searching for the crucifix !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that it is geographically ideal. Within 90 minutes of the other three major cities, 20 minutes to the Angus Glens and 20 minutes to St. Andrews. Experience the city, experience the countryside, experience the coast, experience the golf, experience Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grey lady of Balgay Hill always created a lot of hysteria when we were at Primary School.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Waterfront developing into such a beautiful and state of the art area from what was such an industrial start. It proves with investment and creative thinking a 'sow's ear can be made from a silk purse'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The annual Dundee Jazz &amp; Blues festival is an amazing experience that really brings the whole community together and creates a fantastic feeling in the city. It also highlights the cities passion for creativity and is attracting fans from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think we have great potential to visitors and locals in that there are great closie tours of Victorian and medeaval histories. Stuart Walker does these tours and could speak for ages on the history of Dundee but we don't do enough of these tours and promote our own town. We could do more and shout about our town from the rooftops but tend to hide and don't push ourselves enough.
Dundee folk don't shout about their town and what it has, like the Macmanus Galleries, The Unicorn, The Discovery. Up wi the bonnets of Bonnie Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think the city deserves this time in the sun (fingers crossed and not just a the UK's sunniest city) as so much more to Dundee than jam and jute. It is a city with swagger and one of Scotland's best kept secrets
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a friendly city and also so much great music groups about. Choirs, Orchestras, bands etc.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Voluntary Sector - caring, accessable and the life and soul of the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our ability to continually innovate, inspire and engage is difficult to beat. From Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, The Rep Theatre and DCA, to computer games, technology and design the City, in its own quiet way, makes a big impact across the world.
The UK should be proud to have Dundee as City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Great quality of life - great little city with great access to countryside, beach, and bigger cities - best of all worlds. And it's the friendliest place I've ever lived. Lovely parks too, can't beat a sunny afternoon on Magdalen Green overlooking the sparkly Tay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The number of amazing shops, cafes and attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rest of Scotland sneering at Dundee, because...?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not just a town. Born and bred there and although I live many miles away now I'm always returning to my home town with its fabulous memories. Structural Dundee has changed dramatically over the years but its the people who make a place and Dundee certainly has a mixture of all sorts.
Great people, great city and great memories!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a real and loveable second home to many students, like myself, who study here. I am in my second year at University here and I am still discovering new parts of Dundee and the countryside surrounding it. The view points particularly over the Tay from near the observatory at sun down are absolutely stunning and is one of my favourite places to be. There are many inspiring lecturers and mentors attached to the universities which make me proud to say that I am spending my student life here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth and diversity of Dundee's green spaces. Stand on the Law in summer and see how green the city is. Balgay Hill. Botanic Gardens, Baxter Park, Templeton and Middleton Woods, Barnhill Rock Garden to name but a few, and Dundee's hidden gem, the Miley Urban Wildlife Site in Lochee. There are many many more, some of them used for education purposes as well as leisure. On practically every corner there
are Trees, bushes, planters and hanging baskets. On most roundabouts and roadside edges there is some planting even if it is only the bulbs in spring. I love Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Culture is not only between the walls of rooms and museums, but also in the streets ! You can walk around and admire the beauty of the buildings, the statutes, etc. Dundee Uni is also doing agreat job with its art show ! Dundee deserves to be recognised as a real city of culture !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The climbing wall in the church-I think it surprises most of the people coming from continental Europe.
But what I like about Dundee the most is the international environment, especially within the College of Life Sciences. We are a bunch of strangers gathered here from all around the world, and we really stick together, we are a family here, far away from home. I lived in Hungary and France before, but nowhere is as easy to find friends as it is in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Dundee University campus holds an incredible vibe about it. I remember first starting university and being completely awed by the atmosphere always surrounding the campus and the community spirit of the university. Whether it's your freshers week, a random night out, or even cramming at the library, the fact that all the uni's institutions are contained in this one campus means the place has a constant buzz about it. I doubt there's many other universities that hold the same exciting atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its really come on since I lived there until 2007.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such a fantastic variety of amateur arts groups - for children and adults - which produce excellent shows to suit all tastes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people and all the talks at the science museum there seems to something going on every day!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> GENRAL GRANT'S VISIT TO DUNDEE

When U.S. Grant paid a visit to my home town,
They spruced it up with a lick of paint
And then they showed him round,
Two bands played in fierce competition
As the rain came down,
And the General said, "What a mighty long bridge to such a mighty little ole town."

A man called Walsh hung from a window
With the Starts and Stripes,
And the orphan boys sang, "Alouette"
It was sweetness and light,
But as they sang the fire bell rang
And they ran for their lives,
"What well trained little orphans and a precious little song."
Said the General's wife.

A carriage was called to the Magdalen Green,
Before the darkness fell,
With a short stop over for the ladies convenience,
At the Royal Hotel,
And the General frowned through the last of the speeches
Though he took it well,
"What a pretty little bandstand, what lovely little steeple,
What charming little houses and such cheerful little people,
But what a mighty long bridge for such a mighty little ole town."

- Michael Marra.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a girl who moved around all my life, from the middle east, to scandinavia, to Africa and only came to Dundee for uni, I am constantly amazed that the 1000th time walking down Perth Road I can fall in love with Dundee over and over again. The sunshine, the buildings, the Uni,the people, the city. I think it's amazing that Dundee can be a home to a girl who come's from nowhere!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing beats the magical feeling during the Universities graduation ceremonies in the Caird Hall and City Square in June. Graduates and their families and friends fill the city with colour, celebration and culture. These celebrations start for me with the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show earlier in the season - you get a great sense of creativity, potential, excitement and the ultimate start to a cultural summer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of nice places to visit, rest or enjoy for a walk if you want, but its best asset is the people.  Dundee is full of people from different culture and being French I felt integrated very quickly because this is what this city is about: People with great heart. I am regularly dancing Indian dances at the Bharatiya Ashram and  I am learning painting with a local artist John Stoa and I think that I could not combine so many arts activities elsewhere than In Dundee – Great  city of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even as a native I am constantly surprised by how many people conceal tremendous creative talent behind their 'ordinary', self-effacing external appearance. I know folk who are exceptionally artistic, literate, musical - you name it - but, being Dundonians, they wouldn't let you realise it until you get to know them. Get to know Dundee.
<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> Dundee is a fantastic city! I'm proud to be brought up in Dundee. The city has loads of culture, we are getting the V&amp;A which only London has, we are getting a £1 billion project on the mouth of the Tay and we are home to one of the greatest comic book series in the UK

I love Dundee and I think we should earn the 2017 City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Literary Festival. Something for all ages and supporting reading.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> art bar, speedwells, parlour, djcad, dca, pheonic, frasers, grouchos.. thats dundee city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The welcome of people who live in Dundee: as an incomer I was struck by the warmth and generosity of Dundonians that finds expression in a range of contexts across the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Amanda Lowson at Dundee Reps community division. I remember her excitement on the day of her interview; 20 years on she is still a bundle of enthusiasm and excitement which never fails to inspire every adult and child she has contact with. Folk grow taller around her! Definitely one of Dundee's best kept secrets :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee, I've come back to Art College (DJCAD) as a pensioner to do a Masters in Fine Art and discovering a wonderful city, rich in history and a vibrant art scene. Warm and wonderful folk
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its a great location. Its not a hidden secret. The River Tay is a most beautiful waterfront to cycle along. I came to work in Dundee 30+ years ago as NHS Tayside was providing innovative Clinical Psychology services. Dundee continues to develop better ways to reduce the impact of historical poverty. I have enjoyed living and working amongst friendly people who know their history is often a mix of wealth and hardship but are keen live in a thriving place and make this better for all. Concerts, theatre, parks and nightlife all contribute to this. Braithwaites tea &amp; coffee shop is just one small corner of this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The diversity of people in Dundee make the city what it is - vibrant, fun, ever-changing. We have much more to give than some realize.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The number of opportunities to be in the audience of such a wide choice of presentations whether musical, artistic or informative.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sense of humour in Dundee is fantastic! We don't take ourselves too seriously but we do appreciate our rich cultural heritage. Strong women play a big part - past and present!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Gardyne Theatre is a joy! Have been to The agony and ecstasy of Steve Jobs and an Audience with Jenni Murray in the past two weeks, both marvellous and so different.
It's a jewel of a place and more people need to find out about it .
<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.

:)

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