We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

Dundee has an incredible selection of events, plays, music, exhibitions and talks, especially for a city of this size. I moved here from Sweden, and find it so much easier and fulfilling to live in Dundee. I live down by the Tay and have a magnificent view of Fife, the River and the sea. Hidden secrets? Well, Jazz nights on the Unicorn are quite an experience and the city is full of small cobbled alleyways such as Candle Lane, which is my way home. Last not least, the people must be considered a cultural treasure, friendly and with a very dry sense of humour. Go for it Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that boasts two different football teams on opposite sides of the same street.
It has a hill that is the Law &amp; should never be known as both.
The past is remembered &amp; cherished &amp; the future faced as a challenge.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a vibrant city. A city we can (and all) love. A city with so much to see, full of heritage. A city with so many creative talents, that inspire so many people. Dundee is a homely city, a city we should be proud of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the fact that there's a real feeling of pride growing amongst us Dundonians. Maybe it's because we are seeing so much investment in the in the City. The waterfront is really creating a buzz and it's gaining momentum. The new swimming as well as some new hotels and restaurants opening are really making it somewhere exciting to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its amazing to be here in Dundee. I feel people in Dundee are more inclined to respect the rights of the others. This quality of the inhabitants is fostering unimaginable diverse cultural horizons to the city, society, and the Scotland. I feel very easy to go around and most of the time find help for any problem in hand without facing any kind of racial or colour discrimination. The city is full of life, pleasure, ease and help. Thanks to Dundee for being the first place of interaction in UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of the local bands and the enthusiasm of the local gig-going community. I've been going to gigs for over 15 years and the banter, humour and passion never ceases to amaze me
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From the city's dynamic centre, within 15 minutes you are in beautifully peaceful countryside or at the beach with the waves crashing on the shore. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It sounds daft, but often when I'm in the queue at Tesco on Riverside, I'll have a look out the window across the Tay and think just how lucky I am to live in Dundee – with the sun streaming down the Tay, it really is a gorgeous view. The river has been underutilised in the past, but with the V&amp;A opening, and the redevelopment of the centre, hopefully that will be addressed. And while Dundee has a great view across the river, those on the other side have a great view of Dundee’s skyline.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everytime I look for help for a project within the creative community, be it volunteers or advice/expertise, I always receive support.
The people's justified optimism and community spirit make me super proud to have made Dundee my home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the buzz around town! Everyone is always cheery and chatty, and no one hides away from anything. The city is full of confident individuals which makes living in the city a beneficial experience for everyone! I come from a small village, but living in Dundee has certainly given my small town attitude a makeover!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is my city now that I have retired and returned. Having spent so many years away, following the work, I have come back to warmth. Warmth in the south-facing slopes; warmth in the mellow sandstone of its fantastic buildings; warmth from the people I meet when I go into the Central Library, the University, the cafes and the shops. This is not the case in other cities and it warms my heart to think that I can now put down roots in this special place.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has seen a revolution in the past 20 years
With lots more to come
It's rich heritage, now matched by it's forward outlook makes it the ideal City of Culture,2017
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is in a fantastic location and the people who live, work and study here manage to produce some of the best science , art and cultural events in the UK!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact you can turn a corner and find an amazing piece of street art, or a medieval building or just meet an interesting character, who's always friendly and willing to share
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The brilliant Macmanus Galleries to the Blues Festival. Always plenty to do. Really looking forward to the V and A. its all going on in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that I can walk through Dundee streets and see it's rich history from converted mills, towering tenements and stunning Victorian buildings. The City gives me a sense of how my ancestors lived and worked, and I feel a great connection to them just by living here myself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here from Aberdeen over 10 years ago. Got married here, had my kids here; I've made this amazing city my home, but its warmth, its vibrance and its diversity never fails to surprise and amaze me. Great people. Great location. Great City!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> right opposite the DUSA students union exist - down the little road to look out over the water. There is a little bench with te most amazing views out over the tay.

I found out on my garduation day that as we past my grandad proposed to my gran there - a very special place and one of my Dundee Uni memories!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The longest seaplane flight took off from Dundee in 1938 and flew non stop to South Africa. The river has been the vehicle of discovery not just out to sea but into the air as well. There is such a rich history in Dundee just waiting to be soaked up.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Sunday morning sport for the city's kids - rugby, football, hockey et al. Parents really putting in the early morning effort to help kids realise their potential.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The historical nuggets that are under our noses every day are amazing we just dont recognise them.. Dundee is steeped in history which is not only important to the local area but Scotland, Uk and internationally. It is about time the City was recognised for its cultural diversity and its potential as an international focus for artistic and industrial development.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I used to visit an auction centre nearby the University of Dundee, when I was a student there, back in 1996-1997. They auction all sort of things like jewellery, antique cameras, etc. I brought a couple of things there!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a delightful place to live and work. We have some beautiful sights to see; my favourite is the Howff cemetery in the city centre. No matter how busy the city is the Howff is always quiet and peaceful; it is quite surreal. Dundee Law is also a wonderful place to be. I will never tire of living in Dundee, and I am a very proud Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite thing is doing the penguin puppet show at the boat (Discovery). Katherine 4 and a half
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that continues to grow and develop with the times. Dundee has an ineresting history from whaling, the famous three J's - Jute, Jam and Journalism to developing the gaming industry, art, music, writting, science, drama, dance and sport. We also have the exciting prospect of the V&amp;A development which will bring with it more job opportunites and strengthen the industry and culture. There is something for everyone in Dundee - McManus Galleries and museum, the law hill and its panoramic views of the city, the Mills Observatory, Broughty Ferry beach (and the famous Visocchi's for homemade icecream), The Rep, Verdant Works, Sensation, The DCA, Magdalen Green and the bandstand - the list can go on and on. The general atmosphere and friendliness of the people in Dundee is something that is always a pleasant surprise
<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> Templeton Woods, one of many public outdoor spaces in and near Dundee, is a wonderful place with fun artwork
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Music, music, music!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The 'lets just get on and do it' attitude that has started to happen in Dundee's creative world. From Vanilla Ink to Tin Roof via Fleet Collective, Jam Collective and Rusty Hip - not to mention all the independent shops and cafes that are setting the foundations for the future retail economy of the city. Good work, lets keep it going.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the city structure, combining a hill with an amazing view, which is then 'diving' into the sea. Walking through the city you can see that there is a story hidden behind each street, each neighbourhood that seems independent from he rest, but at the same time all seem proud to leave in Dundee.
The is sun that brights up quite often, give a different exotic feeling to the place. I was impressed by the locals, how kind they are. I have a person especially in mind, born and raised in Dundee, and when he speaks about it, is talking with so much passion about the history, language and people of the place. He even thank me for choosing Dundee as my place for studying. Personally, that is a wonderful feeling which made me fall in love with he city of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden passageways in Dundee are amazing, it puts you in touch with the living history of the City!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The breathtaking views from the law, from Newport across the river, when driving along Riverside Drive, the constant surprise of small planes coming in to land or taking off, the DCA, buzzing with life and Magdalen Green with its backdrop of the tay and the rail bridge.
<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> Artist Matt Stoke's award-winning film 'Long After Tonight' was part of DCA's Our Surroundings exhibition (2005). Matt filmed Northen Soul dancers from across the UK in St Salvadors chuch over two evenings. The result was breathtaking. It brings tears to my eyes everytime I watch it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, just look at the view of our city we take for granted every day. Some people moan about our city, lets make a comparison when you compare our city to a lot of other city's throughout the uk and the world. Is it safe to walk our streets ? and we do like a good moan about everything but do we like it when people from other city's moan about us, so lets hear it for Bonnie Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A friendly place with great theatre, art and architecture with the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Access to outdoor activities such as paddlesport, in both kayak and canoe. There are many clubs locally offering access to the sea, rivers and lochs in a number of canoe and kayak disciplines. Many of them on a voluntary basis and at minimal cost.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that you can go into Dundee City Centre and always meet someone you know. Dundee is not an anonymous city but exudes warmth &amp; friendliness wherever you go.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views of the River Tay from Riverside Drive out towards the airport - especially at sunset!

The excitement in the city at the arrival of V&amp;A and the changes at the waterfront - it's going to be amazing!! Can't wait till the Tayside House building is totally flattened.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a great city to write about because it has so many different faces; such a wealth of cultures and locations and sounds and languages. Dundee is a novelist's city with many novels written in, written about, being written in and yet-to-be-written here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me about Dundee is the reputation it has undeservingly collected from previous lives. People within Scotland have the impression that Dundee is still an old whaling town filled with desolate jute mills and nowhere to go. The reality is far from the truth: Dundee is a place bursting with architecture both modern and the type of old to be admired, music events, art galleries, science and education. There are groundbreaking opportunities everywhere with a college and two universities offering unique computing and medical facilities. There are so many amazing places within Dundee whether it be the beautiful beach at Broughty Ferry, the top of the Law or beneath the shadow of the RRS Discovery. I've lived in Dundee all my life and yet, as a young person, I am still surprised by the constantly growing and evolving platform of culture which exists within the city. Some people grow up somewhere and want to get out and away but you know what, I can honestly think of few better places to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> location location location - the river provides some of the most sublime light to be found in a British city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is a really freindly city, with amazing natural natural beauty and a thriving cultural quarter.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It&#039;s all about the people! They just get up, rise to the challenge and make stuff happen, the city has a long history of innovators, creators and game changers who adapt, shift and change to advance technology, industry, the arts and more. We are well known for our international trade and commerce links and that has influenced our cultural scene over the years (eg. I love that Timex/NCR back of the lorry spectrums kick-started Dundee&#039;s games industry!). The number of jute factories and trade buildings now repurposed by creative collectives/artists is really interesting i.e. Wasps, Tin Roof, Generator Projects, Fleet Collective and of course the DCA.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Reading Rooms - consistently one of the best clubs in the UK and a veritable institution which continues to keep the torch burning for underground music. Little known fact - its predecessor Homeless was voted one of the top 15 clubs in the world by `The Face', at the time the most influential style magazine. What's surprising - it has survived when all the odds had suggested it shouldn't. The heart and soul of weekend nights in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, Dundee has presented the best music scene that Scotland has seen in recent years and hosted the best in art, computer art, animation and computer gaming.
<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> 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> Many things to see and do in Dundee but for me nothing beats a Sunday afternoon stroll in Camperdown park with my family and the dog.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative talent found at Art Angel. This is a centre for people with mental health difficulties to develop and expand their gifts in writing, painting and photography. It gives me an outlet and a lifestyle I could never have anywhere else.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's children are it's hidden secret ! It's way forward into 2017 and beyond being proud of their city and all it holds for everyone .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a visiting distance learning student, I thought the Dundee Backpackers Hostel was a hidden gem of the city's heritage. It is an unusual converted 16th-19th century building with layers of character and some interesting preserved objects on display. The city's rich culture is also represented by a vibrant and diverse art scene which adds to the enjoyment of being there.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Just a few of the many words that can be used to describe our wonderful City:-
Delightful
Unique
Nostalgic
Deserving
Exciting
Encouraging
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very honest and there is no falseness around them, no pretense
Oh and did I forget to mention the CAHID centre, the best in its field in the uk by far
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An inspiring creative community. Great people. Countless art events and festivals.. Stunning river location. A blue flag beach. An extinct volcano. Historic ships. Britain's only full time public observatory. Castles. The UK's only Frank Gehry building. World leading research centers. Digital hub city. Great entertainment and cultural venues. It's time to share Dundee's secrets with everyone in 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee ....... best City in Britain
<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> City of nature. Lush green, fantastic landscapes, stunning views of Tay from every corner of city. A city for nature lovers.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The innovative, DIY attitude!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's location on the North shore of the River Tay makes it a bright place to work and live all year round. It is unique in that the river is visible from most places in the city and not just from its shoreline. That's what makes Dundee special to me.
<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> I like the discovery ship
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I just love that it's cooler than everyone thinks when you dig a little deeper.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is beautiful with a rich history. Amongst the lovely sights to see are the ship "Discovery" and the Jute museum. The River Tay is a beautiful sight to see from the Tay bridge especially at night. The people are warm and always offer you the nice scottish hospitality and you often get to see many of the men in traditional Scottish kilt. The University Of Dundee offers a diverse mix of cultures from across the globe which blend with the eclectic mix of the old and the new that is The City Of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee as a student many years ago and found it to be a real warm, homely, friendly city. One key memory was the 555 celebration in 1991. My son, Roy, was one of the first babies born in Dundee that year and he and I went to the great party for babies at the Caird Hall.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That there is such a vibrant amateur classical music scene.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am from China. and I came to Dundee for my postgraduate study. For me the hidden beauty in dundee is the idea of connecting people together. There is incredibly huge amont of talented people in Dundee and the idea of connecting them together to make things happen is great. I remember when I was in my exchange year, my teacher Jonathan Baldwin tried to connect me to an illustrator student who is doing research of Chinese Calligraphy, while I am doing my master's project, my study advisor also introduces other brilliant people to me. Sometimes finding the right person to talk is an extremely efficient way of doing things
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Going from strength to strenght reinventing itself. Full of hidden gems allready and only increasing.

Dundee is truly a city of many discoveries!
<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> I'm always struck by how good it feels to see so much going on all around me. Just last night I was walking up the Queen's steps from the Greenmarket to the Perth Road amongst people just leaving Dundee Science Centre, excitedly discussing the Cafe Science talk they had just seen. They all soon merged with people gathered outside the DCA who were themselves indistinguishable from the theatre goers all heading towards the Rep to begin their evening's entertainment. Great to see.
<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> West Fest on Magdalen Green. A great day for everyone. We were raising funds for the upgrade of Roseangle Play-Park and were surprised and delighted by peoples' generosity and support.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee three years ago after spending 10 years away and am finally appreciating how artistically, culturally and musically vibrant the city is. In a relatively small city local talent is on display everywhere- the DCA, The Rep, McManus Galleries, Clarks, The Art Bar, Dukes Corner, Duncan of Jordanstone, Westfest, Literary Dundee, the Gardyne Theatre, etc, etc.The buzz around the V&amp;A is amazing in the city, and makes me proud to be Dundonian!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden gems that are not often publicised. Duncan Of Jordanstone produces so much artistic talent not often known about. Landscape is beautiful and there are many open spaces.
Shopping Culture and Entertainment is vibrant in this city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A City of poverty and richness beyond your wildest dreams. Now a City thats modest and Cool like no other
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to The Scottish Dance Theatre, The Rep. Theatre, The Gardyne Theatre, The Whitehall Theatre, The McManus Art Gallery and will soon be home to The V&amp;A museum. We have staggeringly beautiful views and incidentally, the only city in Britain where you can still see Red Squirrels. Dundee has nurtured world class medical research, top notch software companies and two universities whose reputations are second to none. We have The Sensation Science Centre, Captain Scott's ship RRS Discovery and The only full-time public observatory in the UK. For a population of 140,000 that's surprising.
<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> I love standing under the rail bridge and looking at the magnificent structure. One of my favorite views has always been on the train, when coming in, from down south, it slows over the bridge and you get a chance to take in the stunning City... this is where I show off to visitors about Dundee, its glorious "Silvery Tay", its sunny aspect, point out the Law (hill), the wind machines and tell the story of the Old bridge that collapsed and show the old stumps that are still visible.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a hoora place
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness and depth of the student scene in Dundee that exists alongside a city that has a long and illustrious history but continues to be modern and vibrant and will continue to be a great city for the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the view you get when travelling over the Tay Road Bridge towards Dundee at night and seeing the lights and the warm feeling of nearly being home. This City just keeps getting better!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee aint no cookie cutter moulded city, and thank goodness for that. It is a force to be reckoned with in its continuous drive to reinvent itself time and again throughout its history, most recently in the birth of the waterfront project and the blossoming of the city's visual and performing arts scene. It is great to see that Dundee never tires of 'discovering' new talents within itself, and long may that last.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Get the hidden closes opened up. They are a fantastic asset to Dundee and not many people know about them.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm often astonished by extraordinary architecture in our city centre streets, especially if you look upwards at the rooflines. Dundee has some magnificent buildings evoking earlier periods in our city's long and famous history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here when I was 17 to go to DOJ and I thought I would move straight home after i got my degree. 4 years later I am still in Dundee, and can truely call it home. There is loads going on and the people are 'braw'!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from The Law, the hub of the City. Each view is like the spokes on a bike with different cultural experiences awaiting in every direction. The South to the city centre the bridges and beyond the Tay to Fife. The South East to the grassy beach and the delights of the Ferry, and the bombs and biodiversity of Buddon ness. The East to Arbroath the birthplace of Scotland and the great beaches and cliffs of the east coast. The North East to the invention of the Bridie ,the Angus Glens and wild adventures, the North to Golden Eagles and the heart of the Highlands, and the North West to Birnham and Macbeth country. Finally the fantastic view to the West of the Tay Estuary of the Tay winding its way to the heart of Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like that Dundee has culture without pretentiousness;
that we have bands who play big festivals but still play in local pubs, and world class classical musicians playing in community centres and day centres for older people; and that I can be entertained on the way home from seeing Scottish Dance Theatre by a homeless guy dancing joyfully in the aisle of the bus while his mate plays a mouth organ.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city!! My favourite place in Dundee is Camperdown park which I remember going to regularly as a child and there was so much to do, whether it was exploring in the woods, feeding the ducks, playing in the playpark or visiting the zoo.
<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> Viewing the heavens through the (public) Mills observatory telescope. the sparks of light from the Art College annual show.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How friendly the people are!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The world famous Dundee United FC
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's children and young people are incredibly resilient and talented. There is a huge untapped wealth of creativity within our most vulnerable and challenging children and young people. Often these children do not get the opportunity to 'shine' but through a number of inventive and unique intitiatives we are supporting those young people in to positive destinations which through time will pay significant dividends for the Dundee of the future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine, the things to do and see, the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spending 4 years with an eclectic group of students, from across the globe, engaged in learning, interaction and growing up. Formative experiences were the foundations for what we have subsequently become.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Pulling off yet another Dundee Womens festival, most probably the largest and most varied women's festival in the UK, by harnessing the strengths, talents, enthusiasm, creativity and generosity of the community, that is Dundee. Celebrating women's culture, women's stories, women's wisdom, women's identities and women's lives.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walks along the waterfront is beautiful in all seasons, and the view from the top of the Law Hill is amazing. These natural places bring genuine richness to the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin Roof arts collective - a group of artists doing amazing things.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The humour and resilience of the people from Dundee. A sometimes self-depreciating fondness and pride of where we are from, despite the fact it has gone through some hard times Coming into Dundee from Fife, the city has a presence about it. Left 10 years ago, and would move back tomorrow if I could. And Goodfellows chocolate violets are my favourite thing in the world!
<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> The transformation at the waterfront area. Long may this continue!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How cosmopolitan the city centre is. Also the feeling of peace at the top of The Law. Always a place to escape to to refocus your thoughts.
<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> D'Arcy Thompson Museum, Dundee Botanic Gardens, The Observatory at Balgay Hill are hidden secrets for naturalists and curious people who want to Discover!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I take Dundee for granted, every time I visit another city, even bigger ones, I'm amazed there are more events, talks, gigs and exhibitions going on back home - I've never seen the range of things going on in any other city with the exception of some major metropolitan areas - Dundee really punches above its weight with its cultural events! Also - huge deal - so many of them are free!! Which lets EVERYONE benefit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is very much in touch with its people, whether the civic development of the city likes it or not. The uprising at the water front area and other less recent developments in the city belie the reality of its people and its heritage. For me, Dundee is about its people, their characters and steely caring nature. Just now most people talking about Dundee and the validity of its cultural heritage don't seem to know the Dundee that Dundonioans know, which is sad. If the rest of the world took some time to challenge their ability to understand people, they would see that Dundee's people, amongst its history and civic setting, are what makes the place so special. Something like Marmite.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm in Oslo today.. for some reason I found myself telling people about mcgonagle's 'silvery tay' and how you can read the poem as you walk along the riverside. I miss Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing diversity of music available in Dundee - everything from punk, ska, classical, jazz, blues, indie and pop, there's always something going on!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the rich arts and culture scene - i also think that it sits within a microclimate as the weather is always much better there than the rest of scotland!

:)

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