We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

The hidden creative community which is so strong and friendly. It is very supportive, especially when you look at Vanilla Ink.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is one of the few places in the world where an adventure can be found behind every corner. I often describe Dundee as the worlds biggest village- everyone seems to know everyone. Yet, on the other hand, Dundee offers enough experiences to feel like the world is on your doorstep through cuisine, art, culture, music and Education.
<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> Dundee is truly multicultural and an open-minded person will be able to enjoy the city for this character trait!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved Dundee ever since my girlfriend went there for Uni.
I love the city people are lovely and I love a good walk along the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the inscription of McGonagall's poem about the Tay Bridge Disaster, along the pavement on Riverside Drive. It was a joy to literally stumble upon it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Quite a few things.....Cycling to work and seeing seals on the sandbanks of the Tay! The Howff as a picnic spot and new independent coffee shops. The Cheesery....ok, that's all food related....The view of the river at night with the twinkly lights across the Tay.. Straightforwardness and modesty of the people. Creativity and accessibility. The wonderful research going on and the impact and distinctiveness of our universities.
<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> Dundee is often described as the world's biggest village and it's true. Everyone knows nearly everyone and if you don't, the old adage rings true that strangers are friends we've yet to make! I no longer live in Dundee but I miss the place heaps - unlike most people I know who have left their home towns &amp; don't look back. Dundee's community education is revered throughout Scotland and outside of Dundee acknowledge them as leaders at the forefront of this sector. And it's not just education Dundee are leading the way in but science, medicine &amp; also the gaming industry, with even the infamous Banksy paying homage to Lemmings, an icon of an era, invented in Dundee... The city really is one of many discoveries :-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> On a visit a few years ago we visited the Discovery Centre and a sweetie factory in one day, there is lots to see and do in Dundee, just wish I lived a bit closer so that I can visit more often.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Tay with panoramic views across the river, to North Fife. It is both an intellectual and a cultural city, with two universities, theatres and the Dundee Contemporary Arts. It is a sociable, friendly city which deserves to to be on the limelight.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Rich history of Soul music. Back in the 1970's Dundee's Average White Band were the 1st non black act to play the legendary Apollo Theatre in NYC. This has caused creative ripples through the heart of Dundee's music scene ever since. There's a whole range of acoustic nights, pop up music events in barbers, opticians, artists studios, galleries and other unlikely venues - so keep your ear to the pavey!
<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> The people are its best asset - witty, genuine and friendly.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A very strong artist-led community, with events at Tin Roof, Generator and WASPS studios.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Schools Music Theatre an education as well as friends for life.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's beauty is outstanding. The city's position on the Tay estuary is undoubtedly one of its most unique features, coupled with its diverse history. It truly is the city of discovery, not only due to Scott of the Antarctic, but also academically and culturally, always seeking new innovations. Dundee is a city with the motivation to rejuvenate and reinvent itself within the current and ever changing globalising world we now live in. Dundee has the other unique feature of friendliness in abundance, you will never feel a stranger in this city. But to appreciate Dundee fully, you have first to experience it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the generosity, I help organise the community festival Dundee WestFest and despite having no real budget, the lengths people go to to help us make it a great week of events. Musicians, Performers, Walks and Talks Organisers, Poets, Stall holders, Venue Providers and all the business that help with in kind support and the audience for all the events, all so very generous, a real community effort. Thank you for being Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can cycle from one end to the other along the coast using very little road..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is simply a stunning place to live, with incredible views and access to nature and wilderness on your doorstep, but all the history and vibrancy of an ancient and thriving city. The people are warm and canny with an eye always open for progress they can believe in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> ....there's a fabulous zoo with lots of animals including bears, wolves, lemurs and Scottish wildcats. It's called Camperdown Wildlife Centre and, because it's run by Dundee City Council, the entry fee is really low
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> CULTURE!!
<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> There are many 'secret' ballrooms in houses in the city with sprung floors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How such a small city can generate such a catalogue of relevant art and music history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's amazing how much of a hidden history and the many people who have a connection with the city especially through literature, entertainment, music, sport &amp; media.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've lived away from Dundee for 20 plus years now. But it continues to have the best people and the best humour - it's my hometown and I love it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee because we are the underdog city and the music scene here is a little gem that deserves more credit with a really cool D.I.Y ethic going on bringing touring bands from all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My 7 year old took a 'fossil' find from the beach to the McManus Galleries in Dundee. The response of the staff was incredible: thoughtful to my 7 year old and very informative from their investigation, in fact an oyster shell from Mediaeval times. We've lived in Dundee for 7 years and there are lots of places to visit, it's a great place for my young children and for us as parents. We enjoy cycling on the Promenade at Broughty Ferry too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee was not my first choice, but here I found work, love and a city with more than enough facilities and culture and a few unique surprises. Red squirrels, dolphins, beaches, and woods, views, rivers, castles, seals, cycle routes, great bus services, universities, art galleries, theatres, bridges - still finding new stuff. I was lucky, as I could have missed Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly, generous spirit of the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Attend one of Creative Dundee's Pecha Kucha nights to learn more about creatives you knew about and discover ones you didn't. Always inspiring.

Duncan of Jordanstone Art College is a hub of exciting creative activity and brings creative life to the city. I love going to degree shows in summer to see an amazing spectacle of talent and fresh ideas. Look forward to seeing a strawberry farm this year as part of Interior and Environmental Design's showcase. Can't say the students aren't dynamic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I enjoy the fact that the supporters of both big teams in the city get along so well before and after the Derby's in the local pubs. Both sets of fans want their team to win with a passion, but after the game they enjoy a pint and a chat together win,lose or draw.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quirky city centre public art embedded in the street furniture and hidden in open view in buildings + Active cultural calendar and venues + People as chatty and open as Glaswegians + what's round the corner ...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> its friendliness and fun
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a huge village!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like how interesting the buildings in the town are when you just look up, it like looking back in time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount and variety of bars the city has to offer
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The author of Frankenstien, Mary Godwin Shelley, holidayed in Dundee as a girl. She even mentions it in the introduction to her famous novel. A plaque marking the site of the cottage where she stayed is embedded in a building on the city's South Baffin Street off Broughty Ferry Road. This is just one of Dundee's literary claims to fame!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green holds some of the fondest memories from childhood, messing around on the bandstand with my grandparents, playing football with my parents. When the carnival would come, I'd make my uncle come on all the scary rides with me (while my mum watched on in horror). Off to the west side, in a more overgrown area, my friends and I had a rope swing, which I consistently fall off (with enduring rope burns). Sometimes on a nice spring day like today, I'd like to go back to Dundee and magdalen green and give that rope swing another go.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You only have to look above shop level to see into Dundee's past. The city is full of the remnants of Dundee's colourful history from jute mills to architectural gems. There are so many interesting lives and stories hidden in the stonework from throughout Dundee's history waiting to be discovered.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing waterfront
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is situated beside the seaside and the Sidlaw Hills. Take the children to Broughty Ferry, build sandcastles, paddle, spot the dolphins, watch the busy Sand Martins, take a stroll through Barnhill Rock Garden. Take them into the city to sample the wonderful parks, Camperdown with its children's zoo and play area. Dudhope Park with its Castle and Skateboard Park, Baxter Park, Victoria Park, Caird Park the list goes on. Climb the Law and see the magnificent bridges and the views of the Kingdom of Fife. Head into the Sidlaw Hills for rambling. There's plenty to see and do in and around Dundee. Come visit and see for yourself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i'm amazed by the number of things to see. i didn't realise there was so much going on. the people have been really friendly to me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of green spaces available. All on bus routes. For a city this size there are a lot of cultural things on offer as well as varied cost of housing to suit most budgets. Edinburgh and Glasgow are expensive but not tooo far away
<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> My aunty may is Dundee born and raised. She was born in the blue mountains and left school at 14 to go to work. She is now 87 and still makes us laugh. What a woman, typical Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creative community in Dundee is 2nd to none and continues to grow! 
Coming from Glasgow I love Dundee as it feels more like a big town than a city. The people are extremely friendly and it has some beautiful scenery. Anytime you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town the countryside is just moments away.
<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> My daughter was born in Dundee. She was taught sign language at Oranges &amp; Lemons nursery when she was aged 3-4. She and her class mates performed 2 songs with signing when she moved on to school. The fact that she learnt sign language at nursery shows a great attitude to learning, and an outward looking but also inclusive culture. We love Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green and the view of the Tay, not a native but it makes Dundee feel like home!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians!! The people of Dundee are friendly, funny, creative and ambitious and are genuinely interested in what other people are up to. A great place to live, work or study in. Shops, pubs &amp; restaurants old or new - Rockhaven, Burns &amp; Harris, Grouchos, RARA, Carnaby's, The Dock Street Pet Shop with the talking parrot, The Doghouse, The Popular, The Deep Sea, Jimmy Reid's, too many to mention!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised how much cricket goes on in Dundee and the surrounding area. There are four clubs in Dundee alone, and some really nice grounds. Back Dundee and back grass-roots cricket!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has slowly grown around a volcano which is known as The Law, It last erupted 1.5 million years ago. The Law has a tunnel which runs through it. It used to be used for the railway to Newtyle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing surprises me about Dundee. I was born there, grew up there, was educated there. I have lived my life outside of Dundee in many, many wonderful countries over the last 20 years, and Dundee remains my home. I retain a great, swelling pride when I tell people I am from Dundee. That pride deepens whenever I am lucky enough to go home. Simply a beautiful, wonderful, vibrant City.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> An English friend of mine lived in London and said he drank in his local for four years before the regulars spoke to him. He visited Dundee once, ended up in the Jimmy Shand of all places, and said he was sat at the bar ten minutes before being adopted as a native son. He loves Dundee and thinks the people are as friendly and welcoming as he's come across anywhere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The independent development of resources, supported by local people. Support given to theatre, - professional and amateur {music and drama}. Scots music, song and poetry is endemic - popular,widespread and developing. A strong centre for Art and the Arts and prominent in the sciences (medicine, biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, IT skills,computing and traditional sciences. Dundee is a cultural centre for East and Central Scotland, Britain and the World, with many foreign students and visitors.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is not the city people think it is - it is much more: dynamic, cultured, historical, international and at the forefront of research in areas such as life sciences or digital art (including video games). And all of this, near one of the most beautiful countryside and riverside backdrop!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That the "green circular" cycling route is just 27 miles around the city, but in that relatively short boundary you can cycle along the banks of the beautiful river Tay, find yourself at Broughty Ferry Beach, cycle through two large parks (Caird Park &amp; Camperdown) and a number of smaller parks, pass a few local nature reserves, explore Templeton Woods and ride around the base of the Sidlaw Hills. It's great to live in a city that offers such diversity of green spaces on its doorstop and is easily accessible by bike.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came to Dundee as a student from Edinburgh. The place will ever have a place in my heart, and I will be sad when I leave. Sunniest city in Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I took part in Dundee's 48 hour film competition in 2012, which was an amazing opportunity to meet new people from different creative industries
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing cultural diversity of the local population, the student population, and the provision of music, drama, theatre, learning and leisure opportunities
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Edinburgh, went to uni in Stirling and worked in other Scottish cities before coming to Dundee in 1989. What has kept me here is how real Dundee is ( oh and my husband whom i met in 1990!) I love the size of the city and the critical energy that seems to gather to support good things like the DCA and the enthusiasm to support campaigns like this. I work in Dundee and every day i drive in from Broughty Ferry i feel so excited to see the city taking shape day by day! Dundee has a uniqueness and a confidence that will continue to grow, it feels like the essence if Scotland because its comfortable in its own skin ( as well as the one that's being created !!!)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> You can live in the city with all its benefits and just a couple of minutes by car you can enjoy a nice round of golf, a day on the beach or just relax in one of the cafés in and around Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people - I've never met friendlier people in my entire life. Walks down by the Tay and afternoons spent on Magdalen green on a sunny day are unbeatable!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has something for everyone! Its a collective of things that makes the city great. There are plenty parks, ponds and the beautiful 'Silvery Tay'. Its a convenient and enjoyable place for families, couples, students and anyone who gives it a try! Easy to commute to and from. Ninewells is a fantastic teaching Hospital that is often in the news with the latest in science and technology.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All my stuff is here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of diversity and talent within Dundee's creative industries never ceases to amaze.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich variety of events that go on in the city everyday. The community spirit that prevails no matter what part of the city you are in, and of course the dundonian sense of humour
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Groucho's. The shop itself ain't squirreled away, but unless you look for them, the treasures inside will elude you. A proper visit takes time, patience, an open mind and a well-honed record-rifling technique. Never mind Dundee - it's the only shop in Scotland a man can enter with no agenda and strut out like a champion, having bought an original, mint condition pressing of Bill Withers' seminal 1972 album "Still Bill", totally by accident.
<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 continuous evolution of the city as the various individual developments and changes come together.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Perth rd for drinks and food on a Friday after work. Taxi home at 10.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fewest of people arrive in Dundee with expectations but most of them leave with the fondest of memories. It must be the atmosphere of the people that leave something quite indescribable in the heart of every visitor.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, the history and the resiliance of the city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That it makes me want to stay and get creative! Having previously lived in a number of bigger cities, including Paris &amp; Glasgow, I moved to Dundee by chance a few years ago. I think what Dundee may lack in quantity when comparing to larger cities, it more than makes up for in quality, accessibility and community. I am inspired by the amount of creative collectives that I have seen develop within the few years I have lived here (Tin Roof Arts Collective, The Vanilla Ink Jewellery Studios, Skillshare Dundee, Fleet Collective and Creative Dundee). I also love the range of creative learning opportunities and events that more established venues such as The McManus and The DCA offer. Ultimately, it is people that make a place and craft a culture and the people I have met since moving here have shown me there is a wealth of forward thinking, creative people in the city that are working hard to make exciting things happen.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Hoolywood website is great - showcasing Dundee's creative talent and history with a lot of humour thrown in.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a way of sneeking up on you. I should know..i came on a 2 year contract and am still here almost 30 years later (despite having had several opportunities to leave) Whilst it may have deserved some of the criticism it used to receive(it was very insular), I believe it has evolved far more than any other city in the last 25 years. The change came when they brought the Discovery ship, the waterfront has finally changed and will be amazing when we get the V&amp;A . The V&amp;A in Dundee? They would never have believed it possible 25 years ago
I rest my case
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Balgay Hill and the observatory.
The Law hill.
The riverside.
The public parks and good network of path/cycle routes.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city was home to Sir D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson in the late 19th/early 20th centuries who was an extraordinary biologist, mathematician and classicist - a true polymath.

The view from the top of The Law is amazing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views in Dundee are fantastic. There is lots to do and see! You couldn't visit Dundee for just a day, you would have to take a whole week!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has such an interesting history for a relatively small city. There's plenty evidence to see as you walk about. The two universities bring a large student population and a youthful dynamic. Dundee has some beautiful parks and scenery and the silvery Tay is never too far away.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is my hometown and has always been a friendly city. It has hugely improved since the 60s. Its great attractions with the two ships , The Discovery and The Frigate Unicorn. The music festvals and our well known Ninewells hospital.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's the fowk o' Dundee, abiddy that decides tae bide in the toon and a' the indigenous population are Dundonian we've been sharing Dundee wi' the rest o' the world for an affy lang time and it's fairly clear that this has made Dundee a very special place, baith international and colloquial ,ye see it a' at the fut o' reform street......spend half 'noor jist watchin'
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's diverse cultures, bonny buildings, welcoming and friendly people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Although living half way round the world in New Zealand every time I come back to catch up with family and friends I find that there is improvement from the devastation that prior city governance carried out in in 60s and 70s in the sake of modernisation. I applaud the improvements that are currently being carried out on the river front.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This City has really grown and developed over the past few years , Discovery Quay , Verdant Works and soon the V &amp; A.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the atmosphere in the new Caird square on a cold crisp winter evening after listening to the Dundee Symphony Orchesta in the Caird hall, coming down the steps and looking at the Christmas lights and the tree and the people in Henry's coffee house enjoying the view. I love Braithwaite's coffee shop and the Cheesery on Exchange street. Drouthy's and the jute cafe and Dukes corner, the art bar. The macmanus Gallery
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How every day I see the city from a different more beautiful angle.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its riddled with irish invaders (myself included) and its just like being at home... minus the relentless bombing of each other. Clarkes 24 hour bakery is an absolute delight and the biggest asset dundee has to offer. Serving the burst student community and lining their stomachs for the lecture filled day just a few hours away. KEN THAT!
<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 observatory: it's a trully remarkable place near the city centre. Also, the city should probably include St. Andrews and the rest of the region, since that would certainly help get more attention.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee, for me, has always been a source of inspiration in terms of culture and creativity.
It always surprises me that; no matter where you are in the world, you'll always meet someone who been to, or knows someone from here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city with a lot of character,friendly and helpful people and the thing that stands out for me is the view we have on any route into Dundee and the silvery Tay,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The best Tai Chi sessions are led by Iain Traynor at the Boomerang Hall, Albert Street, Stobswell. You can also volunteer at the Dundee Botanics Gardens, Perth Road - come and join us for lots of weeding, chipping, potting up and planting out - it's great exercise too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not always known for its architecture there are some amazing traditional built features. I moved to the the city with my family 18 years ago and the first night I was walking in the city centre and turned a corner and stopped in my tracks, struck by the most amazing built features. I had to stop and sit on a wall and time disappeared. This was very unusual thing for me - not something I am prone to doing. I revisit that spot often. One of my Dundee happy places :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If there was ever a person which embodied Dundee it would have to be Amanda Lowson from Dundee Rep Theatre. She exudes creativity, joy, resilience and a fiery passion for the city and the people who live here. Through her work at Dundee Rep and her general outlook on life, she unknowingly makes the city a brighter place to be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Universities and the Colleges with their unrelenting academic vibrancy amazes me and just blows my mind.  We are a city of Discovery and we discover something new every single day.  How fantastically magical is that?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two of the less known gems I know of are Preston Watson from Dundee who pre-dated the Wright brothers with the first motorised flight.

The other story I have heard and cannot confirm is that the sand within the Tay is a perfect consistency for Baseball mounds and running areas, so close to perfection in fact that it is dredged and shipped out to the USA and is exclusively used for MLB matches by it's official teams. Would love this to be true!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its the Home of Comics!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Years ago, a guy who (asked to) push beside us in the queue at the Mardi Gras, bought us a drink as soon as we were all inside. He then quoted what has become one of my rules for life - "It's nice to be nice."
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> magdalen green
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quality of science research and output from dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history of Dundee speaks for itself. Since those illustrious days, it's had its fair share of critics but deep down I believe the nay-sayers are envious of Dundee's determination to strive forwards and fulfil its undoubted potential. Viva la Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> all the little details - benches in the street which are wiggly rather than standard straight ones, arty bollards, dragon wrapped around a street sign etc etc etc, so many
<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 Dundee Jazz Festival is a brilliant event, showcasing local talent and bringing the great people of the city together during the summer months. Dundee is geographically the sunniest city in Scotland and it's true - whenever I visit Dundee to visit family &amp; friends (monthly) the sun is always shining! I got married in Dundee &amp; my husband's family from England were bowled over by how friendly people were, everywhere they went. And how clean and pretty the town is. Makes me feel so proud, like most Dundonians are of our city and what we've achieved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In the last few decades Dundee has added a cathedral, it's now a City an airport, added a road bridge across the Tay, a University or two, a V. &amp; A. Museum, and retains its Medical Knowledge, its history (adding to its naval vessels). What more can anyone ask of a City?

I support Dundee's claim to be European City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a surprise around every Dundee corner. I came here to study 35 years ago and forgot to go home! This is a city that is comfortable with its own skin. Rich in history and resilience, the city gets knocked down but bounces back again. Dundee has yet to reach its full potential, it's getting there though... Love it!

:)

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