We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

its simplicity! Dundee is amazing, it offers warmth to strangers and absorbs them in its culture. Good luck Dundee!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> SCUMDEE they said, don't go there. But I did.
This is a city with ambition and guts, somewhere to watch. So much has changed in the last 10 years, I can't wait to watch in awe as the city expands into it's beautiful setting, stretching it's legs and showing the world what it is all about.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always inspired by the people in the City running their own businesses and getting involved in promoting the area - we live in a fantastic, innovative and creative place - its a stunning spot...I particularly love the architecture of our buildings!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having spent my past 44 years living around the Tay estuary, I regularly re-discover the incredibly vibrant local music scene with which I first became familiar in 1969. The current crop of young musicians[I recently saw a 14 year old playing Peter green, Carlos Santana and Jimi Hendrix], supported and encouraged by the early 20 + year olds who had themselves been supported and are still supported by earlier generations. The Blues festival is rightly famous but you can go round many venues in Dundee weekly and hear music of the highest calibre.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite place in the city is the Verdant Works museum and its surrounding industrial area. Just walking down the streets around there you can almost feel the history around you. You can picture the workers, the carts of jute, the sound of the 'bummer'... Being in that part of the city brings to life the rich cultural history which Dundee is lucky enough to have bucket-loads of. It is not a city of great affluence, but it is a grand city in its own right. It is a city teeming with community spirit, scientific innovation and civic pride.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When Dundee chose to bid for Uk City of Culture 2017 nobody held it up for ridicule! We have believed in our city's qualities for a long time and the outside world is beginning to agree.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Beautiful ,location on the Tay Estuary surrounded by wonderful countryside and beaches. Fascinating historic buildings like Macmanus and Caird Hall preserving a proud history. People cheerful and friendly despite recent economic difficulties.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> All the advantages of a city, all the cosiness of a town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm always pleased to see so much activity to meet new people and discover what projects are happening. There is so much excitement to do with innovation and design. There are so many beautiful things that made so many creatives.
<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> Proud to be from Dundee. A city with not only a rich past for creativity and culture but a vibrant future through 2017 and beyond.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city full of quirks and quirkiness. I think there are more quirks per head of population than anywhere else I know! Yet its hard to put my finger on it. There's a quirky humour, quirky attitudes, quirky language, quirky culture, quirky history - in fact its just DIFFERENT. There's always a surprise just around the corner waiting to smack you right in the pus (excuse the quirky Dundee vernacular!). And that's what makes Dundee a wee bit special
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee university enriches life thru llunchtime concerts and free Saturday eve lectures with wide ranging speakers. All free. Mcmanus galleries featuring exhibits from V and A. Broughty Ferry Art society classes. DCA featuring National Theatre and opera from the Met.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> i love Dundee!! born and bred here too! my personal feelings about Dundee involve the amazing natural talents of the Dundee people. having been involved in Community Drama for over 30 yrs,i have came across Dundee people who are dedicated and passionate about arts in the community,wether it be drama,dance music visual art etc. the talent is amazing,and has been for many years,my only criticism would be we(Dundee fowk) tend to be a bit shy at singing their own praises,therefore,some talented people slip through the net,we have to be supported in keeping community arts alive n kicking!hopefully the arrival of the V&amp;A will open up community projects to the wonderful people of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Friendly!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Reading Rooms in Dundee - different from everywhere in the city, hidden gem.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a quality city to live and work in and it never ceases to amaze me that generally held perceptions of Dundee are so wide of the mark. Some of the other posts have said all, it's a happening place and Scotland, the UK and the world will soon get the message.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Since returning to Dundee after an absence of 30 years I have been truly amazed at the can do attitude of the people here and the extraordinary determination to transform the city, which despite all the challenges, is bearing fruit. What is being achieved by Dundee is an example for all to follow and if awarded UK City of Culture status will fully merit the honour and Dundee will do justice to it benefiting not just Dundee and its surrounds but all of the UK. I've worked in cities round the world but none have the spirit of Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the view over the tay is breathtaking as is the view from the Law
<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> 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> The view from the Dundee Laws - Amazing, the people are friendly and welcoming and a great place to live.

Both Universities have been wining awards for all stuffs and now it is time for Dundee to be UK City of Culture for 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city centre on a busy Saturday afternoon.... everyone going about there business. Love the hustle and bustle of this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here in the mid 80's to study and didn't leave! Dundee is such a beautiful and vibrant city. I love it's distinctive language, history, architecture, amazing music scene and close proximity to the sea, to name but a few. Most of all though, I love the people. Dundee is full of friendly, creative and very talented people and in my opinion the perfect choice for UK City of Culture 2017.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Adhesive stamp &amp; Gardyne's Land. Merely 2 examples of our past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a great history of cultural strengths. There is terrific access to the arts to all segments of society, not just the affluent. This has always been a priority in Dundee and long may it continue!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Cycling to work by a river (the Dighty burn) on a path beginning between a haulier's yard and the wind turbines of Michelin tyre plant, I pass herons, have seen kestrels and deer - and pass and occasionally stop at a mosaic decorated bench.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am not from Dundee and have travelled all my life living all over the UK and abroad. Dundee is rich because of its people and how they are loyal to their history, everyone in Dundee and anything past and present that is produced in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendly people, the amazing views over the Tay, the Rep, the parks.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'd like to tell you about Chae Strathie who spent his lunch breaks writing children's books. He now has several published. I have noticed in Dundee the large amount of people who in their spare time are doing incredibly creative things, such as my husband who works for the council but in his own time is a potter. My friend who works at two jobs and in her spare time makes wonderful table decorations from sweets. The friend making childen's puppets etc etc...Dundee is a crafty city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The most amazing thing about Dundee is the scenery. It is absolutely spectacular. Especially on a beautiful summers day!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Approaching Dundee over the Tay Rail Bridge has to be one of the best ways to arrive into any city in the country. The whole city is laid out before you. Before you reach the station, you'll see beautiful parks, the vibrant university, galleries and museums, modern architecture nestled amongst the old. It's exciting and breathtaking every time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Frida Kahlo visited the Tay Bridge Bar (acc M Marra)... AND EVERYONE IS FRIENDLY!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2017 will be the centenary of D'Arcy Thompson's amazing book On Growth and Form, "the greatest work of prose in 20th century science". Written in Dundee using the specimens in D'Arcy's museum, it has literally changed the world, influencing not just biologists and mathematicians but artists, architects, philosophers, geographers, engineers, cyberneticists, computer scientists, anthropologists and umpteen others! Today the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum is one of the city's hidden gems, its amazing collections brought to life through a diverse programme of events and exhibitions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee feels like home. I grew up in the US and have lived here for nearly nine years.
We are a diverse City with everyone pulling together.
My friends include English, Spanish, Nigerian, Turkish, the list goes on.
We are of all faiths.
We also all like coffee and meeting up with the children to chat and play.
It is normal in Dundee to be different!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the way they are re-developing the City's waterfront - traffic a serious pain however it will all be worth it in the end. Majority of Dundee citizens are kind and considerate people and are very generous with local charities as well as national ones, particularly Charlie Kean. The culture within the city is growing all the time which makes me proud to be a Dundonian!
<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> 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> How at home I felt since day one. Everyone is welcome, everyone is family and most of all, almost every country is represented in Dundee University, thanks to the variety of students.
<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> its an all round great place lots to do and lots to learn.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ever changing splendour of the Tay. Each time I cross the bridge the views are different. Sometimes the water is wild, rough and very dark. Other times it lives up to it's reputation as 'The Silvery Tay', mirror-like, flat calm and very beautiful. It is always changing, always spectacular.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a born and bred Dundonian, I often feel that Dundee is Scotland's "silent city" - that is, most people (particularly down south) think of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen first when naming a Scottish city. Yet, it has so much going for it in terms of its transition towards an artistic culture, its "student friendliness", and its beautiful location.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The up and coming foodie scene in the city is a hidden gem - many people head to the big cities but with fresh fruits and produce available locally, there is plenty to get excited about that is dished up on a plate in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is and was a fantastic place to go to university. All four siblings in my family went there with no prior connection to the city. Our son is now there too and loves it. Dundee is still very much a hidden treasure and has some amazing new projects planned in the next few years. For those of us who came from small towns it is a lovely "smaller" city with a lot to offer, especially for students. The riverfront is beautiful and becoming more so as those projects come to fruition.
<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> Dundee is the quintessence of quirkiness and that's why I love it. Independent bar Clarks on North Lindsay Street is my favourite place for a night out- a rare gem where people go to have a great time with friends and strangers alike, with good prices, excellent music and a genuinely friendly vibe.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> “Up wi the Bonnets O’ Bonnie Dundee - ” Before it was called Hilltown it was Bonnet Hill. Fashion design bonnets (not baseball caps,) bonnets for women and men, jaunty blue bonnets that have Dundee’s crest on them with Bonnie Dundee woven around it - and slogans - for tourists: “City of Culture, Will you no come back Again”
Give the bonnets out to every one in Dundee, if they are stylish, all will wear them - a city with it’s population sporting - City of Culture Bonnets!
<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> Dundee is the perfect sized city. Everything is close and you can walk the distances easily or take a bike. The location is also perfect. It's close to the sea and at the same time close to the bigger cities and the Highlands. A walk along the river Tay when the sun sets is always special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Scotland's only Frank Gehry building is in Dundee (Maggie's Centre at Ninewells). Dundee should be looking to commission more as they are attractions in themselves !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the beauty of Dundee, from the Law Hill until the River Tay. Love the poem engraved in stone as you walk by the river and how majestic the Discovery Ship is. I love to live in the city of discoveries and innovation!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> One of Dundee's hidden attractions is Balgay Park. The park itself is lovely with beautiful walks through the trees an stunning views. There is also a Plant Trail walk up Balgay Hill leading to Mills Observatory which holds entertaining Planetarium shows and has several interesting objects related to space.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee is real, people from dundee are all real, raw and honest. there is no pretentiousness here. what you see is what you get.
<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> My girlfriend was getting the train from Leeds to Dundee. The conductor was Dundonian, and when he processed her ticket, he remarked "City of the Gods". Both pride and wit are at the heart of this city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For those looking for something different, Dundee has many local independent retail businesses run by passionate people offering both outstanding service and first class (often locally produced) products.
<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> Dundee has a great northern soul scene where people of all ages come together and share their love of brilliant soul music and dance the night away. Everyone who goes dances and its all about the music. Everyone who goes loves it!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of good people in the city but we are humble. We very rarely blow our own trumpet but should do it more. Our location is ideal to for visitors too. Stay in Dundee and use it as a base to see our beautiful country. You are within 90 minutes of 95% of the population. Surrounded by countryside, heritage and natural beauty.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two universities, a college, galleries, great pubs with live music, home of Oor Wullie and The Broons but has Desperate Dan and a dragon stalking its streets - what's not to like..?
<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> New Years Eve at the Balgay Bar: Live folk music and super friendly atmosphere in the only pub in the world where people say hello when you walk in. At the bells its straight into Auld Lang Syne and 200 old men descending on you for a handshake and a kiss! Classic!
<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> 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> My grandfather was walking home from the Kirk holding his father's hand on the night the Tay Bridge came down celebrated by the most awful doggerel ever penned by the 'poet' McGonigall. I went to Queens College in 1959 and took a degree in Chemistry and Physics and returned two years ago for a reunion and was amazed at the transformation of the city from the rundown images I remember in the sixties to the lively and fascinating modern Dundee with Scott's ship and so many other attractions artistic, cultural and physical.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I often think about Dundee &amp; growing up there. We love to go back every couple of years, visit friends who as Dundonians are always very good to us. We are Canadians who love Scotland &amp; the people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Read a book called "The Big Picture - Cinemas of Dundee" recently. What struck me was the amount of cinemas sprang up in the really early days of cinema. Dundee really embraced the new culture of the time - we can spot a worthwhile trend! Glad to see the DCA continues this tradition today - there is always something to learn in that building.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How great the view is from the top of the Law
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has been through many recessions and hard times but it always manages to re-invent itself and this latest chapter will prove what we Dundonians already know - this is a fantastic city with a truly creative gene in its DNA.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's spirit. The people are so friendly, the atmosphere incredibly warm and welcoming, and the City as a whole is just such a wonderfully positively-spirited place to work, play and live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Personally, I feel that Dundee is an amazing city that has a lot to offer. Walking up Law Hill to the top to see the most beautiful sights. You can walk along the beach in broughty ferry which is a personal favourite of mine during the summer. There's a lot of parks to sit and relax in the summer. The people are always kind and helpful when in need. I have lived here for the past 3 years whilst at the university and it has to be one of the best experiences I have had so far!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me this is about saying 'thank you' to a city that made me feel so welcome and has become home! And, for me, it's the hidden surprises that make Dundee so special; the enigmatic jute mills awaiting rescue, the seals on the sandbanks under the rail bridge, daffodils in The Howff in the spring; the lovingly tended parks and forestry.... All this and we still have so much to look forward to! The V&amp;A and the whole waterfront redevelopment - I can't wait!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love all the talks and events that go on around the city, some supplied by the University and others just from people wanting to inform and educate about Science, the Arts, or just about anything you can think of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful buildings
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Mars Training Ship from the 19th century - anchored in the Tay off the Fife coast - where the bad boys went - even in the 20th century my folks were threatened with 'if you're bad you'll be sent to the Mars!"
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was a student in Dundee many years ago and recently visited the city. The city has changed so much - not in terms of the buildings, but in terms of the vibrancy and the general feel of the place.
Dundee is a compact city with a lively, creative arts scene, with the added benefit of being right next door to beautiful countryside and coast.
Above all else - Dundee is moving forward!
<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> Voices in Harmony is a choir operating out of Whitfield Community Centre. Membership is around thirty plus and growing. The choir sings acappella and is led by Sarah Harrop who is very enthusiastic and inspirational.
Gigs are performed across the city including Marryatt Hall. Recently the choir worked in collaboration with Dundee Rep to perform "This Town" in Verdant Works.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I can't just write about one thing in particular, yet I feel that the University of Dundee and its many different events are vital to the city's culture growth. Talks, shows, films, the list is endless. I have been to many different events that have been planned by the university and/or Dundee Science Centre; Bright Club, Café Science, psychology talks, etc. The public engagement with science is excelsior, many members of the public mention the interest that has been sparked in relation to science.
I personally feel a great amount of pride and excitement knowing that I have been a part of this tremendous cultural growth and being able to contribute to this myself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Overlooking the city is Dundee Law, the plug of a long extinct volcano.

The view from the top is spectacular, reaching at least 20 miles east (to the Bell Rock lighthouse) and south (to Fife's Lomond Hills) as well as up the river westward towards Perth.

It is the perfect place to see just what a perfect position Dundee is in, on the banks of the silvery Tay.
<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> I'm not a Dundonian, but moved here some 28 years ago from the "West Coast" - and would never contemplate moving back.
This city has everything, and the ability to evolve with the times. It constantly improves - just as you think it couldn't get much better. There might be bigger cities in Scotland - but none has anything Dundee can't match or indeed - better.
Sometimes thought of as the biggest village in the world - it has everything whilst retaining the special feeling of a small and friendly town. That is the magic of this city.
<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> No place can beat Dundee for green space and places to walk. Just begin to list the parks. Walking through cemetery and up to the observatory gives stunning views across Invergowrie bay and then to the North. Having lived in Glasgow for six years, I am continually reminded of what a great job the City does maintaining the parks and keeping the streets and open areas clean. Everyone I encourage to visit, loves it and can't believe they have never thought of coming to Dundee before.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> dundee has some magnificent trees and green spaces, renowned for some of its champion trees and some really remarkable trees in urban areas . Dudhope gardens is an amazing space with view of the city and the tay which is breathtaking.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We are a world centre for life sciences as well as a world centre for the games industry and animation. We have two top class universities, an excellent college and one of the highest students per head of population ratios in the UK. Dundee has been through hard times but the regeneration that's happening in the city has to be seen to be believed.Without entirely losing sight of its past, the city is thrusting its way into the future. It's an exciting time particularly with the waterfront regeneration to include the V&amp;A as well as the city's first 5*Hotel.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Wonderful restaurants and great people!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is full of the most engaging, entertaining and diverse people. Every time I leave my house, someone makes me smile!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> when ever i am away driving on the west coast i always look forward to coming back and i can guarantee that when i am coming along the perth dual carriage way i am always on the look out for the top of ninewells hospital then i know i am home,,,its a great site to see......
<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> The talent and prowess the city has in the technology and digital media sectors never fails to blow me away.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has contributed so much to the story of Britain. When it has done so it has done so without making a big noise about it. Dundee in its culture is hard-working, entrepreneurial, daring and resilient. Its character of modesty, coupled with its humanitarian and internationalist outlook, means that few outside Dundee appreciate what Dundee has done for Scotland, Britain, Europe and the wider world because Dundee has not boasted about it. Geographically, Dundee has been quite insular giving its culture a very distinct and individual character which, to the outsider can seem quite dark and obtuse, but humorously so!
<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> I've recently moved back to Dundee from London, my favourite part of the train journey was the view from the bridge coming home. There is a rich mix of local events which include design jamming, music festivals, gaming expos etc... the most special factor of dundee is the people - who always get involved
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a strong musical heritage, encompassing a variety of styles and tastes. From musical societies and choirs, to singer song-writers and bands; from theatre concerts to open mic nights, there is rarely an evening in Dundee when lovers of good music will fail to be entertained. There is a vibrant live acoustic scene, showcasing Dundee's talent and banishing the karaoke culture of many other towns and cities. We have much to celebrate; not least Dundee's very own multi-instrumental 'Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher' who last month were named 'Best New Scottish Band' at the Scottish Variety Awards.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Best loved city sculptures ever: the huge bronze dragon on the High Street is straight out of Narnia and never without a gaggle of toddlers all over it; and the row of penguins outside the Nethergate are adorable.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was there and right in the thick of things when it transformed from a post-apocalyptic dump into a vibrant digital city. I am proud to be associated in some way with this unique, transformational city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wide and varied social scene of the city , ranging from arts to science to technology .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The brilliant variety of live theatre, music, venues, quaint independent shops, cafes, restaurants....the list is endless. A university town, vibrant and colourful that cares about itself.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Industry everywhere! great city. and lots of video games, brilliant.
I'm just checking in, come back soon!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> When I first came to Dundee about 20 years ago, the city certainly did not look like much. But I've met some of the warmest people of my life there and fell in love with the place. Since then, the great people are still here, and the city has upgraded itself visually as well as culturally with a lot of cultural events and activities going on from high culture down to grass roots level. I keep coming back.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It surprises me how cosmopolitan the city is considering the lack of transport links
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Magdalen Green is just the best place!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee just does things. No messing around. If they want something to happen they just make it so.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Finding contemporary arts - print studio is just amazing there so much talent there I can hardly pick just one thing to buy
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the architecture and the waterfront
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I just love the rich history! :)

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