We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

My strongest memories from growing up in Dundee are tangled in the city’s wildlife, and the spaces that allow it to thrive.

I loved feeding the ducks, and netting for stickle-backs at Stobsmuir Ponds, watching the annual transformation of tadpoles into frogs in Baxter Park, catching crickets in the long grass at the Den O’Mains, seeing lazy seals basking on the sand banks under the rail bridge over the Tay, watching peaceful herons resting in low branches over the Dighty Burn and visiting the stately swans at Broughty Ferry beach.

The many beautiful parks and waterways in the city, and the beaches and walkways along our incredible river, provide spaces for wildlife to thrive and for our communities to come together.

I think all Dundonians share a strong connection to the Tay, the Law, Camperdown and the parklands across the city. These places are woven into our group identity. While they aren’t always stumbled upon by outsiders, they are an important part of our cultural heritage and yet another reason why Dundee is a brilliant place to live!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Came to Dundee as a student in 1993 and decided to make it home - a small, friendly City with an abundance to do and entertain - from theatre at the Rep, to events for the whole family at the DCA and McManus Galleries. Whether your passion is for music, film, science, art, theatre or literature, there is something for everyone in this wonderful little city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee right now is lively and exciting, the city itself is looking good and theres a certain buzz about the place.. a change of attitude perhaps? The shops are trendy and lots of new individual businesses are opening everywhere. A trendy city full of friendly folk,,its deffo getting better..lets hope we win this.. check out the likes of House of Liberty, Hayley Scanlan and many other gems in this growing city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our ability to preserve our past with respect and at the same time our ability to regenerate and modernise with new developments and projects.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City itself.
It is full of little surprises that you never new about until you accidentally discover them.
Old beautiful Buildings you didn't know existed in the middle of the busy high street. Or even some of the people that used to live here.

Its strong history gives it a sense of culture I have never seen before.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> At St. John's high school we are showcasing our talented pupils in a professional way. Producing excellent enterprising activities like having an S2 pupil make a CD, and have the RSNO back her during a live performance at the school. We are producing Artwork by pupils that is for sale and we are looking to further develop on our very succesful Community Project putting on performances and podcasts at the theatre and on our new purpose built Radio Station. At St. John's creativity reigns!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The famous Nine Trades of Dundee --nine groups keeping alive 500 years of tradition and culture through the ancient guilds which made Dundee thrive --from medieval times. A great legacy.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its cinemas and theatres - such good quality in a smaller city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Well for such a small city, I personally think it is a great and fun place to live. I love the city centre, it might be minute compared to other cities but it is continuing to grow and develop into a place that could possibly rival the bigger cities centres. I think that the water front project, once it is finished, will look great and will bring more people down to Dundee. Also, the seating area outside the caird hall is being changed around, which will also make the town centre look better. There are some great looking buildings in Dundee right now and more on their way, such as the new olympia. There is no denying that Dundee has a lot to offer.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Twenty odd years ago I was first acquainted with Dundee as a part of the design team for the Discovery project and I now have a home just outside of the city. My main responsibility was the design of things on-board the ship itself which included the flock of sheep (not as big as it could have been) on the shore, etc. It was a period of great energy and creativity, but was grounded in solid research.
At that time there was a lot of talk about how good things in the city could be, and most of it has happened plus a lot more. The later things such as the V&amp;A are an extension of that vision for culture whilst not loosing sight of the past. This is the core of Dundee.
The whole place has a 'life' to it and all of its attractions are not only for visitors, but are of relevance to all who live there.
I am thinking in particular of the McManus, the DCA &amp; the Rep'. It has a dynamic student population and a world class Art &amp; Design School in The Duncan of Jordanstone.

The proposed long term plan for the waterfront looks as though it should work well, and take advantage of the truly wonderful river aspect. But whilst I am glad to see the back of the Council Tower, various blocks of flats &amp; the Olympia pool, the Railway station &amp; the ex Stakis/Hilton might be a loss in terms of architectural progression - not all '70ies was bad.

The Unicorn needs to be integrated much more into the scheme of things, it is a gem, and perhaps a museum of transport and the docks, should be considered, in particular as unlike at a lot of other places, the docks still work.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the DCA
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee band REVOLVER is the best Beatles tribute band in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beauty of the city with its hotchpotch of architectural styles and the friendliness of the dundoneons! The history and the way the city preserves and reveres its local history and its people!
<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> Dundee is so diverse. We are a City, surrounded by countryside 5 minutes drive away and sitting on the Firth of Tay, with a beach in Brought Ferry. We are also mad as this picture shows The New Year Dook!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having lived all my life here there is little that surprises me anymore. It's when I visit other cities that I appreciate the relative calm and lack of awful traffic in Dundee all the more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Space, at Dundee College where acting and performance and dance students and soon to be technical theatre students get trained and supported by very committed, enthusiastic staff to develop their skills and realise their full potential.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is truly cosmopolitan. People come from all over the world, fall in love with it, and are always sorry to leave. It has everything you need and there is always something going on or something new to see. My favourite things are the McManus, the DCA, Balgay Hill, the Blues Bonanza, the Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show and the view from my house.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The City and the people are growing and expanding ALL THE TIME. Their ability to embrace change and look to the future is inspiring!! City of Culture would give this City the springboard it deserves into a cultural explosion of sharing our differences.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Changing for the Future, Bonnie Dundee is amazing with its Cultural quarter, wonderful Universities, Airport, bridges and lots lots more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people! I have met so many wonderful people from.Dundee,a welcoming community without judgement. There is so much talent in the city,musicians,artists and just general friendliness!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is not a big city, it's maybe not even a well known city. However, what it lacks in size or fame, it makes up for in quality. Aside from the booming arts scene, I believe that it punches well and truly above it's weight in the field of science. Whether it's fighting cancer, investigating diabetes or tackling tropical diseases, scientists from over 62 nationalities work in Dundee- truly the city of discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> After moving here 2.5 years ago, its great to be in a city that seems to be refusing to stand still &amp; is working to secure itself as one of the leading 'creative' cities in the UK outside of the capitals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is Scotlands best kept secret . With stunning backdrop, vantage points &amp; fantastic history.
We should have a looking up day with that much architecture to feed the soul.
Its no wonder Dundee isone of the top student choices. With top clubs and Djs and pubs with character and a thriving Celtic Culture in abundance. if you want to visit a real Scottish city come to Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came to Dundee for University, not knowing anyone and living by myself for the very first time. It was scary to say the least. But, Dundee is one of the most friendliest places I've ever been and straight away I felt welcomed.
I've grown to love this little city and can't ever imagine leaving so much so I'm staying another year to study my Masters.
As well as this the city offers so much for creatives, in Summer 2012 I got the chance to intern for 'Vanilla Ink', it is businesses like this that make Dundee, and it should be recongised, we may be a small city but we have A LOT of talent!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> SUNSHINE! dundee is unique among all scottish cities beacuase of the amount of sun it gets. It should in fact be 'sunny dundee' not 'bonny dundee'!
Dundee is a place where you grow, develop and experience new things, where you meet genuine, helpful and kind people, make fantastic friends for life and even find love of your life. And so it becomes one of those special places you can call home...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's always evolving!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of great cultural richness, but the area in which I feel it excels is that of theatre. Both professionally, with the ensemble at Dundee Rep, and in the amateur field, Dundee presents an amazing variety of theatrical performances. Recent amateur productions include "Cats", "The Sound of Music" and "Whistle Down the Wind" with "Miss Saigon School Edition", "Parade" and "Spamalot" still to come this year. Absolutely fabulous darling! l
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> We have the two closest football grounds in europe
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Perth Road always was and always will be one of my most favourite parts of the city - all the gorgeous wee shops and cafes - Rockhaven was my favourite treasure trove when I was wee, my dad would take me to Russells or the Parrot Cafe for a slice of orange cake and a hot chocolate... the Parlour, still going strong and the mini band stand with the stunning views of the tay behind - just perfect :)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Nothing. I've always loved the city and the people in it. There's a lot of genuinely nice and helpful people on the city despite the image that is often portrayed by other parts of Scotland. There's nowhere in Scotland that I'd rather live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of live music available is absolutely amazing. There is always some where to go on a Friday or Saturday night. Whether it is classical, pop or blues, you can find somewhere that suits you.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Loads of things about Dundee are awesome.

2 European Cup Semi finalists Dundee United FC and Dundee FC.

Some of the UK's top nightlife and fab cultural venues.

dundonians are awesome as well.

I have worked all over the uk and dundee is one of the best cities.

Lets win this thing.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The huge amount of history of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its stunning location and diversity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The quite and calm streets, diversity and cultural richness of Dundee are the most spectacular part of my memories; so much that I would love to come again and again. Discovery and Verdant Works take us back in history when courage was the only saviour of mankind. The mini gardens around the Dundee Law, all grown by citizens, is another experience I would like to recommend and replicate in Pakistan. And of course, best of all, the University of Dundee...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I grew up in Dundee in the '30's and through the war years. After graduation as an architect, I subsequently moved to Canada where I spent my professional life. In occasional visits back to Dundee I was saddened with the way the city had declined in those early post-war years. However on more recent visits back I have been greatly impressed with the remarkable transformation that has taken place.with such cultural innovations as the new waterfront development starting with acquiring Scott's antarctic ship and it's attached Museum, The Jute Museum and the current Art Gallery Project..
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful sunrises when i walk to work looking over the river towards Fife, the daffs when they are out in bloom, the lovely parks and open spaces, the friendliness of the people, I have lived here all my life and I love it here.
<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> quite simply the people, the friendships and the fantastic weather!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA Cinema has one of the richest programmes, you could imagine. From international to documentary, it's all good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The creativity and diversity. It's wonderful to see different backgrounds all come together to create a positive vibe around the city, not to mention the effect this has on the growing arts scene here. There's a real positive attitude here amongst the people that makes Dundee an attractive city to be in.
<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> 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> We have rich history which many people outside of Dundee would not be aware of.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Steeped in heritage but with a modern vibe, Dundee is a friendly and cosmoploitan city which somehow manages to maintain a respect for its roots in industry.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The outdoor swimming club based at Broughty Ferry Pier "Ye Amphibious Ancients Bathing Association" at 128 years old is, so I believe, the last remaining outdoors swimming club in the country. I love the history , the idea of it still going strong and I wish I was brave enough to join in. One day I will.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly amazed by the wealth of talent in the city. From music to art and beyond, I think the people of Dundee should be recognised for their famous cultural past and the amazing work that is happening right now.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's always somewhere nice to go in the city. There's the museums, the galleries, the parks, the café's, the views; there's always something to do in this city! Coupled with the 2 fantastic universities and a diverse population you have a phenomenal city that I would be proud to have as my UK City of Culture 2017!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From entry till you exit, every bit of it will surprise you, with all the love and warmth, of the people of this lovely city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hugely supportive and inclusive student culture. The West End of Dundee is a hub for all sorts of student activity and promotes a truly welcoming vibe. The number of independent traders and retailers along places such as the Perth Road makes Dundee thrive and elude individuality. It is great to see residents supporting local business and hailing from Derry, the current city of culture, I can see how winning this bid could only boost Dundee's already growing culture sector.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has the audacity and capacity to repeatedly surprise the world. The city and its people continues to innovate and set new standards in a breathtakingly diverse portfolio of science and the arts
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Barnhill Rock Garden. My children's absolute favourite place to visit whatever the weather. Beautifully kept with lots of hidden paths and ponds. Peaceful, tranquil &amp; magical - nature at its best.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has deserved City of Culture status for a long time now. In our city we have so much in the way of arts and culture that celebrate our own local history as well as what Dundee has done for Scotland, the UK and the world. A lot of people have worked incredibly hard to get our city to where it is now and the recognition is rightfully deserved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grants the butcher does the best mince.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A Dundee local, Jenny Wood-Allen MBE, set the world record for being the oldest female marathon finisher. She walked her last London marathon in 2002 at the age of 90.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have just arrived in Dundee . I find it to be a beautiful city- in many ways. The views you get over the River Tay are amazing. I enjoy walking around Dundee. The people in Dundeee are so nice and welcoming. I like the theates and the fact that dundee creatively pushes boundaries. I could definitely live here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> DCA's Print Studio is a fantastic resource for both aspiring and established creatives. It offers a wide range of courses suitable for complete beginners as well as open-access facilities for member use, which include dark-rooms, a laser-cutter, large-scale printers and equipment for various printmaking methods. The studio's affordable rates make it worth travelling from other cities for too.
<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> Charles McKean - his lectures about Dundee are always an inspiration.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm new to the city. I've been impressed with how friendly the city is.

I will never tire of getting the train, going over the bridge into the city. I'm transfixed every day by the view. The colours reflecting off the water seem to change every day. Beautiful.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived out of this great City for 25 years, visit as often as I can, and now I'm heading home.

It's Dundee's time and I for one don't want to miss it. If any City deserves it's place in the world and recognition for it's contribution, for all manner of wonderful reasons, then here's my vote.

'Dundee is like a light across my heart' - Michael Marra.

This covers it for me.

Good luck Dundee. You deserve it.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The cultural quarter.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee city is the safest city in all scotland and it is very clean and quite...it can be classified the one of first five cities in UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> With the whole country in what feels like a downward spiral of negativity, Dundee seems to buck that trend just now and there is a real sense of optimism. The physical transformation of the city undoubtedly contributes to a positive mindset, but in this case the mindset seems to be based on more than just bricks and mortar. Open minds, and a belief that things can be better if you are willing to work to make them better are setting the city up nicely for a great future which does justice to its great history.
<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> It's a safe friendly place with lots to do for teenagers
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The hidden beauty of a past industrial city surprises me every day. I am new to the city, having chosen to study in Dundee over the other cities that the UK has to offer, and every time I travel I am stunned by the beauty that the city has.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am Dundee born and bred. The best thing about Dundee is its people - they are so friendly. Where else would most people say hello as you walked or cycled passed them?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Literary Festival. Something for all ages and supporting reading.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Each time I travel over the bridge by train, I am alsways filled with such pride being greeted by the simply stunning views. I've seen many a time where people have never travelled this way before are excited by the views, getting up out of their seats to try and see more, and the lovely comments you overhear people make, makes you smile from ear to ear :-) ...also, going down to Broughty Ferry Beach and watching dolphins - just wonderful. No where better in the world, and the sands and shores compete with any mediterranean coastline on a sunny day B-)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's so impressive. Scenery and Science!!
What a great place to learn, work and meet incredible people!
I've loved my time here and I can't wait to see what the city will look like in 10 years time.....
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I visited Dundee this past January-February for the first time, and was amazed by its rejuvenation. I stayed at the Alberta Guesthouse, which was run by a lovely and very homey-artistic duo of John and Hazel. There's something very different about it. I was there for my bday, and hazel made me handmade cuff links without knowing me very well. An amazing and artistic bed and breakfast. Truly outstanding.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Something for all age groups of interest to me opera live from the MET at DCA plus ballet etc. I drive in from North Angus. Dundee is a cosmopolitan centre which is not fully recognised.
It is a city of history and culture, find out more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The botanic gardens were a complete surprise - an oasis in the middle of the city and my 2.5 year old loved it too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich cultural diversity of the city, particularly in the West End is an unexpected delight and the refurbished McManus Gallery is full of treasure.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an abundance of amateur musical theatre, music and drama groups offering a multitude of opportunities for young people and adults to perform.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Stunning landscapes, amazingly friendly people, hidden gems such as Lundie Crags, great weather, diversity of talent from computing to biosciences, views over the Tay, free tennis!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is not the same as its reputation dictates! In spite of being a sizable city it has a welcoming, homely and village-ish feel. You don't feel crowded or far from greenery at any point yet all the amenities that city life provides are right at your fingertips!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is a 'hidden secret'.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That so many Scots have never been here.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> DCA and culture generally
<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> for being so small there is loads to see we have done alot with what we have a deserve to win!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has amazing cultural and geographic attributes but its chief strength is its people with their unique sense of humour and caring attitude to each other that I have not encountered anywhere else in my travels all over the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Grandad Mo is a hidden gem: only someone who is 83 could sing The Road and the Miles to Dundee with such understanding and tenderness. When he was a wee boy he used to nip across to Newport on the Fifie and walk to Wormit beach with his dog. He would look out over the Tay, through the railway bridge, to the jute factory chimneys and church steeples of Dundee. He joined the Post Office as a telegram boy when he was 14 and worked there for more than 40 years. Dundee is his home, come and see why!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The history, the art and the science that hides round every corner. From the Gormley in the hospital to the modern architecture, to the statues and memories of Dundee's greatinventors, scientists and statesmen
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Ever since my wife and I moved to Dundee, we have been delightfully surprised by so many public lectures on various topics in the forms of Saturday Night Lecture Series, Arts Cafe and Science Cafe. I had my favourite book singed by the author in one of the lectures. In addition, the City is full of exciting galleries, restaurants and cafes, many of which are used for the public lectures. Surrounding the City, there are so many breathtaking natural sceneries, which are very much intellectually stimulating and at the same time emotionally comforting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The BLUE BLUE sky, the WHITE WHITE cloud, and the KIND KIND people here! I made lots of friends here, and most of them like badminton as I do. Also the UNION is the second best place here, while the ISE is the best for me I think. I got a wonderful riding along the Tay bridge, with the sunny sunshine and the best "family" I have.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so much to offer. It's diversity of people, places, landscape, events. its research and innovation. It's true community engagement.

The best thing- the spirit of its people.
<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 density of amateur theatrical groups in such a small area is amazing for one of Scotland's smaller cities. The nurturing that young people are given to participate in the performing arts through Dundee Schools Musical Theatre, Dundee Schools Orchestra and Dundee Unuversity Music ensure the continuing breadth of involvement of the people of Dundee in the performing arts.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> culture in the city is for ordinary people, not just the elite
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spent three years in the city as a student in the 60s and loved it. Now come for cultural events eg at the Dundee rep thatre which we love. Always excited by the changes taking place while preserving some of the old haunts c.f .Hawkhead.
Nostalgia mixed with anticipation would describe my response to Dundee in 2013....well deserves City of Culture 2017. Incidentally 50 years since my graduation in Medicine!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The off the beaten track arts in the city . Weather its the colour of westfest or the viberance of the artists its all good .Very very good.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The site where Mary Shelley stayed, our public observatory (only two in the UK), our incredible views over the Tay from the Law Hill, our parks, our beach, our football teams.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> T Ann cake
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wonderful folks who live in Dundee
<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> I just love the variety of things you can do in the city. The latest thing which amazes me is the growing reputation of DOJ-CON.
This should be promoted as part of our culture bid as some of the costumes created for this event are pure art.
<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> How we've grown up to be a city once again capable of inspiring, educating and encouraging our own, and those who become our own; proud of our past and confident about our future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a place of true innovation, reinventing itself time and time again. Drawing it's strength from it's communities, their tenacity to deal with life, look to the future and strive to make a difference. From the sciences, technology and arts it is a truly inspiring place to live!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> the gritty, real, innovative, inspiring creative talent of the city's young people to problem solve, make and enterprise
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are always new people to meet and connect with, there seems to be a continual flow of people coming into Dundee, some stay a month, a year or maybe 4 or more, and the city takes them all in.

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

For me, Dundee's hidden secret is its adaptability in itself and the people it hosts. It is not a perfect city, nor does it pretend to be, therefor people take on the challenge of shaping it, in turn shaping themselves. In this continual movement Dundee has witnessed many a success, and failure, but it (and the people it hosts) keeps on trying because that is the nature of the space and place it inhabits.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Strawberry bank. Just off Magdelan green and the Perth road. One of the most beautiful, classic, cobbled streets I've ever seen. Still perfectly preserved. Beautiful. As well as all the buildings along Magdelan green and the green itself. Favourite area of Dundee. By far.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even after 10 years of living in the city I seem to stumble onto new things in and around the area of Dundee. :)

:)

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