We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

Support Dundee

I love Broughty Ferry! It is a magical little area with independent cafes, shops, a beautiful castle and an amazing beach. There is nothing better than strolling along the beach first thing in the morning and making footprints in the sand – you may even spot dolphins in the Tay.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of musical talent Dundee has to offer as well. The beautiful beach at Broughty Ferry. But most of all the friendliness and humour of the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Barnhill Rockgarden, great fun and very beautiful, pools and waterfalls, secret paths, a myriad of different leaves and flowers, wildlife and plenty of bushes and trees for hide and seek!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's a vibrant city where something is going on all the time....events vary from concerts, talks, lectures, balls , sports, festivals, nightlife, presentations , art, movies, galleries and exhibitions to parties.
Soon the V&amp;A will become the living room of the city so why not support Dundee for the City of culture 2017
<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> Long history of Dundee. Battle &amp; Casstle at mid age.At modern age, industrial revolution- jute jam and journalism,antarctic expedition, research ( life science, gaming, surgical &amp; anaesthetic instruments)-- in a sentence- a city of discovery , a city of innovation. At present Dundee is a member of best 21 itellectual communities in this world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I was surprised at Dundee City councils softly softly approach towards the "Occupy Dundee" protest at the Steeple Church in the city in 201.They were so forthcoming that the occupiers agreed to abandon the protest before a costly eviction,which would have been a burden on the tax payer. In doing so the council offered the occupiers a building in Castle street as a base. I beleive that offer still stands,and the premises may well be used as a soup kitchen for the homeless in the near future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Has anyone mentioned DC Thompson's yet?! The Beano, The Dandy, The Broons... and my fave, Twinkle :) ... spawning the talents of Jacqueline Wilson, Alexander McGregor and Andrew Nicoll.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Tin Roof studios and others like it are a little known asset to the city. It is an example of one of the many collectives to be found in Dundee which exist because like-minded people want to get together and share their interests.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has an amazing creative community who are extremely supportive of one another. More and more creative talent is coming out of Dundee. With The V&amp;A coming, The Waterfront Development and more young designers / artists deciding to reside here its only proving how exciting the future is for the City and its people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Where else in the world can you buy an Irn Bru cupcake - try them, they are PHENOMENAL
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Architecture, which is a mixture of neo-classical, Victorian and Modern ... you only have to raise your eyes in Dundee, past the shop fronts and detritus of modern living to be amazed by the detail and beauty of the city's buildings!
Not only that but Dundee's commitment to the Arts is represented by the DCA and the literary festival and by students and gradates of the numerous arts programmes that the city hosts. With the coming of the V&amp;A I can only see Dundee's Cultural future is set to grow and grow
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Two aspects of Dundee do it for me. Firstly the youthful feel to the city. Evidenced by the welcome exuberance of the student population of the city; and secondly the architectural gems that are dotted about the city and are chanced upon quite often by accident.
<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> Astonishing views, warm people, fantastic University!
I love Dundee, its my second home town.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is always a buzz about Dundee, even when the university students are not in town. There's always something different to do, from the University saturday eveing lecture series, to local events and bands, sports events. We are fortunate to have Dundee Contemporary Arts with a rich variety on offer and our Repertory theatre. A few minutes in any direction you are in countryside and there is a great cycle path around the city and great cycling and walking to be had nearby too. We have great bars and restuarants too. It's a great place to live and socialise.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by the river; the way it moves, the way it changes.
I am happily surprised by the dedication of the community, especially in the arts and culture field, to bringing Dundee to life; to building social houses to eat and laugh; to making any environment one of creativity.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved here for University in the summer, the friendliness of the locals and the incredible architecture has surprised me the most. Dundee boasts the most incredible scenery of any city in the UK.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is a hub of Indian culture at Heart Space Dundee offering Yoga. There are AMAZING practitioners capable of the impossible!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has so many "hidden secrets" - people, places organisations that excel and are world-leading in what they do - but we never hear about them. Who would have thought that a Dundee firm most of us have never heard of would have its product in the Clinton Presidential Library in Arkansas!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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 aint no cookie cutter moulded city, and thank goodness for that. It is a force to be reckoned with in its continuous drive to reinvent itself time and again throughout its history, most recently in the birth of the waterfront project and the blossoming of the city's visual and performing arts scene. It is great to see that Dundee never tires of 'discovering' new talents within itself, and long may that last.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact that we are so central in Scotland and can reach Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen within 90 minutes maximum. We are a city of culture and science and this is improved upon on a daily basis. I am so looking forward to the waterfront being finished and the new V&amp;A building. Love Dundee. Look forward to my 2-year old reaping the benefit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fact you can turn a corner and find an amazing piece of street art, or a medieval building or just meet an interesting character, who's always friendly and willing to share
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A city full of culture and history. From the industrial revolution to more recent times Dundee has played a huge role in the UKs history.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Spex pistols.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee doesn't feel the need to try and prove itself - resulting in a very chilled out and welcoming atmosphere.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> University of Dundee
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich heritage of the city represented in its buildings, museums and archival collections and the significant cultural renaissance in Dundee since the 1990s (perhaps best articulated by the creation of the DCA and the development of the city's 'cultural quarter').
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The production in early 2013 of 'This Town' devised and performed by a local community theatre group in Scotland's Jute Museum @ Verdant Works proved a real success - a great example of partnership between Dundee Heritage Trust (who own and run the museum) and Dundee Rep. The dance, drama and live music staged in different locations around the former jute works was a much-enjoyed sell-out.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The distinctive Dundonian language celebrated in the songs of Michael Marra and the performance poetry of Mark Thompson.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a great bunch of people aiming to make interesting, challenging, creative things happen. Anyone can get involved, join in or make things happen for themselves, which is what makes it such a brilliant environment.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our young people

Diversity in action
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is an amazing city that continually re-invents itself - I've worked my 30 years career in the city's manufacturing community. We and I have experienced many major kicks in the teeth over the years however we always bounce back. We have so much innovation and creativity for a small city, it is truly staggering and it is actually world class. I know because I've seen it first hand and we need to tell the world how good we are. Technology and Engineering can be a beautiful thing and compliments a city of culture!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Huge variety of surprises we can find
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I like it that the city is always clean and the flower beds are tidy in the winter and blooming in the summer months.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Heading into Dundee over the Tay rail bridge early morning, with mist on the Tay and the sun coming up is magical
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The community spirit of Dundee echoes all over the city as friendly and familiar faces are met frequently in unexpected ways, supporting the locals' idea that "Dundee is a small world". The feeling that the people all have the same ties to each other and the place itself gives a unique character to the city. Even people who have not lived in Dundee for a particularly long time find deep attachments to the city and its people, proving that Dundee is more than a hometown - it's a home.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are so friendly. I get lots of foreign visitors at work and they all say this.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is bloody windy!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Jute, Jam and Journalism
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the site of a Spring full moon at it rises over Fife. The one on the 25th April was spectacular and reflected majestically in the Tay. Ima gonna get that moon.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee for over 20 years now and have watched it grown into an exciting cultural city. The city has some fantastic events including Dundee Women's Festival, Community and various music festivals. Hidden secrets ...The strong women from Dundee who have helped shape the wonderful City ;)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Without doubt the most underrated city in Scotland, 4 years there as a student made me proud to have chosen Dundee over the traditional university cities which peers from my area were choosing. An innovative forward thinking city with the best weather in Scotland! People are missing out on a great city by listen to the sterotype, Ive done my bit to change my friends views by getting them to visit the city and the city played its role to perfection too.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A vibrant business community with a ''can do'' attitude that welcomed with open arms MacRoberts as a new entrant to the City earlier in the year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amount of things available at your doorstep; the beach, country walks and city life all in the one-day!

The art &amp; culture scene is something you can't ignore, it's unique and embraced by the people of Dundee in a very special way.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee eagles rugby club, which encourages team work and life skills to children from Primary 1 right through to secondary whilst being active and learning to play rugby.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful Broughty Ferry beach.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have travelled to many parts of the world and been lucky enough to have seen some amazing places. However, each time I return home, there is nothing quite like walking with my family and dogs along the 'Grassy Beach' and I think how lucky I am to live where I do.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Exchange st. It just seemed to come from no where. A lovely hub with an amazing vintage shop and best t Ann cake in the city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The views
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The return of its self-confidence and ambition - its always been there , but it's now being recognized. Go on Dundee!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The ideal nature of the city,situated facing the Tay,much of what Is needed Is but a quick bus,taxi or car journey away,going to see Dundee play on the Saturday,the rare event of the Dundee Derby hopefully soon to return,fireworks at Lochee Park,the meeting with mates at Boots,shopping at Officers Club,buying the Evening Telegraph or Courier,picking up the annual fixture list provided by the Tele,the beauty of the West End,in particular Magdalen Green,the familiar sound of the water at Broughty Ferry,the famed ice cream shop,turning on of the Christmas lights,Desperate Dan and the dragon In town,the views from the Law.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The light. This city is full of greenspace and trees resulting in an amazing light and freshness. I moved here in 2001 and do not see myself living anywhere else as everything is available on our doorstep. You have open spaces, shops, entertainment and above all the people, they are friendly and funny, all with stories of the rich history of the city. Our allotment is an environment in where we feel a real connection with where we are in location and in our lives.
<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> Dundee is a multicultural town because of the different races and culture of people living in it. With two universities and one college, it offers a diverse community as students from different parts of the world choose to study in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is an incredible thirst for knowledge in Dundee as can be seen in the great variety of public meetings and the huge numbers that attend them. Some of the Saturday evening lectures at the university attract 800 people or more.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It contains one of the best UK universities. The Dundonians are blessed with the human feelings. Dundee at my time was an ideal city for education, and I am sure it is still. The weather is stunning and marvellous.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Generator Projects! With out a doubt my favorite thing about Dundee, a really strong curatorial team who curate some of the best exhibitions of emerging artists anywhere in the UK. Then there are the Yuck'n'Yum guys with there AGK (Annual General Karaoke)
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee and Dundee United being in the same street.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's alive, diverse, has art, history and Scottish dance theatre!! dont let it loose so much from so little and can be huge!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For a small city, Dundee is packed with wonderful things. Brilliant bars, two fab universities, the DCA. And it is pretty sunny.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> This beautiful little city of mine, I have lived here all my 66yrs of life, It never ceases to surprise me it grows better year after year with all our redevelopment of the Waterfront which will be fantastic when finished, to the V&amp;A which will bring in loads of visitors to our city. We have a wealth of great things to do, like the D.C.A, REP, Verdant Works,New swimming baths,Ice Rink, Discovery ship, music venues, loads of restaurants, Our great Universities that bring young people from all over the world. The great singers, song writers and actors that Dundee has produced known world wide. And off course the Dundee people well what can I say none better world over .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved back to Dundee 5 years ago after living across the world.

What I love about this city is it's ability to evolve, to change with the times and to reinvent itself.

Above all it's home to me and my family and will always be home no matter where we are in the world
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even as a native I am constantly surprised by how many people conceal tremendous creative talent behind their 'ordinary', self-effacing external appearance. I know folk who are exceptionally artistic, literate, musical - you name it - but, being Dundonians, they wouldn't let you realise it until you get to know them. Get to know Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Dundee as it's my centre and gateway to magical Munros, beautiful white beaches, and scottish villiages, towns and cities to explore.

The ever evolving face of Dundee and the new exciting opportunities on our horizons is truly making Dundee one of the great capitals on Scotland!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The changes in the last 15 years... The skate factory becoming DCA, Generatorprojects from its inception to its Mid Wynd gallery, WASPS studios, McManus... The change from scary Perth Rd pubs like the Royal Piper and the Global Beer Company (under the Angus Hotel) to pleasant bars and cafes like the Parlour and the Art Bar.
<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> I've lived in Dundee since 1985 and to this day the humour, the dry wit of the people still engages me. In town, the medieval rubs up against Starbucks, dotcom computer-game creators drink in the Phoenix next to old guys who worked in the boatyard. Go down to the riverside, look left and there's nothing out there until Denmark. 28 years in the city and I've been banged on the nose only once and, on that occasion, I was really asking for it. That has to say something.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city of many surprises, including our museums, our landscape, and our hidden gems like the howff graveyard. A medieval graveyard in beautiful condition.
Everyone here is incredibly friendly, and we merge the past and the future, only in Dundee do you find a university leading the way in technology and gaming, and one of the oldest universities in Scotland!
<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> Each scheme has their own sense of community, of closeness and of belonging. Schools in less privileged areas are improving, moving forward and an increasing number of youngsters from these areas are showcasing their talents through various mediums such as acedemia, dance, drama, art or music etc
Im a proud Dundonian , raised in Whitfield and have taken the strength and determination instilled in me whilst growing up and have used this to my advantage to strive to be successful in my adult career. It is no longer the case that 'scheme' kids are being left behind.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> No matter where you peer into Dundee's history, a vibrant and industrious culture exists.
Spear heading developments in the production of textiles, news media, music, technology and software; not only locally but worldwide.

Dundee truly is a city in which one can be proud!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Voluntary Sector - caring, accessable and the life and soul of the city
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee - a great place for a hot mince roll !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of strong characters who bind our communities together with a shared sense of resolve, grit and determination. I am always struck by the strong sense of identify that exists in Dundee and how when implemented can be a real force for positive change. That identity is not something that comes through nothing but through a development of a particularly strong culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Our ability to continually innovate, inspire and engage is difficult to beat. From Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, The Rep Theatre and DCA, to computer games, technology and design the City, in its own quiet way, makes a big impact across the world.
The UK should be proud to have Dundee as City of Culture.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From my time studying here, I have found that their are lots of friendly people. Chilling at the law hill with the amazing views. Wondering round an exhibition at DCA/McManus.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The friendlinesss of the people, the wonderful location and the amount of green areas.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The evolution and growth of the last 10 years.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The brilliant Macmanus Galleries to the Blues Festival. Always plenty to do. Really looking forward to the V and A. its all going on in Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How one can get everything required in the city yet it is so easy to get around, park, eat and get away again. The sea scape is also such a pleasure, too, and a surprise when one is in the midst of a bustling University city.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful drive to work along riverside drive.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the warmth and welcoming people who made me feel at home when I came 28 years ago and now would never leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> to see so many of the population of dundee walking upright
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love Exchange street. It's full of little independent shops, cafes and restaurants that are way better than the usual chain stores.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The rich amount of history. Walk off any Main Street and find something. Eg. Cemetery in centre of town, law hill, verdant works, unicorn, Tay bridge. Wherever you go there is history shaping the city,
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The red squirrels of Camperdown Park
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Rep and the Law Hill
<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> Free access to cultural attraction like the McManus
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Everyone is treated equally here with no pretensions. People come before money in Dundee.
Dundee men are less likely to patronise women than other places. For example, Dundee men are comfortable to take and collect their kids to school if their wives work.
If I would change anything it would be to get Dundee folk to eat more fresh food (and that doesn't mean cakes), I should say Dundee bakeries are really fine.
Dundee would warmly welcome visitors who came to this event and they themselves would blossom from the experience.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth of music talent from all age groups especially the younger bands, if you head to the 20rocks or non-zeros at the weekend you will see plenty of talented young potential stars. Clarks is a recently refurbished venue which is always jam packed not only with people but with the sound of music so i'd recommend visiting any of these three venues and be amazed.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its capacity to evolve
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is the only city in the whole of the UK with Red Squirrels within the city boundaries. As an iconic species for Scotland this says a lot for Dundee and shows the depth of commitment from its Ranger Service and Parks Management. Camperdown Wildlife Centre is a very important conservation site for endangered species across Europe and the World, and plays an important role in educating our younger people and serves as a main centre of attraction.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The depth of creative talent in Dundee is something we should be immensely proud of, and we should be making more of a big deal about it. There are tiny gigs and exhibitions going on all the time in the city, and you never have to look far for one. We have so many talented people and they are so often overlooked.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As someone who has lived in and visited many great cities, I have to say that for such a small city Dundee has such a vibrant cultural community driven in large part by the universities and the multicultural students it attracts. The Reading Rooms can rival any club/music venue I've ever visited and I have tried desperately to find somewhere which satisfies in the way it does. The music is varied and never rests on its laurels. The arts, design and fashion communities are so innovative and willing to take chances. The city is steeped in history but refuses to let it define its future.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee isn't an 'obvious' place - you have to dig a bit deeper than in other major cities. Once you do, you start to find places like Generator (pop up exhibitions by emergent visual artists) you see Performances in community centres and other strange places (by the Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre) and mini festivals for families all across the city. The difference is that you need to seek it out. You need to talk to people and make connections. Communicate with people and Dundee is one of the most exciting places you'll come across. It's all there for the taking.
<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> I love that Dundee is built on a human scale. I can jump on my bike in the north of the town and within 10 minutes I can be sitting drinking a coffee in a coffee shop, wandering round an art exhibition, doing my grocery shopping, walking along a sandy beach or a forest trail, watching a film, dancing the night away or just getting out into the countryside.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There's a hidden secret fae the west end o dundee, a man wa goes by the name alfie, the mans been entertaining fowk ah eez days wi eez patter and eez always dressed ti impress.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The view from the 'top of the Tower" - Dundee University's Tower Building has to be seen to be appreciated. There is a cafe on the Tenth Floor of the building, offering spectacular views across the Tay. On a nice day the stillness of the waters really does bring a feeling of inner calm.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The great art collection in the McManus Gallery. And the great mixture of Architecture in the city such as the grand old houses.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee:

Is a big family...
Is the place Dundonians don't want to leave...
Has it's own language of circles and backies...
Is familiar...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Quartic Llama has seen things you humans would not believe. Attack ships afloat off the shore off the shoulder of City Quay. I watched sea beams glitter in the dark near the Over-Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like *moo* tears in rain. Time to live.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has developed a wow factor!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The upbeat and creative atmosphere, encouraging collaborations and creative interdisciplinary projects, and an ability to make a difference!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum! It's hidden away on Dundee University campus but has stuffed animals, skeletons and fossils from all around the world. A fascinating look at the work of a very intersting Dundonian.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have studied twice in Dundee and lived there for three years. It's a friendly welcoming place, full of real people. I knew very little about the place when I went there but would recommend it to anyone. It is an unassuming place with lots to offer. The fun is in discovering all the things that make Dundee unique whether it is historical, cultural, the scenery or the weather!

:)

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