:: We Dundee

We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

2791

PEOPLE AND GROWING

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 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> Art bar, Reading Rooms and DCA!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> My favourite things about Dundee are the people and the accent! Friendly folk and a fab dialect! I'll hae fower pehs, twa sassidge rolls, a plen bridie and an ingin ane an a!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its setting - coming home from whatever direction - over the bridge, along the Carse, or from north or east - nestling on and around the Law and overlooking the Tay - beautiful and welcoming - home!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It's forty years since I left Dundee after graduating. I still hold very dear memories of the Deep Sea fish restaurant on the Perth Road. Fifteen years after leaving, on a visit to relatives, my wife and I went to the Deep Sea. It wasn't open so we joined the queue - and got chattinng to the folks in the queue, several of whom knew relatives of mine. And the, the staff remembered us in the restaurant. My wife, who hails from Surrey, still thinks Dundee is the friendliest palce we're been to.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 2 universities each prominent in its expertise draw in students and researchers from all over the world. These visitors bring the rich diversity of so many different cultures to the city and many become long term residents . Living in the West End I am constantly reminded of the cosmopolitan nature of Dundee in 2013 which was largely absent as I was growing up here.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Its renaissance from the 1908s. A city on its knees has brushed off the accumulated stour of decades of struggle and decline, and has re-invented itself. A global centre for manufacturing has become a global centre for learning - and of discovery, But also of culture, not forgetting the oral and popular cultures of the past but building on these and moving forward through the city's cultural institutions. And surprising and delighting people whose perceptions of Dundee are as dated as the notion of jute, jam and journalism, notwithstanding the incontionuiong importance of the last-named.

<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 Roseangle gallery, art exhibitions at the Botanic gardens,the paintings in the new gallery on South Tay street, the beautiful jewellery at the DCA shop...the list goes on.So much talent and so much creativity in his town.As an outsider who emigrated toDundee from India in 2001,I have watched the city reinvent itself culturally.I love Dundee and I hope to never leave.

<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> The forward thinking of the City Fathers in developing the waterfront.

<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> The inspiring places that brought me to this city, Vanilla Ink Studios.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> countryside on your doorstep

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It feels like home

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are very friendly and Dundee is like a large village with many hidden features that you keep on finding the more you explore.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived in Dundee 3 times: in the early 70s, the early 80s and now since the early 2000s: physically, the city has been transformed and mostly for the better, with some glaring exceptions. But the people have not really changed - still as friendly, as awkward, as forthright, as loud as ever. They prove you don't have to go to glasgow for these sterling qualities. And the people, not the DCA, the Rep, the bridges, the Tay, the Law - all unique - , are what make the city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Street Art and the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I support popular culture in the form of William McGonagall.

How can he be the world's worst poet when his writing is still printed and repeated a century and a half after he wrote it?

I keep finding nineteenth century 'poetry' that does not appear to scan so it is not the overwhelming criticism that is widely made by those who patronize him.

His poetry should be celebrated without embarrassment.

McGonagall, Beano and Dandy would make a good counterweight to more highbrow contributions.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The observatory on Balgay Hill- its a gem and free to visit!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I've been invited by my scottish friend to experience the family Ceilidh. Though one word is not enough the describe it all, I would say: AWESOME, I had a really good time. You definitely need to experience it at least once in your life (with a kilt of course!). I think I'll cherish these memories my entire life, and I'll sign-up in the second when the next ceilidh is planned!

Dundee is a nice, peaceful place, where you can breath fresh air, swim in the water, or walk on the beautiful shore. There are plenty of museums around to visit too.

<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> I love the different walks around the city that appeal to all level of walkers and interests. I particularly like the Dighty Trail and the Bridgefoot walk. The walks in and around the City Centre reveal the many past and present historical and cultural aspects of the City. I love Dundee... it's a wee gem.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Such a compact yet diverse city, providing far more for my education than simply getting a degree! The ability to get to know so many students over so many disciplines and meet so many of the local Dundonians over a four year period has been an abiding memory for well over thirty years! An honest,down to earth city with a rich academic and industrial heritage, marvellously blended with it's enchanting outlook over the Tay! Culture without a hint of pretentiousness!!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There are so many opportunities for everyone in particular children and young people in education, and in the community through clubs and groups. Opportunities to learn to play music in an orchestra, group or band through school and outside school too. Lots of things to see and do from the Rep, DCA, the Dundee Science Centre, the Observatory, to the lovely views from the Law Hill. The history of Dundee told in the Verdant works, Discovery Quay Centre or McManus Galleries. Dundee is the City of Discovery.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee decided a long time ago that it was not going to be talked down to and look where it is going. it is ever changing, looking to the future with V&A Dundee on its way, which will be housed within a stunning purpose built delight. But don't forget about the past look around and you can see what Dundee was with many beautiful buildings of years gone by.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Don't let the reputation fool you. It's way out of date. Dundee was my home for 2011 and 2012 and I enjoyed every minute of it. A beautiful setting for a city looking out across the silvery Tay. I met many good people and the town inspired me to be successful. A part of me will always be from Dundee.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am from Dundee myself but live in Norway. The thing I love about being Dundonian is that we are proud of where we come from despite often being the butt of jokes by people from other cities. When I got married in Dundee the Norwegians loved Dundee and Dundonians. There are many famous Dundonians that have contributed a lot to national and international culture. From astronomers to actors. One of my favourite places is the Mills Observatory. Hidden in the trees of Balgay, the observatory is a local gem.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A wealth of characters who can get along with anyone.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Verdant Works is a hidden gem. The volunteers are fantastic and have a welath of knowledge.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I came here over 30 years ago to go to University and loved it so much I stayed. I am now proud to call this my city and my home. So much has changed, so many amazing things to learn about - who knew the reverse gear was invented by a Dundee man and that Dundee woman once owned a huge tract of Texas?!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> What surprises me the most about Dundee is its music and art scenes; for such a small city, there is a huge amount of creativity, from arts and music collectives, to several galleries. The DCA and Hannah Maclure Centre show great exhibitions and bring great people to the city. Its the hidden treasures of the underground gigs and the Generator Projects that are treats and should be recognised, not just by the other people in Dundee, but for everyone who visits.

<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> Tea ann cake
Jessie's Kitchen

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved the atmosphere in the new Caird square on a cold crisp winter evening after listening to the Dundee Symphony Orchesta in the Caird hall, coming down the steps and looking at the Christmas lights and the tree and the people in Henry's coffee house enjoying the view. I love Braithwaite's coffee shop and the Cheesery on Exchange street. Drouthy's and the jute cafe and Dukes corner, the art bar. The macmanus Gallery

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee had a reputation as being hard and unfriendly when i first came to the city in 1984 to study. I soon discovered that the City of Discovery is a safe and pleasant place to come. It has all the facilities of a big city but you don't have to travel too far to get to things. Not too big, not too small, just about right.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a beautiful city. It is an amazing place to live. I think it is just the right size. If you look upwards in Dundee, you can see amazing architecture on buildings.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> In the last few decades Dundee has added a cathedral, it's now a City an airport, added a road bridge across the Tay, a University or two, a V. & A. Museum, and retains its Medical Knowledge, its history (adding to its naval vessels). What more can anyone ask of a City?

I support Dundee's claim to be European City of Culture.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The range of independent shops, the great work going on at both universities and the focus on education in general.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> - Braithwaite's tea and coffee shop in Castle St
- Summer Sunday free brass band concert at Magdalen Green followed by drinks and food from one or more of the many bars and restaurants on Perth Rd
- The brilliant Dundee Blues Bonanza .... It introduced Home Bargains and the TJ Morris Company to the city!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it is the best city in the world and where I was born and most of my family live. Best schools and football team in DUFC.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the belief that Dundee people have in Dundee as a place to live. Our city sometimes gets bad press for some socially undesireable statistics but we defend our city's pride with great belief. Belief that our city can provide us with a place of enjoyment, nurture and development for our families to strive in. Dundee has a fantastic array of culture to be involved in and i am glad to be an active citizen with a young family in this thriving city.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Central Library is quite the best public library I have come across. Wonderful view over the Tay as well.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city is teeming with mucicians of all sorts, classical, folk, rock, you name it! Dundonians are passionate about sharing their music and there is always a very healthy scene going on.

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Love the hustle and bustle of Saturday afternoon. Always changing!

<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A bright, blue-sky day and the sun shining on the beautiful River Tay and glinting off the railway bridge. Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?

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