We Back Dundee as a City of Culture

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PEOPLE AND GROWING

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The magnificent concert organ in the Caird Hall built in 1923. this was the first concert organ built by Harrison & Harrison, Durham and designed by the blind organist and composer, Alfred Hollins. It is today considered one of the finest concert organs in the world and the Friends of the Caird Hall Organ (FOCHO) was formed in 2010 to help preserve it for the culture of Dundee and the heritage for tomorrow as well as encourage the introduction of the instrument and its music to young people.

<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> The accent - no one sounds like us - bales of jute in every sentence!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amazing view of the city as you walk over the bridge
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> So much green space
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How the city is able to retain its own depth of character drawn from its own cultural heritage whilst steadily and creatively adapting to the changes brought about by this modern age.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A wonderfully welcoming city for a visitor with fantastic views and a diverse entertainment scene, from the DCA with the wonderful food, exhibitions and films, to the Sensation which is a great day out for children and adults alike, and the Discovery which was a source of great delight to my son, especially the man in the sick bay!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> It is in an amazing location beside a wonderful river, and has far more sunshine and light than any other British city I know.
<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> The attitude of the people in Dundee is first class, 99per cent are behind the proposed waterfront project, When this project is finished, the Va Museum, new Railway Station and the New 5 star hotels opened Dundee will be a place to be reckoned with.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The longest seaplane flight took off from Dundee in 1938 and flew non stop to South Africa. The river has been the vehicle of discovery not just out to sea but into the air as well. There is such a rich history in Dundee just waiting to be soaked up.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I'm looking forward to visiting later this week, up from Yorkshire. Can't wait to visit the most fantastic cafe, Jessie's Kitchen, a real hidden gem. Wonderful cakes and drinks with a wonderful view over the Tay.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> From McGonagall to International Book Prize
From Science Sensation to Arts Centre
From Botanical Garden to Dens Park
From yacht racing to ancient warship
From Bell Rock Lighthouse to Balgay Observatory
From Desperate Dan to Captain Scott
From Championship Golf to Championship Curling
From aerobatics over the Tay to freezing new year swims across the Tay
From seals basking by the old bridge to skeins of geese above it
From a visionary Repertory Company to world beating Cancer Researchers
Are we A city of culture?
No, we are THE City of Culture
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I am constantly surprised by the changes within the city. It continues to grow and diversify in this current climate of recession.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> If there was ever a person which embodied Dundee it would have to be Amanda Lowson from Dundee Rep Theatre. She exudes creativity, joy, resilience and a fiery passion for the city and the people who live here. Through her work at Dundee Rep and her general outlook on life, she unknowingly makes the city a brighter place to be.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Howff surprised me.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For me, by far the most alluring spot in Dundee is the Law Hill which on a clear day has one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Scotland. It has a timeless feel, being able to survey the remnants of the City's history with its factory chimneys and tenements and its future in the waterfront development. One can gaze in wonder at The Silvery Tay and the two bridges whch span it, taking in the Kingdom of Fife to the South and the Sidlaw Hills to the North.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is full of wonderful musicians, people and their own humour. The redevelopment that is going on is so overdue and when finished will place Dundee well and truly on the map of culture where it so rightly belongs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee's never ending vibrancy, energy and beauty, the friendly people, the eclectic mix of born-and-bred Dundonians alongside the annual intake of students falling in love with the city. All the benefits of a large city condensed into a campus type environment, yet only a short drive to rural idyll. It's Fundee, it's Sunnydee, it's Dundee.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Dundonian born and bred, I love how the city continues to change and evolve and know that in the very near future Dundee will rival the bigger Scottish cities as THE place to visit!!
<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> The views
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has created amazing musicians, scholars and passionate people who have shaped the world.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Balgay Hill is an amazing place for taking photographs of wildlife or of views of the city. The seasonal changes can be captured by trees in Autumn or after heavy snowfalls. The Observatory is educational and in a prime site. The cemetary houses commonwealth graves and many very old graves ornately created and should be preserved.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> That I always want to go back. Having had the intention of going to Dundee and getting out as soon as possible, but the combination of arts, design and regeneration leaves me seeking a return every time I leave.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has a vibrant literary community- we have the Dundee Literary Festival, the International Book Prize and lots of author events, poetry readings and live literature going on all year round.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I moved to Dundee from Ireland and fell in love with the city. The Art Bar on the perth road is a hidden gem of culture and people, the waterfront park hosts a variety of people-watching activities, the dragon statue on high street with some of the most amazing buskers surrounding it that Iv ever seen, the nilupal buddhist centre for a calming meditation session and cup of herbal tea, and so much more. DUNDEE I LOVE YOU!!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A real sense of community and a buzz about the wealth of creativity in all areas - there are so many opportunities for all to be involved in the many exciting events, festivals and new developments in the city. It has a fabulous waterfront setting with glorious sunsets to inspire you - and a cracking cafe culture too!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The public observatory on Balgay Hill with its wonderful moveable papiere mache dome....what a privilege....open to us all year round and costs next to nothing to visit and use.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> There is so much to see in this small city which is the home to the Beano and the Dandy
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art &amp; Design annual Degree Show at the University of Dundee. What a fantastic art and design teaching ethos and culture that exists within this Dundee institution to produce this showcase of talent each year.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The fantastic variety of theatre and music events, not only by 'professional' performers, but also talented 'amateurs'. I lived in several cities in Europe and have never come across so many musical and drama groups and societies in a city. You can not only be a spectator, but also participate! Personally, I love Opera and in Dundee I have had the opportunity to sing in Verdi and Mozart operas - a fantastic experience. And then go and see professional companies perform music you have got to know well yourself gives your everyday life and work a fresh perspective. Lovely people, beautiful place, great opportunities.
<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> Mennie's Bar (Sunday name is Speedwell Tavern) on Perth Road is a gem of a pub. Spent many happy hours in my youth being served by Mrs Mennie herself and her Manager Ian Thomson
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A small city maybe but it has everything you need - culture (museums and theatre), shops, universities - and all on your doorstep. Plus it has Dundonians - some of the friendliest people one could ever hope to meet. I love it here!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundonians!! The people of Dundee are friendly, funny, creative and ambitious and are genuinely interested in what other people are up to. A great place to live, work or study in. Shops, pubs &amp; restaurants old or new - Rockhaven, Burns &amp; Harris, Grouchos, RARA, Carnaby's, The Dock Street Pet Shop with the talking parrot, The Doghouse, The Popular, The Deep Sea, Jimmy Reid's, too many to mention!!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> I like how interesting the buildings in the town are when you just look up, it like looking back in time.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is a city that boasts two different football teams on opposite sides of the same street.
It has a hill that is the Law &amp; should never be known as both.
The past is remembered &amp; cherished &amp; the future faced as a challenge.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Science Festival which takes place in November reaches over 14,000 people over a two week period. Events are really diverse ranging from people like Ben Miller talking about his book - 'It's not rocket science' to family fun days and community events. This festival is only three years old and is Scotland's fastest growing science festival. Since its inception three years ago, more than 60 partners now join in annually to put on these amazing events and what is really exciting is that it isn't just scientists. Restaurateurs, hairdressers, museum workers, comedians, teachers, pupils, community leaders - to name a few - all come together to celebrate science, innovation and discovery. In a city like Dundee where science is part of Dundee's heritage and culture, I find this truly exciting.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> "eh"; how under-rated it is; the people; buildings; how green it is; great local produce; steak pies; universities, great city yet how modest it is - from an Edinburgh man !
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Attend one of Creative Dundee's Pecha Kucha nights to learn more about creatives you knew about and discover ones you didn't. Always inspiring.

Duncan of Jordanstone Art College is a hub of exciting creative activity and brings creative life to the city. I love going to degree shows in summer to see an amazing spectacle of talent and fresh ideas. Look forward to seeing a strawberry farm this year as part of Interior and Environmental Design's showcase. Can't say the students aren't dynamic!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Having worked and travelled around the UK &amp; further afield, Dundee has its own unique personality. For example, it's nigh impossible to stand at a Dundee bus stop for any length of time without a fellow traveller striking up a conversation with you. It's been a city for a long time but it still feels like a big village.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> For such a small city it has so much to offer - a large, diverse and active student population, beautiful scenery, many cultural events, a lively night scene with many bars and clubs open each night, excellent transport links and several historical sites! There is never a dull moment in Dundee and there really is something for everyone!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> To me, the history of Dundee and surrounding area, going back centuries is just so rich and interesting and needs to be kept alive, although I do believe in more recent years the will and effort is there to do this. You only have to visit some of the local photo sites to read about the resiience and strength carried forward through very difficult times, from generation to generation. Of course, as in other cities there are problems, but again, the strength of the majority will make things better for the future. Nobody can deny the utter beauty of the surrounding landscape, just a stones through away....I think for the most part, anyone born and brought up in Dundee is blessd with an inner strength, passed down from those before, and also holds pride of the place we will always call "home".
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> How much it has improved over the last five years!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views of the River Tay and beyond which appear often unexpectedly from across the city. The amount of green spaces and the fantastic impact of the daffodils along the Kingsway which lift your heart and you know its Spring!! .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The richness and diversity of the arts and culture; the burgeoning technology industry and the determined spirit of the locals.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The remnant stubs of the original Tay road bridge, a reminder of the disaster of 1879; a street named 'Peek-o-day Lane' because of all the smoke from the mills &amp; factories, a nod to the industries of the day; a statue dedicated to William Wallace where he first killed another man as a young boy; and the High School of Dundee, which educated Wallace as a sect of travelling monks (the Monks of Lindores) before it was built here in 1239; all glimmers of Dundee's rich history &amp; colourful past.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I have lived abroad on several occasions but always return home. I love the fact that I can walk everywhere, that it is a safe city especially for females and that with the new impetus of the V&amp;A and investment Dundonians of all ages are supporting this bid.
I believe we have medico-science facilities second to none. An innovative Games industry.
As I am now a senior Dundee looks after me very well with marvellous fitness facilities.
The Dundee Rep Theatre is one of Scotland's best and the DCA offers a wide range of films, displays, workshops etc. Dundee to win.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Lots of hidden design talent springing from djcad
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee Half Marathon - friendly and a great atmosphere
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Driving to Broughty Ferry on a Winter evening and parking the car facing the Tay. One red, and one white pudding supper takeaway and back to the car. Sitting in the warmth watching the lights of Newport and Tayport reflected in the calm black water. Looking at the cars on either side and the same ritual is taking place, A line of parked Dundonians chomping on their suppers looking out across the river ... fine dining and romance Dundee style.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I used to travel through Dundee on my way to and from Uni in Aberdeen. I always thought it was a grey gloomy city of roundabouts. Now that I live here, I couldn't have been more wrong! My favourite places have to be the Botanic Gardens and Camperdown Park, and my absolute favourite thing is the ever-changing view of the River Tay - stunning In all weathers!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Always a thrill to drive over the "Silv'ry Tay" on the approach to Dundee-it looks different every time depending on the weather, but "silvery" it always is!  Then there is the "Can Do" attitude which is apparent everywhere in all the building work at the Waterfront, and finally the down to earth friendliness of the people.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Fewest of people arrive in Dundee with expectations but most of them leave with the fondest of memories. It must be the atmosphere of the people that leave something quite indescribable in the heart of every visitor.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> 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> Dundee's children are it's hidden secret ! It's way forward into 2017 and beyond being proud of their city and all it holds for everyone .
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The city's walkability! The city is ideal for on foot exploration and has a number of great foot/cycle paths over to Fife, up the coast to Arbroath and into the Sidlaws. It's perfect for enjoying Dundee's unique microclimate - I reckon this is what makes the people so special!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Even if Dundee is not a big city, there are a lot of cultural events going on! Just come and discover Dundee - The city of Discovery!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The number of amazing shops, cafes and attractions.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The beautiful views, the wealth of culture, and the warmth of its people. Dundee truly is a Historic City and the V &amp; A is coming to a prestigious location in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The variety of great places to eat. Cafes, restaurants throughout the city. Anything from a quick snack to a wonderful meal. Especially seafood at The Blue Marlin.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Not only is Dundee a sunny City which manages to mix historic and modern very well, it's also a friendly City. No matter where in the City you are - the Centre, Broughty Ferry, St. Mary's, no-one will leave you feeling lost or lonely. I've lived in many areas within the City and felt at home in each at different times. Dundee also has it's own weather system where the climate and temperature can be vastly different only 5 miles apart. There's so much of interest in Dundee, I'm still learning new stuff about my City after 40 odd years. I wouldn't live anywhere else!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> City of nature. Lush green, fantastic landscapes, stunning views of Tay from every corner of city. A city for nature lovers.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The remarkable fund-raising achievements of its citizens for cancer research and medical equipment. It's many unsung medical, scientific and social pioneers eg Thomas Maclagan, James Bowman Lindsay and Mary Lily Walker. The past European successes of its football teams epitomise how so often Dundee punches well above its weight. The gradual eradication of multi-storey buildings is an indication of the city rediscovering its architectural heritage.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The walk along Riverside Drive: Baxters Park: The Beach at Broughty Ferry but most of all THE PEOPLE OF DUNDEE
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the hidden vaults below the city. I wish more people knew about them
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee University Student Union (DUSA) is incredible. A lot of events through out the year both at the Universities and the city centre (ie. the Christmas tree lighting).
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Music, vibrant arts and culture, grassroots self organised cultural activities going on as well as via more established organisations like DCA and other venues
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people are the best - real and down to earth. The art scene and music scene is fantastic. I wouldn't be working in film and doing what I do - if I didn't know where I come from - Dundee.
<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> Where would the city of Dundee be without it's truly inspiring son? William Mcgonagall: Often referred to as the worst poet by many.

"When the moon is fair and roond
Aw the fishes swim fae Ayr tae Troon
When the moon is roond and fair
Aw the fishes swim from Troon tae Ayr"

Truly the worst but also the best poet to have ever lived.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The DCA is a wonderful place, always showing great movies that wouldn't be seen at the multiplexes, as well as giving plenty of opportunities to learn about film and to be artistic.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love that even in this vibrant, creative and exciting city you can also relax and enjoy a walk along the river. I love trying to spot seals on the sand banks, listening to the shrill cries of oyster catchers to see and the smell of the sea as I walk along with the Tay gently lapping on the sea wall.

You can also enjoy dolphin watching trips from Broughty Ferry in the summer.
<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> I love Dundee now. I moved here 30 years ago from England, and was very disappointed with the 4th City of Scotland. Over the last few years I have been really delighted with all the changes; good restaurants, new bands, the Blues Festival, the Rep theatre, the DCA which always has something worth seeing, the parks and walks, the exhibitions and concerts, the wonderful talks every month, the soon to be opening fabulous hotels and the small stores, particularly in the West End, which sell everything I could possibly want. Why would I live anywhere else?
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee is home to many great things. A thriving digital media sector is one of the city's greatest assets.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Multicultural people, from many countries and backgrounds, all live happily together without segregation or differentiation. Dundee is a friendly, happy city!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The wealth and diversity of creative individuals all in such a close and accessible proximity
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The people, history both football clubs.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I love the setting on the river and the way the sky continually changes but what gets me every time is the unexpected humour of the people.
I'm just checking in, come back soon!
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The amasing river and extremely friendly people
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Dundee has got so many tourist attractions such as the Whitfield shops and the job centre and a new Victoria and Albert Design Centre, and the homeless unit.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Seals barking on the sandbanks
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The welcome, the activity, the music, the drama, the films, the plays, the art - within Dundee and within reach of 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> The strong community spirit is a key feature of Dundee. I am constantly amazed at how the city has developed creatively building on the legacy of jute, jam, journalism, whaling, ship building etc. Learning from the past ... Looking to the future
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As a Fifer now living in Perth I have watched Dundee grow into a vibrant city.It has so much to offer not just shopping but good restaurants and many interesting places to visit but my favourite place is the McManus Gallery and Museum.It's a stunning building with many interesting exhibits.I would also like to mention the DJCAD Degree show which is held in May, it's a fantastic opportunity to see all the talented students,their amazing work and to get a chance to wander around the University
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Every time I come home to Dundee, it changes. It is always adapting to different cultures, technology and attitudes which gibes it a very cosmopolitan view.
<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> Dundee is a wonderful city to visit with its parks and high street. The city is rustic and full of character, yet modern. The Dundee football grounds and high street were among our favourite places to see. The view from the law is breathtaking on a bright summer's day. Nothing would make us happier than seeing Dundee named the UK's city of culture.

D and R from Ottawa Canada.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The atmosphere at the Blues Bonanza is amazing. Loads of great bands, free and everybody gets on (most of the time). Great for visitors to see what Dundee can be like.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I loved going to school in Dundee with the children's international film festival at the DCA. A pile of tickets for a bundle price and I was able to go in on the bus every day after school.... I was just sad that not more people knew about it at the time. It is great to see the more recent film festivals better attended.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> A fantastic local music scene, a real focus on visual art with DCA, McManus, V&amp;A and one of Britain's finest art colleges, a fantastic and award winning Repertory Theatre, a growing literary scene surrounding Dundee Literary Festival, Dundee has always punched above its weight but now is fast becoming the place to be for culture in Scotland.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The sunshine, and endless summer days of digging our allotment up on the Law, enjoying a BBQ and the amazing view over to Fife...
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> it's not just one place or one person. what always amazes me about dundee is it's great variety of people from different cultural and national backgrounds, whether at university or in the local community.
and there are so many places my heart grew fond of over the years. for example, the view over the tay from balgay park's cemetary, or having a few pints among the locals in dundee's oldest pub (mennies), or even that there are some coffee places where you can simply sit down with a nice wee cuppa and play chess.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> I think it's great that the sun shines so much in Dundee. Seeing Dundee from across the Tay with the sun shining on it is a wonderful sight. Every time you look you see something different.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> Walking along the front at Broughty Ferry or coming into Dundee by train across the rail bridge the views are stunning. The Tay is Dundee's least well kept secret and it's most important feature.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> As soon as there is a hint of sunshine I love the way students at Dundee University sit on the grassy areas on the University campus and bring these areas to life. Different languages and cultures mingle together enjoying the light and sunshine which has a special quality in Dundee.
<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 has the aspirations of a larger city but the scale of a town. That scale fosters the feeling of community; whether in a cafe on the Perth Road or a pub in the city centre, a hike up Balgay Hill or a walk along the esplanade, you always bump into people you know or recognise faces you pass. Dundee is a Jeckyll and Hyde city with local Dundonians; their communities and institutions sharing the city alongside thousands of students with their bars and shops. You make up your mind which is Jeckyll and which, Hyde!
<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> 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> The architecture! Some of the most gorgeous gothic and 18th century buildings, completely hidden. So much more rewarding and arguably beautiful when they are hidden amongst or disguised as houses/shops.
<b>Q) What surprises you about the city?</b><br><hr><b>A)</b> The mix of old and new, the energy of the place, the huge student population, there are so many hidden surprises here!
<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> For me, a Fifer, having travelled to Dundee as a child, clubbed in Dundee as a teenager and now looking at Dundee on a daily basis, spending most of my money in Dundee as an adult, I'm constantly amazed by the growth of the city, the art in the city and the constantly vibrant atmosphere in Dundee. The V&amp;A coming, the waterfront project evolving is hugely exciting and can only improve everything for Dundee itself. My favourite things in Dundee are the DCA and the McManus, Maggies Centre, as well as the city's amazing history. Dundee has much to offer......

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