400 Years in the Making

This year Quebec City is celebrating its 400th Anniversary. One of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec has maintained a distinctly European, if not French, character. If you haven't made plans for a summer vacation, call AAA and order your Trip Tix for Quebec - there's a party going on.

One of the events I witnessed last week was the premier of the 40 minute film, The Image Mill. Seen in a theatre, the film wouldn't be much more than a lengthy collage of historic images and pop culture sounds. But you don't go indoors to view The Image Mill, you stand on the waterfront of the Old Port and participate in the sights and sounds.

Billed as the world's largest architectural projection, the film is splashed across a 600 metre long row of grain silos standing 30 metres tall using 27 video projectors. More than 300 speakers placed throughout the waterfront blast the audio portion with incredible clarity. The Image Mill engulfs you.

A surreal event, more like fireworks than a movie, The Image Mill showcases the 400 year history of Quebec. 4 centuries boiled down to 40 minutes. Artist Robert Lepage did a fantastic job of portraying not only the history of Quebec City, but also the evolution of the modern man.

I might go back later in the summer just to see a re-run. Well, that and Celine Dion singing on the Plains of Abraham. Did I tell you there is a party going on north of the border?

Oh yeah, one last thing, if you go you have to stay at Hotel Manoir d'Auteuil. The hotel is very charming, and the hosts, Dan & Linda Cross are top notch. Both are fluent in English which is a plus for visiting U.S. citizens as many business owners only speak French. Ask them if the Edith Piaf Suite is available!