Ceremony, culture, cuisine

One of the pleasures of the IFLA Congress is experiencing something of the host community and today (Sunday) we experienced the culture and history of Quebec in the Opening Ceremony and the Cultural Evening.

There were longeurs and naff bits as there always are at such events. I could have done without the recurrent epic poem in the Opening Ceremony and the mock sword fight between Generals Wolfe and Montcalm in the Cultural Evening. But hey, one person's brainwave is another person's excuse to head for the bar (if only) and there were some absolutely terrific highlights in both events.

Two marvellous moments of ceremony highlighted the opening event as we welcomed Her Excellency Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada, who spoke with real feeling about the importance of libraries; and as we witnessed Laval University present an Honorary Doctorate to Ismael Serageldine, Director of the Alexandria Library.  Two marvellous moments of artistic virtuosity highlighted the evening event as Patrice Painchaud rocked the audience with his dexterity on the electric violin (and then serenaded IFLA President Claudia Lux by playing the theme from the movie Titanic on a saw!); and a brilliant duo from l'Ecole de Cirque de Quebec had us gasping at their grace and athleticism.

A francophone community will always be a good bet for good food,and Quebec (particularly Vieux-Quebec) does not disappoint. If you're heading this way, I can recommend l'Echaude on the rue du Sault-et-Matelot. In the interests of research for this blog I've tried the red wine (from Quebec) and the white wine (from the Okenagen) - and I'll be happy  to continue my researches!

Strolling round Vieux-Quebec after dinner you can't miss The Image Mill, a vast audiovisual production projected against the giant grain silos of the Port of Quebec telling the story of Quebec in four movements corresponding to the four centuries of Quebec's history. It's easy to have a laugh at this (and we did: Stockhausen meets Pink Floyd with visuals by Monty Python was our verdict) but there's nothing of comparable artistic daring in, for example, Liverpool's Capital of Culture programme. Every evening at 10pm regardless of the weather and free of charge. Well done, Quebec!

Oh yes, the weather. Beaucoup de soleil, mes amis, all weekend. Truly, the sun does shine on IFLA.

A bientot.