Image generated by AI thanks to Google Gemini.

Originally based on a personal photo titled Montreal Skyline, I wanted to visualize how the area might have looked like in old colonial times circa 1700. For some reason Gemini saw fit to change the viewpoint and perspective, which I can appreciate as an exercise in creativity. But I suspect there are some history and / or geography buffs out there who would love to point out some inconsistencies in this re-imagined landscape 🤭

I have therefore decided to call this place Colonial Montrayal. To be clear, it is meant to be fictional and only loosely inspired from colonial Montreal circa 1700. Hence the different spelling of Montrayal, which also secretly references the first three letters of my last name Raymond.

In this alternate Montrayal dimension, they apparently had cameras back in the 1700s for this photo to be relayed back to us. Bit of a mystery there as the architecture and clear skies suggest relatively primitive technology by our standards. I can only speculate that it was captured from a hot air balloon, dirigible or other similar aircraft. A charming town in any case from a bird's eye view, I hope this Montrayal prospers one day 🖖