A Magical Mystery Tour

Today was the day of the ‘Thank you’ surprise that Belle had organised, a multi part extravaganza with a trip and then Belle cooking dinner. We were both nervous, Belle because she wanted me to enjoy it, me because I wanted it to be something I would enjoy.

We had managed to get the sat nav programmed without me knowing where we were heading, and off towards Essex we went. I couldn’t think of anywhere in Essex, that we would be interested, although as I started to see some town names, I thought it might me some sort of Roman gig.

We arrived in Colchester, the first Roman capital in Britain, so it was looking like Romanesque could be right. We parked and headed towards Colchester Castle, now I didn’t now that Colchester had a Castle, and as we followed to rubbish sign posts, I was surprised that I could not see a Castle, I mean they are not normally small, oh I hope it is good.

Finally we walked down a narrow street to see a flint and brick built castle, it looked ok, but not massive, the Roman theme was still looking odds on, then I saw a banner that said ‘Guardians to the King – Terracotta Treasures from Ancient China’. WOW! I had wanted to see the British Museum exhibition when it was on earlier in the year, so I was really excited to see the sign.

The museum is a really clever idea, it is within the castle, and is predominantly Roman. It has some great items, and is cleverly displayed. If you are ever in Essex then drop into Colchester Castle Museum, it hits all the right Roman bits.

However as interesting as it was, it was not the main event, and the Guardians show was GREAT!

The figurines were out of China for the first time, and overlapped nicely with some of the Roman items. The Han Dynasty ran from 206BC to AD8, and showed a step change were the Emperor moved from human sacrifices to symbolism. Whilst the items on display where not full size they showed all the characteristics you associate with their more famous counterparts. One of the most interesting factors was the fact that they had been discovered between 1984 and 2004, its incredible to think that there could still be wonders that we have not discovered yet.

The figures will just blow your mind, as you can see from the pictures each individual piece is unique, you would have thought that there would be a template, that is replicated, but no, they are all different. You can also see how the western world learned 1000 years later, when you see the costumes that look like middle age armour, alternatively we thought they looked a bit like Sontarans!

It was a great show, and made me want to a) read my books on the Terracotta Warriors and the First Emperor, b) Go to China, and c) do this more often with Belle.

So after a relaxing drive home, it was onto phase 2 of the my treat, the meal.

Belle always says she can’t cook, well tonight she killed that myth.

Starter was a port pate with toast, which was lovely, soft with berry undertones.
Main was amazing, sea bass, with roast Mediterranean vegetables. It was incredible, the best meal I have had since Florence last year. The vegetables were so sweet, and there was lots of textures, and the fish was soft in a light creamy sauce.
Pudding was little lime cheese cake with a ginger biscuit base, again it was lovely.
All washed down with a 2006 Cabalie.

We had candles and music, and it was great.

We finished off the evening watching a couple of programs about architecture through history, focusing on different topics, such as passion and death. It was very interesting if a bit provocative, but more on that another day.