On our last day in Singapore, my wife suggested that we should visit the Nanyang Memorial Hall which is located along the "Balestier's Heritage Trail" where tourists could enjoy seeing several famous spots in one area. Our hotel was just located along the next street.
We walked under the blazing sun and found the sign that led us to the colonial mansion where Dr.Sun Yat Sen had once lived during his struggles for democracy. My heart skipped with excitement at the mention of his name as he has been like a historical idol of mine. I have watched much movies and read thick biographies about him, Chiang Kai Shek and Soong May Ling @ Madame Chiang.
The mansion's colonial architecture is nice and elegant with a huge neat sprawling gardens. I always believed that in my past lives, I must have lived in China during the era when the Ching Dynasty was falling with Dr.Sun Yat Sen staging revolutions. I feel some strong connections with him somewhere! Tell me where?
At the cozy and dim lit entrance, you need to pay $4.00 per adult to tour inside and admire all the old photographs and history. Inside there, I got 2 shocks and learnt something that opened my eyes! I have been wrongly informed that China simply ignored Taiwan while the Japanese Army seized their country. The truths was, China was being forced to sign a treaty to surrender Taiwan. Now who is talking craps?
While some may be bored to death at such places, I loved every minute inside. I spent half hour looking at the many photos and salute those great names in this room. Now I know where the Singapore's landmarks got their great names from - Ngee Ann City, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Boon Kheng Road, Lee Kong Chiang, Wee Ah Hood and many others!
They were all staunch overseas Chinese supporters of Dr. Sun Yat Sen.
All of these comrades were very selfless and risked their lives as well
as sacrificed their families. Many were also being executed by the
Japanese Army who invaded Singapore. My heart sank to the bottom of the
floor!
When the Chinese Mainlanders started to boycott the foreign products, they created their own Chinese styled advertising.
The whole wall was filled with old newspaper clippings. The word " WELCOMED AT NANKING" made my eyes gleamed. Next week, I will be taking a bullet train from Shanghai to Nanking! Deja Vu!
There were several floor to ceiling sized paintings to commemorate the life and struggles of Dr. Sun Yat Sen who is hailed as the Father of Modern Taiwan. I have visited Taiwan many times but I never found time to visit any of his memorials or museum. Shame of me!
Lastly, the above chart gave me the 2nd shock. Think about it.