November 30, 2005 - Making History
We hit the pavement nice and early today with Ah-Yi and Jo-Ma. There was only one day left and they were determined for us to see as much of Taipei as possible.
We started at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial House and Gardens. The house was off-limits but there were ample gardens. The gardens were lovely; Though, the need to shape the flower collections into cartoons was a bit strange. The children seemed to enjoy them. I’m the first to admit that I am somewhat ignorant of the details of Taiwanese history. Since Dr. Sun Yat-sen has his own memorial house (and quite a large house it was), he must have made a significant contribution. I wonder how is bedside manner was?
We then headed off to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Now, his memorial was humongous, which tells me that he trumps Sun Yat-sen by a mile. We only had a short time to explore but I did pick up some “facts”. Now, they say that history is always written by the victor. But, sometimes, it is even unclear how the victor was. According to the displays in the memorial, Chiang Kai-shek saved a nation and then propelled it into prosperity. I’m sure in mainland Chinese history books the story is a little different. I’m sure the portrayal is more along the lines of some pesky guy who pissed off Mao, got run over, and ran off to hide on some island called Formosa. I’ve got to read a little bit more before I’m sure what to believe. But first, I’ve got to decide who’s books to read. Hummm…
What was very neat to see was an enormous painting of Chiang Kai-shek and Sun Yat-sen. It was skillfully executed. According to my family, the painting was done by an artist who was very close to my grandfather and a good friend of my parents. I’ve met him before and some of his paintings decorate the walls of my parents’ home. The man is very soft-spoken and lives a simple life. His work sits so prominently in the national moment; Yet, the work is not attributed to anyone.
Lunch was a treat. No surprise there. We had beef noodle soup in another restaurant. It was very crowded and sat in a dirty alley. But, amongst commonly-dressed individuals (that included us), there were business-people wearing suits and carrying briefcases. That’s what I love about Taiwan. People know good food and they don’t let their life-stations to get in the way of it.
We headed back early in order to spend more time with Grandma. This was a wonderful choice because I witnessed an incredible phenomenon. Grandma has always been so quiet about the past. I know life has been difficult, in ways that I will never understand. I only know that they had so little, but built so much. Most of all, there was a loving and devoted family. Somehow a few photo albums came out and I saw Grandma open up just a little bit. Between three generations…Grandma, Ah-Yi, and my sister…there was sharing. Grandma showed a little pride…something I so rarely witness in her. The pride was in several generations of family. There was also love for Grandpa who we all lost several years back.
Because of the physical distance and language gap, I’ve always felt distance between my family in Taiwan and myself. I certainly feel a closer connection now. I used to know and love them through knowing and loving my parents. I now have a more direct appreciation for my family as well as more shame for staying so far for so long.
We started at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial House and Gardens. The house was off-limits but there were ample gardens. The gardens were lovely; Though, the need to shape the flower collections into cartoons was a bit strange. The children seemed to enjoy them. I’m the first to admit that I am somewhat ignorant of the details of Taiwanese history. Since Dr. Sun Yat-sen has his own memorial house (and quite a large house it was), he must have made a significant contribution. I wonder how is bedside manner was?
We then headed off to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Now, his memorial was humongous, which tells me that he trumps Sun Yat-sen by a mile. We only had a short time to explore but I did pick up some “facts”. Now, they say that history is always written by the victor. But, sometimes, it is even unclear how the victor was. According to the displays in the memorial, Chiang Kai-shek saved a nation and then propelled it into prosperity. I’m sure in mainland Chinese history books the story is a little different. I’m sure the portrayal is more along the lines of some pesky guy who pissed off Mao, got run over, and ran off to hide on some island called Formosa. I’ve got to read a little bit more before I’m sure what to believe. But first, I’ve got to decide who’s books to read. Hummm…
What was very neat to see was an enormous painting of Chiang Kai-shek and Sun Yat-sen. It was skillfully executed. According to my family, the painting was done by an artist who was very close to my grandfather and a good friend of my parents. I’ve met him before and some of his paintings decorate the walls of my parents’ home. The man is very soft-spoken and lives a simple life. His work sits so prominently in the national moment; Yet, the work is not attributed to anyone.
Lunch was a treat. No surprise there. We had beef noodle soup in another restaurant. It was very crowded and sat in a dirty alley. But, amongst commonly-dressed individuals (that included us), there were business-people wearing suits and carrying briefcases. That’s what I love about Taiwan. People know good food and they don’t let their life-stations to get in the way of it.We headed back early in order to spend more time with Grandma. This was a wonderful choice because I witnessed an incredible phenomenon. Grandma has always been so quiet about the past. I know life has been difficult, in ways that I will never understand. I only know that they had so little, but built so much. Most of all, there was a loving and devoted family. Somehow a few photo albums came out and I saw Grandma open up just a little bit. Between three generations…Grandma, Ah-Yi, and my sister…there was sharing. Grandma showed a little pride…something I so rarely witness in her. The pride was in several generations of family. There was also love for Grandpa who we all lost several years back.
Because of the physical distance and language gap, I’ve always felt distance between my family in Taiwan and myself. I certainly feel a closer connection now. I used to know and love them through knowing and loving my parents. I now have a more direct appreciation for my family as well as more shame for staying so far for so long.
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