::Jacelyn's Reflection::

At the end of the trail, I was very exhausted and almost burnt due to prolonged exposure to the UV rays. Simply put, it was extremely hot in the whole of that afternoon.

But still, despite the unbearable heat, I really enjoyed this heritage trail together with my group mates – Malinda, Leonard, Amelia and Zong Lun. They made me forget (temporarily, though) about the strong heat and my tiredness, and they all had been a great help. For instance, I practically depended on Zong Lun and Leonard to navigate the way and lead us, safely and soundly, to our finishing point. They are really good at reading maps! Also, my digital camera failed on me just as we began the trail. Thankfully, the rest of them had brought their own cameras and so we were able to take many fabulous pictures of us and the sites.

But most importantly, at the end of the trail, I have definitely learnt something about the history of our country. For instance, I was unaware that the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall was the place where our government, the People’s Action Party (PAP) was founded. I was therefore enlightened while we were there. Although I have visited the place before, and had even performed at the Victoria Concert Hall during my secondary school days, I did not give much thought about the origins of the memorial hall back then, until this heritage trail came along.

Also, this heritage trail provided me a great opportunity to visit some of the national monuments and historical sites. For instance, it was actually my first visit to the Civilian War Memorial. I have always known about its existence, but to be really there physically and take in the magnificent view of the memorial was remarkable. Hence, this particular site is one of my favourites among the rest because it struck me the most. My mother used to tell me stories about my grandfather during the Japanese Occupation. He had gone through the war and witnessed the cruelty of the Japanese soldiers towards the civilians back then. I cannot imagine the kind of terror and fear the people back then had to endure when they were about to be killed. Hence, I think it was a brilliant decision to erect the memorial as a tribute to those who had perished during the war, so our future generations will always remember the horrors of the war and the importance of staying united in defending Singapore.

I was also impressed during the visit to the Arts House. Again, that was my first time there. Inside the Arts House, I walked down the Corridors of Time Gallery that traces the building’s conversion from a courthouse to a Parliament House. Among all the exhibits, I was particularly attracted to the “Pioneer Women in Parliament” display. So we women do have a say in the birth and growth of our independent legislative system and Constitution. But I think not many people now would know about their contributions in the past, as I believe much of their limelight was overshadowed by other politicians who are or were more renowned.

All in all, this heritage trail has definitely spiced things up a bit for this module. I can tell my family and friends that history is absolutely not a boring subject, not when we get to go for outings in search for our own identity, roots, and heritage. Also, this heritage trail has provided me an experience to plan for a class outing, should I need to organise one in the future. =)