People familiar with the history of China most probably know Henry Pu Yi; if not, movie buffs who have watched Bernardo Bertolucci's 1987 epic The Last Emperor would. Henry Pu Yi or Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi of course was the last emperor of China just like Bảo Đại of the Nguyễn dynasty was the last Emperor of Vietnam. In Vietnam, my friends and I had the pleasure of visiting and exploring all 25 rooms of Bảo Đại's Summer Palace, bathrooms and the king and queen’s bedroom included. The palace, built in 1933 was used by the king during the hot seasons; Dalat, if you remember, being in the highlands, has a temperate climate. The palace had been left just as it was when the king was there, with many valuables and artefacts including photos and paintings of the king and his wives still in tact. Getting tired of exploring the palace, one can of course go out to explore the well manicured garden. When we were there, there was an old scooter which was decorated with flowers which became our photo booth. Perhaps, you'll get something better the next time you are there.
Comments