Yes, those sparkling white marble buddhas they make along the road just on the outskirts of Mandalay are very, very beautiful. Not all, but you certainly find subtle sculptures. I regret ever so often I did not buy one for fear of this customs problem. I even make a point of this in my trip report of Nov 2004. If you go, BUY.

Cram just read your report which I missed before I left too-a pity as a lot of your comments we could have used for our own itinerary. I was wondering whether the problem with ccc's Buddhas was to do with weight as well..I notice that Air Bagan has just put up a notice effective from August charging for baggage.

No, the problem with the Buddha's didn't have to do with weight. TI think - although I'm not totally certain - that they wanted to make certain they weren't antiques as antiques are not allowed to be exported. Why this would matter on an internal flight is beyond me - one of the many enigmas of Burma. No, they were not at all expensive, which is why I went a little crazy. I bought white marble, jade, stone, and wood ones.

This makes for a very interesting read Alice, especially in light of the fact that I've only just returned myself.

My memories are still fresh, and I can picture what you describe ever so precisely.

I love looking at it all over again through your eyes. It's a weird sensation.

Thank you so much for the report -- I'm sure I'll have questions once I've read through more here.