SOUVENIR OF THE MONTH

Susan Carpenter of Washington picked up this special cigarette during a visit to the Xian museum and archaeology site in China. After viewing the terra-cotta warriors, she explains, her group was taken to a souvenir shop, where an old man sat behind the counter. According to the staff, he was one of the surviving farmers who, in 1974, had stumbled upon the life-size artifacts in their fields. The farmers are brought to local souvenir shops each day to sign tourist books, for which they receive a small salary. But Carpenter got more than a signature.

"I watched as he took an unusual dark cigar out and lit it. I walked over with my book and jokingly told him that smoking was bad for his health. When I whispered to him that I used to smoke, he reached into his backpack and, with a big smile, gave me one of his hand-rolled cigarettes."

Carpenter was honored by the gift but now needs to find a use for it. Tossing it is not an option, but neither is smoking it.

Can you top this Chinese cigarette? Read the fine print below.

The Travel section wants to see your coolest, weirdest, funniest finds from trips in the United States or overseas. We'll feature the best in this monthly feature; winners will receive a Travel section tote bag. Please send a photograph (e-mailing a high-resolution JPEG is best, but we'll also accept prints) and a brief description of the item -- including where you bought it, how it reminds you of the destination and why it makes you laugh -- to travel@washpost.com(put "Souvenir of the Month" in the subject field); or mail to Washington Post Travel Section, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071, Attn: Souvenir of the Month. Please include your name and contact information. Photos cannot be returned.