Sunday, February 10, 2008

Communism's fall was James F. Olander's gain. The Crystal City resident explains that when the communist governments toppled in Eastern Europe, all sorts of kitsch flooded the markets. Yet, few items featuring Joseph Stalin's image surfaced. However, while traveling in Bulgaria in 1996, Olander uncovered an aluminum Stalin plaque at a flea market in Sofia. In 2003, Olander expanded his collection with a small plaster bust of Stalin he found at a gift shop in St. Petersburg, Russia. It was the only one on the shelf, and the vendors were eager to get rid of it. "Twenty-five years ago, these were someone's treasures," Olander said. "Now, they are discounted kitsch."

Think you can topple these Stalin souvenirs? 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 of what we get in this monthly feature; winners will receive a Travel section tote bag. Please send a photograph (e-mailing a high-resolution JPEG is best, though 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.