As I wrote in a 1975 letter: Burma died sometime during the 1950's and hardly anything has been built, painted or done anything except deteriorate since. The only buildings kept in good shape are a couple of the embassies, two of the hotels and the temples and Pagodas. Shewdegon Pagoda is 320' [almost 100 metres] high and is covered with 9000 square feet of gold plating. Yesterday I travelled in a bus (crank to start!!!) of about 1935 vintage 44 miles north to Pegu. Three hours each way! Another Pagoda and many along the way, the big sight being a very sirene looking reclining Buddha - 180' long.