Traveller Enrique Stanko Vráz

On 14 April 2010, Czech Post  has issued the single stamp features the Czech traveller, Enrique Stanko Vraz. Enrique Stanko Vráz was a Czech traveller and photographer.  He was born in Bulgaria on  February 18th. His father was a Russian officer or even diplomat. His mother was a Czech.His origin is therefore somewhat mysterious. The only thing which is certain is that Vráz was a keen traveller.

During his travels across Africa, South and North Americas, Japan and South-East Asia he gathered an extraordinary collection of natural exhibits, including approximately 15,000 insects, 1,200 birds, 600 mammals and a good deal of other species. Some of them were purchased by the British Governor who exhibited them in Dublin.

A large part of the collection was donated by Vráz to the National Museum in Prague in 1885. He moved to Prague for a short time in 1907 but had to return back to the United States because of a lack of money. As an authorised representative of the Prague's National Council, he set up its American branch, and gradually became involved in politics.

Karel Hynek Mácha and His Region - 200th Anniversary of Birth

In year 1810,  Karel Hynek Mácha was born in Prague. He  was the leading Czech romantic author. His lyrical epic poem Máj (May) is one of the most beautiful works of the Czech literature.

Mácha went on to study law at Prague University; during that time he also became involved in theatre and joined the amateur company led by Josef Kajetán Tyl.

He loved visiting old and ruined castles where he often stayed overnight. In a letter written to a friend of his after a night spent at the castle Houska he described a terrifying dream during which he descended into a deep hole at the castle and met demonic beings.