April 9, 2012 Easter Monday

Easter Monday. My 52nd birthday. A wonderful day. We saw what the “Whipping Day” was all about (see posting for April 2nd). It dates back to the 13th century. Some Czechs enjoy the celebration tremendously, some loathe it, and some merely tolerate it – all with good reason!

Birthday Cake + Our Hand-Painted Easter Eggs + “Whipper” Candy

Whipping + Poem

Greeting “whippers” with candy

Church and Roof

Church/Kostel

Cliffs around Hrad Kost

Hrad Kost

Hrad Kost 2

Hrad Kost 3

A child’s wonder

Castle Kost Casts Shadows

The castle tour introduces interesting anecdotes, fascinating histories, a diverse display of weaponry and a large portrait gallery. The landscapes are captivating, too. It also boasts a novel souvenir shop.