Happy Valley 2016 | Page 6

Time ticks by, but what must the monk do now? Over the centuries the magnificent Charterhouse grew – unequalled, far and wide. It went through good and bad times and its appearance altered. But that wasn't all that changed, it also gained a new name. Because of the crystal clear waters running close by, Happy Valley became Bistra. Life of monks behind the massive walls wasn't easy, as there were strict rules about behaviour, work and food. They were rarely allowed to speak. But they weren’t bored, because their schedule was thoroughly planned.