From Holy to Holey Pockets

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Monk- a member of a community of men, leading a more or less contemplative life apart from the world, under the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, according to a rule characteristic of the particular order to which he belongs. (webster dictionary online version
All throughout my sophomore year of high school in my world history class we learned about these men called Monks. My mental image was men dressed in capes (which was right on!) with no personality, as if all energy or humor was sinful. Don't ask why, humor isn't a sin at all, I just had this obviously distorted image painted. UNTIL TODAY. We went to Kloster Monestary, which is quick five to seven minute walk away from out hotel where we met our tour guide Monk. I believe his name was Sir Thomas, but that is a shot in the dark that Elz and I came up with. Gracious! The image I had in my head was so wrong!! *Thomas (*for lack of absolute knowledge) was very full of information, humor, energy, and nerves! At least he seemed nervous to me. Elz said it perfectly, "He reminds me of a little kid trying so hard to get a point across and he is just so excited and wants everyone to see the points that he is making." Right on the money. I think one reason why he was so exuberant in his gestures was due to his English. Yes, he spoke it, and it was for the most part understandable, I do believe that he was not comfortable with it. Just being in the precense of one, hearing how they speak and seeing how they really live was fascingating, something that a history book could never quite explain. I suggest going to one, they are definitely an experience. *side note- bring a sweater. They are very cold!
After feeling very holy and religious we look a little lunch break. Elz and I split a sandwhich and I had a coffee. Whoever says that starbucks is expensive has clearly never paid for coffee in Switzerland. I paid 3.40 SF (swiss franks) for a cup, yes CUP of plain jane coffee. I would estimate that as about 5 fl oz. (the cups here are smaller than in the U.S.) I could get 12 for about $2 at home! But it was so good! 😊 Well worth the extra cash.
Then a surprise happened and Elz and I ended up taking a yoga class with some people for the University of Memphis. It was Yin Yoga and did it feel like an hour of heaven on earth! I am usually too impatient for proper stretching, no matter pre or post run, but this made up for it all! I felt like a million bucks when we left! Turns out the guy who taught this class is from the same city in France that we will be in next week so I am going to hit up some more of his classes then as well!
It was then onto Casino Lucerne! And although I felt great, I had to remind myself that my million bucks wasn't in disposable income 😞 shucks. We had Hagen, a german man (i think) demonstrate American Roulette and we got to play with the training chips from the casino. I won the first two rounds with a 5 to 1 advantage! Too bad we were not playing for real. After about ten minutes of that, Mario (possibly another german man) played some faux Black Jack with us. Once comfortable, they let us free into the real world of gambling! I told myself only 20 SF! Well, I realized that doesn't get you too far.

Anyway, we are being kicked out of the computer lab. 😊

Needless to say, my 20 went to 40 and I ended up 35 short. boohoo 😞 Better luck next time! :p

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Comments

[Chaybee]

Excellent
Great way to talk about a very full day!