Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Dreamy Date Night in Venice

Starting point is 00:00:00 Hey friends, for the best Get Sleepy experience, be sure to check out our supporters feed Get Sleepy Premium for our free listening weekly bonus episodes and access to our entire catalogue. Now, a quick word from our sponsors who make the free version of this show possible. Welcome to Get Sleepy. where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name is Tom and I'm your host. Thanks for tuning in. Tonight we'll be visiting the beautiful Italian city of Venice, a story written by Jessica Don, unairated by Alexa. We'll join two young people, Rose and Luca, as they go on a special first date.

Starting point is 00:01:02 Now, if you're enjoying the show and you feel like you're getting a lot of value from it, in terms of good rest and better health, we'd absolutely love for you to try and get sleepy premium. It's the very best way to listen to the show. As a premium supporter, you'll have access to our ever-growing library of nearly 500 full-length episodes, all completely ad-free. And every Thursday, you'll get a brand new exclusive bonus episode in your podcast feed.

Starting point is 00:01:37 Tomorrow I'll be reading a relaxing story in which we'll swim in clear ocean waters, alongside one of nature's most majestic animals, the Mount Array. To hear that and everything else on our premium feed, go to GetSleepy.com-support. You'll have a 7 day free trial when you first sign up. That's GetSleepy.com slash support, or simply follow the link in the show notes. Thanks everyone. Now it's nearly time for our story, but first make sure you're nice and comfortable in bed. Take a few deep breaths to help you feel more present and ground it.

Starting point is 00:02:48 There might be a lot of tension in your body and noise in your mind carried over from the day. We're going to use the visualization exercise to quite literally help us unwind and release all of those energies. I'd like you to imagine a big ball of yarn. Right now you're holding it in your hand. It's all bunched together in a twisting, intertwining sphere of material, and it feels quite heavy when it's bundled up like this. This ball of yarn is much like your active mind, winding round in lots of directions, trapped in its spherical shape. So simply place the yarn on the floor. Find the tip at the end of the material and press one finger down on its end. Then gently push the ball away from you.

Starting point is 00:04:18 Watch as the strand unravels, gradually moving further away, shrinking in size, changing shape, completely unwinding. In just the same way, you can let any pressure or any noise in the mind unwind and disperse. bundled tension, rolls out until the yarn is completely loose. No more twists and turns. Just a long, lightweight strand, replacing the heavy cluster of the yarn's previous form. Now that you're feeling calm and settled, we can begin tonight's story. Let's travel to Venice and meet Rose, a young woman who's Venice, getting ready to go out. As her friend Alice helps her to make the finishing touches to her hair, Rose's lost in her thoughts. She relives a moment from earlier that day. That morning, while walking through a street market, Rose literally stumbled into the

Starting point is 00:06:50 arms of a stranger. One moment, she was tripping over something, and the next, she found herself being caught by a handsome man. The young man had dark hair and sparkling emerald green eyes. He introduced himself as Luca. And in that moment, it was as if everything and everyone else on the street had faded away. It was like a scene from a movie. Rose had expected that after helping her, Luca would walk away. So when he lingered and asked her for a date right on the spot, she was thrilled. Rose even surprised herself. Not only did she immediately say yes, but she also suggested

Starting point is 00:08:11 that they go out that very evening. Luca Grand and asked for her number. And that was that they were going on a date in the most romantic and magical of cities. Ever since she can remember, Rose has dreamt of having adventures in this fairy tale buried hill place and discovering the pleasures of La Belovita or the beautiful life. She remembers seeing pictures of Venice for the first time when she was little and how enthralled she was. Just looking at pictures of the city rose fell under its spell. When she saw photos of the grand canal and the Gothic architecture, she thought that Venice seemed to be more magical than it was real. And she promised herself that one day she would go there to glide through the waters of the canals and experience the sights, sounds and smells of the timeless city.

Starting point is 00:09:47 To see for herself all of the beautiful stone palaces, set within the ancient network of waterways. Even from across the globe, she could feel the dreamy alert of Venice, with its undercurrent of mystery and romance. It's a pole that has never faded, but only grown stronger with time. And now roves his here in Venice and going on a date. It's like something from a dream. She's almost overcome by the wonder of it all. It certainly helps that she has such unwavering support from her best friend Alice. As soon as Rose returned from the market and told her what had happened, Alice began to help her get ready for the date. Now, it's early evening, and the friends are together in their hostel room.

Starting point is 00:11:14 Rose laughs as she watches Alice bus over the clothes she brought. They discuss what Rose should wear, how much makeup to put on, what to do with her hair, and what shoes to pick. They cover all the bases. As Rose gets ready, she asks Alice if she should push the date farther back into the week. That way, the two friends can settle in first and spend time together. Alice shakes her head as she hands rose a pair of gold sandals. She declares that rose and Luca were clearly meant to me. Fate has brought them together.

Starting point is 00:12:21 And anyway, Alice wouldn't want to get in the way of her best friend's happiness and true romance. Plus, she admits with a smile, she really is quite jet lagged. She might just curl up with a book or fall asleep. Alice blobs onto the bed and Rose can see just how tired she is. So it's settled, Alice will stay at the hostel and rest. While Rose goes out, she texts Luca confirming their date, and he immediately responds, telling her that he's on his way. The plan is for him to show up at their hostel at 7 o'clock.

Starting point is 00:13:26 And in his words, take her out for a night to remember. Rose hugs Alice, done her hair. Rose is wearing a simple teal silk dress, which perfectly accents her blonde hair and brown eyes. She has never felt so pretty, like a princess, about to embark on an adventure and a magical realm. Rose almost hadn't packed the dress, but now she is so glad she did. It's perfect for the occasion. Simple but elegant. For the shoes Alice had first suggested the strappy black heels.

Starting point is 00:14:41 But then they both remembered that Rose would be walking everywhere. Venice is a city meant to be explored on foot. Rose wants to get lost in winding streets and cross canals without having to think about anything else. So comfortable shoes are a must. Glancing at the clock, Rose heads for the door. She grabs her purse on the way out and waves at Alice and tells her to enjoy herself. Alice is looking forward to hearing all about it when Rose gets back. With that, Rose steps out into the hall, closes the door behind her and descends the stairs. Hopefully, Luca will be waiting for her in the

Starting point is 00:15:49 street by the hostile entrance. As Rose passes through the reception, she sees the hostile aloneer in waves. His warm smile is infectious, causing her to smile in return. Everyone she has met so far has been smiling and cheerful. But she thinks that if she were lucky enough to live here, she would be too. Exiting the hostel, Rose feels as though she's stepping back in time and entering another world. There are no cars in the street, only pedestrians who walk past shuttered market stalls. The hostel is situated near the historic Rielto Market located on the western side of the Grand Canal. It's one of the liveliest areas in all of the city. The market has been in operation for centuries. It consists of two main sections, one with fish and another with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Starting point is 00:17:32 In the morning, the market is alive with the bustle of daily life. There are locals selling or buying food all along the street. At this time of day, the stalls are closed, and there are fewer people around. So it doesn't take Rose long to spot him. Standing there, with a bouquet of red and pink roses, is Luca. He looks very dapper, she thinks, feeling happy and excited. As they greet each other, Luca hands her the gorgeous bouquet of flowers. Rose brings them close to our face to breathe in the intoxicating floral aroma.

Starting point is 00:18:36 Then Luca and Rose look at each other and start talking at the same time. They're nerves getting the best of them. Rose laughs as she admires the bouquet and thanks him profusely. Luca tells her that the selection was easy, especially with such a beautiful name, a name as beautiful as she is. That ever the gentleman, Luca extends his arm for her to take. And together, they start walking down the street. As they walk, Luca begins to tell her about the city. Rose thinks that she could listen to his little thing boy's all day.

Starting point is 00:19:46 It is music to her ears. Dennis, he says, is located in a crescent-shaped lagoon. The city is built on over a hundred small islands, which are linked by around 400 bridges. There are no roads, he explains. Instead, there are about 150 canals that connect to the Grand Canal, forming a compact urban network. Seen from above, the Grand Canal curves in the shape of an ass. It's a ribbon of deep blue running through the heart of the city, contrasting beautifully with the red tile roofs.

Starting point is 00:20:50 Venice may well be the one city on Earth, where most of the transportation is on the water. The special thing about the canals says Luca, and especially the Grand Canal, is that they are all lined with Gothic and Renaissance palaces. And it seems like every one of those palaces, as well as every dome and bell tower in the city, is decorated with frescoes and ornate marble. With its network of canals and magnificent architecture, Venice Venice is truly unique, and tonight says Luca with a flourish of his hand. They will be getting to know the city on a deeper level. Rose smiles and says that he makes quite an impressive tour guide. His love for his city is undeniable, and it only makes her that much more excited to explore it.

Starting point is 00:22:15 As they stroll onwards, Armin Arm, Luca tells her that Venice is most definitely a walking city, and a romantic one too, especially when riding a gondola. Luca explains that the elegant boat is one of the symbols of Venice. It's sleek, elegant shape, and characteristic black paintwork are recognized all over the world. Rose nods as she has poured over many pictures of these beautiful boats. No thing beats a ride through the canals at twilight with the gondolaeer singing says Luca. Rose asks if he would like to go on a gondola after dinner. With the wink, Luca says that he'd already planned on it. After all, it just wouldn't be right

Starting point is 00:23:29 to visit Venice without experiencing a gondola ride. As they walk along the narrow back street with the delicious smells of Italian food wafting through the air. The sun begins to set. The sky is a deep, vibrant, fuchsia pink. Along the way, Luca points out the churches, each of them lined with priceless marbles. There are also elegant merchant houses, rising three to four stories high. Maritime commerce was the foundation of the Venetian trade market. This was how the city became wealthy.

Starting point is 00:24:34 Rose gays is intently at the buildings while Luca talks. She marvels at the stack like arrangement and sheer scale of even the most humble buildings. Rose isn't sure exactly where in Venice they are. There are so many sites and important historical places that it is a bit overwhelming. She knows that her hostel is in the real-to-market area, but that is about it. Then she spots a massive structure ahead. It towers so high into the air with three walkways and twinkling lights. She realizes that she is looking at a bridge and not just any bridge. Rose turns to Luca, who smiles. This is the incredible Ponte di Rielto, one of the most famous bridges in the entire world. Rose stares open mouth at the structure.

Starting point is 00:26:04 The sight takes her breath away. It is that magnificent. Luca explains the history of the Rialto Bridge. Originally it was made of wood. The stone bridge was designed in the 16th century by Antonio Duponte, a name which aptly means Anthony of the bridge. Famous architects like Michelangelo were also considered for the design of the new bridge. But in the end, it was Dopponte, a local architect who won the contest to build the Rielto. Rose is mesmerized as they approach the bridge. They ascend the steps up to the center of the immense structure and walk over to the

Starting point is 00:27:17 balustrade. Rose stops and grips the railing. She stares in awe, looking out across the wide expanse of the Grand Canal. This is the view from nearly every postcard of Venice. Rose imagined it would be among the most iconic vistas that the city has to offer, but now she is certain. The waterway, which is lined on both sides, by brightly colored palazzi, with red-dild roofs, as full of boats and barges. Luca points out the gondolas, which traverse the clear blue-green waters. The vessel that is larger than all the others, he tells her, is the Vaparetto, Venice's

Starting point is 00:28:30 waterbuss. The name means little steamer. It's a reference to the old steam-powered boats back in the day. In a city where canals are roads, it makes sense to have these kinds of transportation. Thanks Rose. They watch as the Vaparetto, id idols by the water's edge. A couple accepts the offered hand from a fellow passenger on the water bus and climbs aboard the boat rocking gently in the water. It then resumes its course It then resumes its course as it joins the traffic of the canal. It is obvious that the Grand Canal is the center of activity here.

Starting point is 00:29:38 Looking down, rose and luka even catch sight of gondoliers, singing to their passengers as they pass under the enormous bridge. Rose props her arms up on the rail as she gasses out across the water. Luca joins her and in companionable silence, they watch the wonder below. The stream of boats and barges, traveling up and down the canal. Venice is nicknamed Las Adonisima, meaning the most serene. It more than lives up to the title, thinks Rose. There is laughter in the air, and people from all walks of life are just as happy as rose to be here.

Starting point is 00:30:54 Adding to the beauty of the evening is the dazzling sunset. The pale velvet streaks across the sky are an extraordinary sight. Rose slips her phone out and takes a picture, before turning to Luca and snapping one of him. Then Luca politely asks the person next to them to take their photo, and to make sure that the glorious backdrop of the canal is behind them. The kind stranger complies as Luca casually slips his arm over Rose's shoulder. Their cheesy smiles cause the man to chuckle. Commenting that they make quite the handsome couple, the gracious man gives the phone back to Luca before continuing on his way.

Starting point is 00:32:10 Luca winks at Rose as he takes one last picture of her against the fading sun, declaring it to be the best one yet. to be the best one yet. Rose puts her phone back in her pocket as they watch the last rays of light leave the sky. It is truly the most beautiful scene that she has ever witnessed. is ever witnessed. Romance is all around her, everywhere she looks. The setting only becomes that much more romantic, as the lights from the windows above the canal begin to sparkle. Gradually, spectral mists swarthed up from the inky depths of the water, shrouding the spectacular buildings that line the waterway.

Starting point is 00:33:20 Rose tells Luca that she could stand here forever, a never-tire of this view. And she isn't sure that any of the city's other attractions can beat this one. Luca says he doesn't blame her. After all, he believes that the Grand Canal is the true heart of Venice. The two finally step away from the railing. Arm and arm, they walk down the stairs, stepping off the bridge and back onto the street. Soon, the clear night sky is filled with twinkling stars. Luca leads them to a quaint restaurant at the corner of the street, overlooking the water. He has already reserved the table in the back, the one with the best view. They sit down as a waiter approaches. He greets them with a cheerful, bonacera and hands them both a menu. As he walks away, leaving them to make their selections, Luka whispers to Rose that this

Starting point is 00:34:59 restaurant is particularly good unlike the Doris traps. It's a good thing she's eating with the locals, and Rose says with the laugh. As they pour over their menus, Rose asks Luca what he recommends. He considers the options before them scanning the pages. Finally, he looks back up at Rose and declares that the Frito Misto, or Fried Fish, is the best starter dish. And for the most delicious main course, he suggests that easy a busy, the rice and peas dish, similar to risotto. As the portion sizes at this restaurant are quite impressive, they decide to share the food. Rose and Luca return the menus to the waiter, who quickly jots down their choices.

Starting point is 00:36:26 Glee jots down their choices. It's a beautiful evening, thanks Rose, as the cool breeze ruffles her hair. The briny smell of the canal and the distant sounds of voices and laughter are the backdrop to a relaxing dinner. The two enjoy their food. Each bite rose to layers is better than the last. She feels so relaxed and at ease with Luca. And as the night progresses, they slip into a natural rhythm of banter and good conversation. They are having so much fun that it's nearly closing time. Luca takes care of the check.

Starting point is 00:37:36 And then, sensing Rose's disappointment at the evening's festivities coming to an end, he takes her hand. Smiling, he tells her that here in the city of canals and lights, the night is just getting started. This is the best time for a gondola ride. Rose is delighted to realize that their time together isn't over and that another adventure awaits. They walk out of the restaurant and amble along the side of the canal.

Starting point is 00:38:31 Rose is thrilled when she spots a sleek black vessel waiting for them. This promises to be the perfect end to a perfect first date in the city of romance. As they step into the boat, Rose notices the relaxing sound of the water lapping against the stone wall. Then, as the gondola begins to glide down the canal. The gondolier sings a lovely melody, just as Luca promised. The experience is so serene, so calming that a blanket of peace washes over rose. She looks at Luca and smiles, thanking him for the most romantic away into the night. ... ... ... ... ... I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go.

Starting point is 00:41:59 I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. I'm going to go back to the place where I'm going to go. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... you you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Dreamy Date Night in Venice

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