Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Dreamy Journey on a Historic Flying Boat

Starting point is 00:00:01 Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. Thanks so much for tuning in. If you're new here, my name is Thomas and I'm your host. We now release episodes five nights a week on Get Sleepy. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, it'll be me narrating our story. Then on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we feature our wonderful guest narrators, some of the best bedtime storytellers on the planet, in my opinion. Tonight, our guest narrator is Nadine Brown, and our story was written by Joe Stier, both of whom

Starting point is 00:00:53 have been working with us for many years now. And I want to thank both of you for your amazing talents and your contributions to the show. Shortly, we'll be going back in time to 1939. We're about to board the luxurious Yankee Clipper, the flying boat that will take us through the skies. But before we begin our story, we'll spend a moment relaxing and winding down from the day, as we always do hereon get sleepy. So, find a position that feels comfortable and close your eyes when you're ready.

Starting point is 00:01:49 If you become aware of any thoughts, as we all tend to find we do when we come to bed. Just let them pass by, like clouds drifting through the sky. One moment they're there, floating across our eyeline. The next, they are moving on and fading out of sight. Now, bring your attention to your breathing, feel the gentle sweep of the inhale and the calm release of the exhale. As you breathe, let your body relax, sinking deeper into your cozy bed. Now is your time to rest. so that you can have a fresh start tomorrow morning.

Starting point is 00:03:06 With that being said, let's turn to our story. The year is 1939, and we're at Southampton Port on the south coast of England, where our seaplane awaits. This is where our story begins. 36 years ago, in the year 1903, the Wright brothers first took to the skies, proving to the world that air travel was possible. Since then, there have been many developments, particularly in the 1920s and 30s. This is often referred to as the golden age of aviation. the general public have developed a fascination with air travel,

Starting point is 00:04:34 while the military have embraced the need for air power. It's a period of development and rapid progress, from aircraft design to training and navigation. Manufacturers have begun to make planes from metal because it's stronger and more streamlined than wood and canvas. Buy planes, which have one pair of wings above the other, are still in use. But monoplanes, those with just one pair of wings, are becoming more common. The wings of the Yankee Clipper are based on a prototype for a United States bomber aircraft.

Starting point is 00:05:27 In 1939, the Clipper is one of the world's largest aircraft. It weighs over 40 tons and has a wingspan of 152 feet, though it bears little resemblance to a military plane, especially here on sun-kissed waters. It's waiting at the end of a jetty, its metal surface sparkling, summer sunlight bounces across its windows, large glass rectangles in a regular rose. The top windows mark the position of the clipper's upper deck, including the flight cabin, baggage hold, and the crew's sleeping quarters.

Starting point is 00:06:30 The lower row of windows are on the main passenger level. The deck that you'll call home for the rest of your journey. The plane is predominantly silver in colour, though a thick line of white encircles the propellers. which jut out from the wings. The tops of the wings are red, while other parts are painted black. The clipper looks particularly impressive from the front, with its boats like hull,

Starting point is 00:07:07 and the sponsonsons, or sea wings, sticking out at each side. The sponsonsons help the plane to stabilise on water, and they're shaped in a way that supports aerodynamic lift during flight. They're also useful as a walkway for crew in helping passengers on and off the clipper. This flying boat would surely impress anyone. So imagine the reaction in 1939. To people for whom air travel was a recent invention,

Starting point is 00:07:50 a seaplane such as this must have been truly breathtaking. Imagine yourself now, standing on the jetty, Waiting among a queue of relaxed and happy travellers, breathe in the salty scent of the water all around you, and feel the summer sunshine beaming down on your face. The plane bobbed gently at the end of the jetty. Three crew members stand on the sponson, wearing freshly pressed uniforms and warm smiles.

Starting point is 00:08:38 The men wear suits of elephants of elephant, elegant navy blue, with a white shirt and tie visible beneath the jacket. Their smart caps are similar to those worn by naval officers. Certainly, they make for a handsome committee to welcome passengers aboard the clipper, though many of the travellers are more glamorous still. In the 1930s, people like to travel in style. The men were tailored suits and hats, while the ladies were elegant dresses that end below the knee, along with matching jewelry and accessories. The people around you are wealthy and privileged, the fortunate few who could afford such a flight.

Starting point is 00:09:39 They're accustomed to the finer things in life. Yet still, they're impressed by the sight of the clipper. All around you, people whisper in hushed excitement. You hear the words, twin cyclone engines, and 1,500 horsepower among speculation about the gourmet dinner. The aircraft is travelling all the way across the Atlantic, from Southampton, England, to Port Washington, New York. You'd think that this might cause some excite. but everyone seemed preoccupied with the clipper itself. Towards the front of the queue, you see an actress from the talkies.

Starting point is 00:10:40 She's as glamorous and sophisticated as one might expect. Her face is full of childlike wonder. She gazes at the propellers as if witnessing magic, just behind you in the line, is a famed politician. He marvels at the clipper and tells his wife that it's the face of man's progress and the very pinnacle of luxury air travel. It's hard to disagree considering its design. Clippers are purpose built to meet the needs of the wealthy. Terms like business class and economy are decades in the future, meaning that every,

Starting point is 00:11:36 free passenger holds a first-class ticket. Inside, there's a lounge and dining area and different restrooms for men and women. To the modern eye, the interior looks more like that of a hotel than what we might see on a commercial plane. As you're pondering what food might be served at dinner, the queue begins to move forward. Step by step, the line moves up the jet. The jet. The line moves up the jetty. You see passengers ahead being welcomed on board. You're around to the midway point, in a line of fewer than 20 people. So it isn't too long before you're approaching the front. Seagull's core in the sky above you, and the clipper seems to grow larger with each step forward. Soon, your steps take you off the wooden jetty

Starting point is 00:12:48 and onto the metal of the silver sponson. There, you're greeted by the Navy-suited men, the first and second officer, and the captain. The men exude a calm, inner confidence, and they look genuinely pleased to invite you on board, taking it in turns to shake your hand. The captain offers you.

Starting point is 00:13:21 you a cheery, good afternoon, with a smile that reaches to his eyes. Then he comments on the beautiful weather, blue skies and sunshine, perfect for flying. You also can't help but smile as you step inside. You're greeted by a steward who offers to take you directly to your compartment. The layout of the clipper is similar to a train. The dead. The dead. The deck is split into a series of compartments, with a central aisle that runs through the plane. You will be staying in the deluxe suite, in a compartment at the back of the plane. The route to your cabin is also a tour. A chance to take in the entire lower deck.

Starting point is 00:14:26 The decor follows an alternating scheme, the colours changing with each compartment. It begins with a carpet of tropical turquoise, perfectly coordinated with the pastel green walls. Next comes a room with beige walls and a carpet that's a shade of reddish brown. As you walk down the central aisle, your footsteps tap gently against the floor. On the way, you pass a cabin where a family are settling in. Then the gallery, with the men's room and a stairway going up. Next along is another passenger cabin. It's one of five standard cabins on the clipper, not counting the deluxe suite.

Starting point is 00:15:29 The layout is the same as all the other compartments. Inside, there are two rows of seats. They face opposite one another, like sofas in a living room. The couches and chairs have matching upholstery. There are a rich shade of red, appearing plush and comfortable, and there's plenty of room to stretch out the legs. The curtains are open at the moment, but they'll be closed when darkness falls. The couches will then be converted to cosy bunk beds,

Starting point is 00:16:13 so passages can rest comfortably in the privacy of their couch. Once you've passed this compartment, the steward points out the aircraft's main lounge. This is somewhat reminiscent of a cafe or coffee shop, with comfy beige chairs positioned around tables. You look forward to seeing it transformed at meal times. When the tables are set for a silver service banquet, the next compartment is another passenger cabin. Inside, you spot the actress, contemplating the view from her sky-blue couch. She's taken off her thin summer coat, revealing her caramel-colored dress. It matches her leather handbag and her heeled court shoes, tipped with gold.

Starting point is 00:17:21 On her head, she was a pill-box hat, tilted to one side. It's the color of chocolate, with a bow. at its back, and a small net veil that covers the forehead. The actress is the picture of relaxed sophistication. She blends in beautifully among such luxurious surroundings, though she still has that look of youthful glee, like a child wanting to open a present. You follow the steward, past the actress's cabin, and a doorway marked as the last. lady's room. Even from outside, it looks far more spacious than anything you might see on a modern day aircraft. You're told that there are stalls and a mirror where ladies can sit to do their

Starting point is 00:18:26 hair and make up. Now, you arrive at your compartment. It's positioned slightly higher up to accommodate the curve at the back of the plane. The door is raised behind carpeted steps. The door is raised, behind carpeted steps, as if the suite were on a deck of its own. The first thing you notice in the deluxe suite is a huge world map framed in gold. It's as wide as the blue couch that sits beneath it. The couch is the same as those in other cabins. Though here it's on the left, behind a chestnut coffee table. There's also a desk by the window. on the right, with a mirror above it between two electric lights. A blue cushioned stool sits opposite the table, a vivid sapphire colour in the light of the window. It looks like a

Starting point is 00:19:38 comfortable spot to sit, somewhere to read or write. Your cases are already aboard. At checking, they were taken to the baggage hold upstairs. The smaller hand luggage has been brought. brought to your cabin and sat down on the carpet near the couch. The steward invites you to make yourself at home. He hopes you have a wonderful stay aboard the Yankee Clipper. There's a leaflet on the table with information about the flight and you'll be taking off within the next ten minutes. The steward then leaves and you begin to settle in.

Starting point is 00:20:30 Just as suggested, you hang up your coat and take a seat on the blue sofa. You slide off your shoes and curl your toes into soft new carpet. The sofa feels luxurious too. It moulds around your body as if made just for you. You could easily be on land in some luxury apartment or fancy hotel room, especially here at the back of the plane, where there's a peaceful feeling of privacy.

Starting point is 00:21:12 the door to your suite is still open, clipped into place against the wall. Through the doorway, you have a view of the aisle, and you can see the last few passengers being led to their compartments. You take the leaflet and begin to read about the Yankee Clipper and its expert crew at Pan American Airlines. The Clipper, the Boeing 314, is manned by the best. in aviation, with only the most experienced staff on board, the captain and officers have completed thousands of hours of training, many of them and flying boats or other types of seaplanes.

Starting point is 00:22:10 They've practiced timed turns and adjusting for wind and sea conditions when landing. They can land the clipper in all kinds of weather. are trained to navigate by radio, though if needed they are able to estimate position by calculating speed and past locations. They can even find their way via celestial navigation, based on the positions of the sun, moon, stars and horizon. It's no wonder, you think, that the captain seemed so calm. His confidence is well earned according to. to this, you're comforted to know that you're in such safe hands. As you begin to read about the chef on board, you hear the hum of the clipper's engine. You set down the leaflet and look

Starting point is 00:23:16 through the window to see a crowd of people gathered on the jetty. They've come to watch the clipper take off. To see the flying boat begin its flight above the ocean, adults and children are staring in wonder, as if they're watching a miracle in action. This isn't so surprising all things considered. The Yankee Clipper is something to behold. It's only been flying since June, and even then, it carried mail rather than passengers. The Clipper first transported people on the 8th of July, bringing 17 passengers from New York to Southampton. No doubt they arrived to find an even larger crowd waiting to see the clipper land on the water.

Starting point is 00:24:22 A glance through the door to the central aisle shows an empty deck. The passengers are all seated and ready for the flight. All the crew have moved to their assigned positions. Still sitting on the sofa, you fasten your seatbelt. You can feel the engine's vibration. through the carpet, and hear the lapping of water as the clipper begins moving slowly. Outside, the crowd on the jetty begins to wave and cheer.

Starting point is 00:25:05 You catch sight of a boy standing with his mother. He wears a grin that reaches from ear to ear. The boy waves right at you as the clipper pulls away. and you smile and wave back then you're off and away gliding through the waves moving just as smoothly as a luxury yacht you can hear the water splashing against the sturdy hole below and the sound of the engine building to a crescendo then the flying boat lifts above the water is still sink back into the sofa as the aircraft climbs towards the clouds. It's strange and dreamlike to be flying through the air while curling your toes into a luxurious

Starting point is 00:26:13 carpet, to be sitting on a couch while looking through the window to see blue sky and clouds. It's a smooth beginning to a lengthy journey, cruising at a speed of 155 miles. per hour. The clipper will land in New York in around 28 hours. This includes time for three intermediary stops and an actual flight time of about 20 hours. The length of the flight allows plenty of time to settle in and truly unwind. You begin now closing your eyes and meditating on the sounds and vibrations of the plane. You can feel the engine through your feet and your left forearm on the armrest of the couch. You can separate the sounds like instruments in an orchestra, hearing clinks and clanks, whirrs and rumbles. Together they blend into a comforting hum, the soundtrack to your

Starting point is 00:27:37 luxurious adventure. Soon, you feel the clipper lower-either. its nose, becoming horizontal as it cruises through the sky. Your ears pop gently as the cabin pressure changes and your senses adjust to life at a height. A familiar scent reaches your cabin, one that causes you to open your eyes. It's the smell of coffee, rich and soothing. You watch the stewards who are moving along the deck's central aisle. They look so smart in their suits and white jackets. In their hands, they carry trays with cups of coffee. One of the stewards comes towards you, walking up the steps to your luxury suite. He offers you a range of drinks and snacks, and you opt for a coffee and a slice of chocolate cake. The steward returns. The steward returns.

Starting point is 00:28:56 momentarily and sets down your order arranging it neatly before you on the coffee table. He tells you that the lounge bar is now open, serving food and drinks. Dinner will be served at 7pm. After the steward has left the cabin, you turn your attention to your coffee, served in a cup of fine bone china. It's a shade of creamy caramel. You sip the coffee while gazing through the window. It's strong and invigorating, as delicious as it smells.

Starting point is 00:29:46 How wonderful is it to drink so elegantly, thousands of feet up in the air. It's the perfect accompaniment to the indulgent chocolate cake. Its top layered with thick fudge icing. The steward returns half an hour later. He takes away your plate and tops up your coffee. When he leaves, you stand and stretch towards the ceiling. You inhale and exhale before letting your arms drop. Something on the floor catches your eye of a postcard, left blank for writing.

Starting point is 00:30:39 It must have fallen out of the leaflet. You turn it over to see a picture of the clipper. Taking out a pen, you sit on the stool beside the desk. Then you begin to write, pausing occasionally to admire the view from the window. It's a heartfelt message to someone that you care about, with details of your journey so far. You know that the recipient will be delighted to read it, knowing that it was written high up in the clouds. Once you finish the postcard, you return. to the couch and take out a novel that you're halfway through. It's a spy novel, full of mystery

Starting point is 00:31:35 and intrigue, a real page turner, which you're thoroughly enjoying. It's the perfect book to while away the hours. You can happily lose yourself in the story as you sink into the fabric of the couch. Eventually, your eyes become tired of reading, and you set down your book. When you To close your eyes, it's only for a moment, but you wake an hour later from a light and restful nap. Looking at your watch, you see that it's dinner time, so you slide on your shoes and stand up from the couch. Catch sight of your reflection in the mirror above the desk and see that you're styled in fashions of the time. The 30s is an era that seems to suit you very nicely. Your skin glows and your eyes shine bright.

Starting point is 00:32:47 And with your elegant clothes, you fit in with the well-dressed passengers, some of whom are now strolling towards the lounge. You step down through the doorway and follow behind them, enjoying the aromas of food along the way. Soon you arrive at the Clippers' main lounge, which has been transformed into a dining salon. The tables have been fresh laid with white tablecloths, as white and spotless as the jackets of the stewards. Each table has been set for silver service, with plates, side plates, glasses and coffee cups.

Starting point is 00:33:39 A cotton serviette sits atop the large plate, folded to look like a fan. It's flanked by a neat arrangement of ornate silver. the cuttlery. You're shown to the table right beside the window, one with a view of the clipper's red wings. They seem to glow in the light summer evening, an eye-catching scarlet among a backdrop of clouds. Land is visible between gaps in the clouds, which the steward explains is southwest England. Soon you'll pass over the Irish Sea on route to island, where the clipper will stop briefly. The steward tells you this as he sets down your starter,

Starting point is 00:34:41 a near transparent soup with a plate of bread rolls. This will be the first of several delicious courses, as tasty and elaborate as those served in a restaurant. You can hardly believe that you're flying through the sky as you spread butter onto golden bread rolls. or as you sip on mouthfuls of soup, a vegetable consummate that's delicate and flavoursome. The courses that follow are even more wonderful. There's a plate of oysters and lobster in Hollandaise sauce.

Starting point is 00:35:28 Then a roast beef steak. The steak is served with potatoes, fresh salad, and braised onion. It's the kind of meal served in a five-star establishment. beautifully cooked and expertly plated, your crystal glass is kept all throughout the meal. Drinks have been chosen to complement the dishes, adding to the mood of luxury and indulgence. The guests are served by only two stewards who are kept very busy, bringing dishes in and out, but all the while they seem calm and attentive. Their movements are graceful and their manners most charming.

Starting point is 00:36:28 Once you finish the savory dishes, there's dessert. A coconut custard tart. The top is swirled with a layer of cream and sprinkled with shavings of toasted coconut. The pastry itself is a flaky golden brown and it crumbles beautifully as you take a forkful. The filling is sweet, thick and luxurious. It melts in your mouth and delights the senses.

Starting point is 00:37:08 Touch sight of the actress at a nearby table, visibly enjoying her coconut tart. Your eyes meet briefly and you share a knowing smile across the room. It's a glance that signals unspoken awe at this wonderful dessert, eaten among the clouds. It's as if you're both asking, is this really happening? Fine dining on the clipper seems too dreamlike to be real.

Starting point is 00:37:54 After dessert, there's a selection of cheeses, a tasty pallet cleanser to finish off the meal. These are served with grapes and crackers, which you nibble on slowly until completely satiastion. The final item brought to your table is an after-dinner coffee served in fine bone china. A chocolate mint sits beside it on the saucer. It's wrapped in a square of shiny gold paper. Once you've savoured the taste of the enchanting little chocolate, you save the wrapper,

Starting point is 00:38:45 slipping it into your pocket. It's a souvenir to treasure forever. alongside the memory of this journey, like no other. You'll add it to your journal when you're back in your cabin, along with a description of your time aboard the clipper. Then you'll climb beneath the covers of your snug, cozy bed, the couch pulled out, transformed by fresh bedding. For now, though, you'll stay here, gazing through the window,

Starting point is 00:39:31 and taking leisurely sips of your after-dinner coffee. Cobalt blue waves are now visible through the clouds, a glimpse of the Irish sea. Find yourself breathing in time to the waves, inhaling and exhale with the water's ebb and flow, and all the while, the clipper's engine hums, an unexpected lullaby as you, relax.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Dreamy Journey on a Historic Flying Boat

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