Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Springtime Trip to the Cape Winelands

Starting point is 00:00:00 Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios. To listen ad free, access our entire catalogue of episodes and support the show directly. Check out our premium feed by going to get sleepy.com slash support. Now, a quick word from our sponsors. Did you know our company Slumber Studios also has a sleep app called Slumber, With thousands of episodes including stories, meditations, soundscapes, music and audio books, it has a huge variety of sleep-inducing content, and we add new episodes every single day. You can search by narrator, hear episodes you won't find on Get Sleepy,

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Starting point is 00:01:41 we have an exclusive offer for you. Download the White Noise Deep Sleep Sounds app and get 30 days free access to all of the premium content. Just go to deepsleepsounds.com slash get sleepy. That's deepsleepsounds.com slash get sleepy. Welcome to get sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. As always, I'm your host, Thomas. Thank you for being here. Tonight's story was beautifully written by Dominique, and I'll be narrating. Shortly, we'll be taking a relaxing trip to the Cape Winlands, an area just outside of Cape Town, South Africa, famed for its lush and aesthetic vineyards.

Starting point is 00:02:45 Joining you on your gentle adventure is your sweet charge, Poppy, a black lab at your dog sitting for a few days. Tonight's story includes descriptions of wine tasting, so any listeners who might be sensitive to that or who would prefer something else may want to consider choosing a different story from our catalogue. But if you'll be joining us on our soothing springtime adventure, get nice and comfortable in bed and prepare for a great night's sleep. I hope you know just how much it means to me to have your company. Whatever brings you here, you are always so welcome. I've said it many times before. But as there may always be a few new listeners with each episode, it's important to say again that Get Sleepy is designed to be a calming corner of the world,

Starting point is 00:04:00 where I hope you feel comforted and reassured every time you join us. Life can be really challenging at times, and nobody is immune to that. But I hope that every time you press play on one of our episodes, you can feel calm and confident, knowing that you're cared for here. Every writer, every narrator, every member of our team pours so much love and care into everything we do, and in a modern world where authentic human connection isn't always prioritized.

Starting point is 00:04:50 I'm determined that we can maintain a genuine sense of support and empathy for one another. In this quiet, peaceful place we all share. So, my friends, thank you again for your cherished company. If you're yet to do so, go ahead and close your eyes. Take a gentle breath in and softly, slowly, slowly, release the air back out. Now, imagine lush and rolling foothills near the southernmost tip of the African continent.

Starting point is 00:05:44 Every so often, the sun softly shines from behind the grey clouds that blanket the sky. It's a misty morning. The air is sweet and a light breeze ruffles the green grass. This is where our story begins. Franshuk, the valley of dreams, sits nestled in the dips and crevices of rolling foothills, about an hour inland from Cape Town, South Africa. The village is surrounded by centuries-old vineyards and orchards, which draw visitors from across the western Cape and around the world.

Starting point is 00:07:08 It is truly one of the loveliest places to visit in the Cape Wynlands District, the town's Cape Dutch architecture, all whitewashed walls, thatched roofs and French flair. is a remnant of its founding by French Huguenots in the late 17th century. It lends the rustic chic town, an aura of magical timelessness. You arrived in Franshire class night and spent a little time getting acquainted with Poppy. The beautiful Black Labrador, you'll be dog-sitting for the next few days. After you woke up this morning and with Poppy in tow, you walked to the nearby tram station. This is where you'll really begin your journey through the Cape Winlands. Soon, you'll embark on a slow, meandering trip through the scenic hills by tram.

Starting point is 00:08:41 You'll have the freedom to hop on and off of the tram at various wine farm stops. and indulge in the most luxurious foods, superb wines and memorable scenery that the region has to offer, and you'll be able to do it entirely at your own pace. You sit perched on a long wooden bench inside the station, looking through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the moody, misty morning. The low-lying valley is steeped in fog most mornings. With the cool ocean haze, typically burning off in the late spring sunshine well before noon, you stroke Poppy's head as you wait for the tram, relishing how she leans into your cup-tanned, gently pulling her fairy ears

Starting point is 00:10:01 through your fingers. You softly coo to her. The velvety feel of her ears keeps your hands warm in the slightly damp hair, with her tail brushing from side to side on the floor. Your furry is nearly as excited about the expedition as you are. Poppy pricks up her ears just before you detect the low rumbling of the approaching tram. Getting to her feet, she gently pulls at her long black lead until you follow her out to the door and onto the platform, which wraps around to the back of the station. There, trundling along its rails, a forest green tram with red trim appears from the depths of the mist. Poppy watches the charming tram intently as it slows beside her platform. She looks back at you every so often to make sure that you're watching right along with her.

Starting point is 00:11:34 Her chocolate eyes are wide and playful, ornate golden lettering is stenciled across the front and sides of the tram, giving it a delightfully old-timey look. You can't help agreeing with Poppy. This truly is a sight to behold. You allow the dog to lead you into the tram's carriage, which is resplendent in a deep, earthy red. Attractive dark red benches stretch across the space in rows. The two of you pick your way up a dainty staircase onto the second level, so that you can take in the passing countryside from above, since the mist is already swirling away in the pleasant warmth of a

Starting point is 00:12:46 ripening morning. You decide to sit on the bench that's open to the air at the back of the tram. Poppy sprawls out beside you, resting her head and paws on your lap. You hear birds twittering sweetly as you wait for the tram to rattle to life. In no need of a map or schedule, you plan to while away the day in as leisurely a fashion as possible. You might ride the tram until the end of the line before returning the way you came, or you might wander off at the first stop into a working vineyard flush with grapes, or stroll through a 300-year-old wine cellar, the day can take you where it will, and you are content to simply bask in the sunlight on the top level of the tram, until you fancy doing something else. You notice that the tram is now moving along the tracks.

Starting point is 00:14:22 You were so lost in daydreaming that you didn't even feel your departure. The last of the morning fog has evaporated, and the gravel-lined rails extend off into the distance. They wind their way through the neat rows of vineyards and scruffy coastal grasses. Hills crowd the horizon, framing the valley in creams, browns and greens. You pass open fields that are sprinkled with bright yellow flowers. and Poppy sticks her nose into the air appreciatively. Smelling their sweet, fresh perfume, the tram rocks to a halt at a tiny platform to let an elderly couple come aboard, giving you a while longer with the wildflowers.

Starting point is 00:15:41 These blossoms are the last of the season. you can spot no wilting or browning between August and September along the garden route, which is this stretch of coast on the southern edge of South Africa. Explosions of colour make a notorious spectacle of themselves. You had not been expecting to catch a glimpse of these lovely flowers, as close as it is to summer and as inland. as you are. But what a lucky treat. The tram sways onwards, and Poppy jumps down to the wood-panelled floor to settle comfortably under your bench, even from her new spot. She seems curious and content

Starting point is 00:16:49 as she smells the flowers on the breeze. Looking into the distance, you admire the carpet of wildflowers painting the landscape in vibrant hues. You notice how the bulbs freely spread their petals outwards, opening their cores to the sun. After a while, and eager to stretch your legs, you start to make your way down onto the tram's lower level, with Poppy following along loyally. couple you saw boarding earlier are the only other two along for the ride. And you smile as they chat with each other. Hands clasped lovingly. They both reach out to give Poppy a pet as you walk by their seats. The dog clearly enjoys all of the attention, lifting her head so they can scratch under her chin, and even rolling onto her back, so they can stroke her tummy, laughing at the dog's

Starting point is 00:18:22 antics. You look out of the front window and watch another platform roll into view, shaded by a sloping green roof and crowned with a raw tying cutout that spells the stop's name. The cheerful depot disarms you with its small-town charm. You decide it's the first place you'd like to explore a little further. You call to Poppy as the tram slows and wave to the couple before traipsing down the steps and onto the platform. In front of you is a beautiful vineyard, short stocky wooden poles prop up the vines that are heavy with red and green grapes. In the distance, a white farmhouse with the familiar curved face typical of the region peeps out from a cluster of trees. A handmade sign points down a dusty path that winds around the edge of the vineyard,

Starting point is 00:19:55 telling you that the trail leads towards the winery's restaurant and tasting area, you and Poppy make your way down the path, stepping between the paws of shadow cast by the pine trees along the outer edges of the walkway. To your left, signs inform you that the grapes harvested here are used by the farm to make its award-winning wines. The vineyard is quiet, save for the occasional rustling of the pine trees above. As you wander along,

Starting point is 00:20:48 Poppy stops to inhale the sense that other dogs and people must have left behind. She looks down the long row of vines every now and then, pricking up her ears, as she watches a few striking, peacocks walk between them. The bird's iridescent tail feathers stretch out fetchingly behind them, glinting in the sun. They peck at the ground, unbothered by your presence. At last, you stroll out of the fields and onto a long, well-manicured lawn that flows right up to the farmhouse's

Starting point is 00:21:45 wrap-around porch, swathes of blue and purple lavender grace the lawn, quaint striped lawn chairs and garden tables with white tablecloths are positioned invitingly in groups. Each sitting area is shaded by a matching umbrella with faded red stripes. A few whitewashed fountains sit amongst the lavender, and streams of water are splashing down into their bowls. The entire sun-shrouded picture fills you with a gentle sense of delight. This is the kind of beauty that only spring can manifest. Lasily, you lead poppy towards a table nestled in a copse of lavender, and sink into the comfortable fabric of a lawn chair.

Starting point is 00:23:07 The spot is heavy with the floral scent of the nearby bushes, and Poppy busily sniffs around. A friendly waiter sets down a bowl of water for her to lap at, before handing you a wooden menu with several tasty options engraved on its surface. Your waiter explains that all of the nibbles mentioned are prepared fresh on the farm using their homegrown lavender, including the lavender scones and lavender tea. Their array of wines made from the grapes you just walked past are available for tasting alongside artisanal chocolates.

Starting point is 00:24:04 You take your time looking over the menu, pressing your thumb into the grooves of the engraved letters. The slight indentations feel rough against your skin. But tracing the ridges is strangely satisfying. You order a few delicacies that catch your rye, along with the tea, content to taste a few winds later on. As you sit and people watch, the tables dotted across the lawn slowly fill up with other travellers who ventured out to this dreamy spot in search of a late brunch, a little further down the lawn. An older woman wearing a large white sun hat and dark sunglasses

Starting point is 00:25:16 flips through a magazine as she lounges stylishly in her striped deck chair. Sipping a flute of something bubbly and golden, a leash hangs nonchalantly around her wrist, winding its way towards a small, white dog, who is primly enjoying the sunshine. You wonder about this elegant pair, and what they might be doing here. Poppy, who is sprawling out at your feet to indulge in a late-morning nap,

Starting point is 00:26:04 peaks at the dog every so often, out of one eye. As if to make sure he continues to behave. Off on your other side, just out of earshot, a group of young adults is greeting each other in pairs, and gathering around a table. Some of the party even spills out onto lovely round cushions, sprinkled on the green grass nearby. They seem to be celebrating an event,

Starting point is 00:26:46 perhaps an engagement or a baby shower. Poppy pays them no mind, preferring to surreptitiously glance at the little white dog, every so often, before quickly closing her eyes and pretending to doze. A way off in front of you, a boy of about ten stretches across the lawn on his stomach, intently watching a gaggle of snow-white geese, as they unharriedly peck at what juicy tidbits they can find buried in the grass. budding naturalist has a stub of a pencil in hand, which is using to scribble notes into a small

Starting point is 00:27:45 notebook, presumably about the geese and their behavior. You smile at the serious expression that creases his forehead as he pays keen attention to the birds. Just then, your waiter places your tray of nibbles and tea on your table, and you happily browse the selection of treats, before snacking on them at your leisure. You've even ordered a few tidbits made especially for dogs, and you offer them to Poppy in your outstretched palm one at a time. Whatever they're made of, Poppy seems to enjoy them. She licks your hand hungrily, her long pink tongue, tickling you between your fingers, laughing, you feed her the last treat before playfully ruffling her black, velvety ears. The Labrador looks up into your eyes, her open mouth in a goofy grin.

Starting point is 00:29:15 You pull a wet wipe that came with the smorgasbord you ordered out of its fancy packaging and savour the cool, soft touch of the material as you methodically clean your hands. Even the wet wipe smells faintly of lavender, and it leaves your skin feeling smooth and moisturised. you lie back in your chair and let the clear light of the aging day, the low hum of chattering strangers, and the feel of poppy's furry head beneath your hand wash over you. Here, there is no space for the pesky worries and trivial concerns that may have taken up room in your mind before. In this provision, essential oasis of charm, a wash in sunshine and lavender perfume. There is only space for peace after enjoying this piece and the heady perfume of the nearby

Starting point is 00:30:48 lavender. You get to your feet, choosing to leave Poppy to her nap, with her lead securely fastened to the heavy table. You meander and across the tidy lawn, onto the cool porch of the farmhouse. Tasteful wicker chairs have been placed invitingly in nooks and crannies, alongside large, flourishing potted plants. An absent-minded-looking man is hidden in one such chair, sipping at his glass of wine while he stares off into space. A book casually spread out across his table, waiting for him to pick it up again. You duck into the building through large open glass doors and find yourself in a gift shop of sorts

Starting point is 00:32:02 where several people were browsing farm-fresh jams, homemade soaps, and the estate's signature bottles of wine. Rought iron chandeliers hang from the rafters above, dousing the open-planned space in a yellow gold. Old wooden floorboards creak in a familiar way underfoot. you venture further into the room to discover even more secluded seats and tables, stashed in corners and between shelves that house rows and rows of wine. Families, couples and solo branches are all wedged comfortably into various spots, and are busy laughing, eating, and sampling glasses of cherry red and amber liquid. A great fireplace is buried in a freestanding wall near the far end of the room,

Starting point is 00:33:26 and a cheery blaze, crackles, and pops. It's heat, welcome, in the draughty space. To your left is the immense kitchen. out of which all of the estate's tasty food items come. It also sits out in the open, giving the diners a front row seat of the chefs fitted in pristine white uniforms and toque blanche as they whip up the next fresh plate just in front of the kitchen area. A sweeping wooden staircase surrounded by raw-tire and balustrades

Starting point is 00:34:17 descends into the farmhouse's cellars. You turn to peer out of the doorway through which you came, to check on the still snoring poppy. Satisfied, you tread across the floorboards and down the wide flight of smooth steps that sink into the dimly lit depths. At the bottom of the staircase, You're met with low wooden ceilings and cobblestone floors, over which thick, heavy Persian rugs have been thrown.

Starting point is 00:35:09 Hundreds of wine casks are packed on top of each other from floor to ceiling. Arches curve between the bare brick pillars that lead down the length of the cellar. A few naked light bulbs are artistically recessed into the ceiling, throwing the wine cellar's alcoves into soft shadow. The carpets and wooden barrels soak up any wisp of sound that finds its way down here from the restaurant above, leaving you feeling almost as if you are underwater. The muffled quiet is further accentuated by your solitude. It's as if you've stumbled on some kind of cozy cave.

Starting point is 00:36:15 All snug, dry and pleasant. Alone, you slowly wander deeper into the earth, feeling the carpet-lined floor, gently angling downwards. As you walk between two rows of wine cars, You notice that they are so large, you could easily fit inside the dark mahogany-colored barrels. Small metal plates are fixed to the flat ends of the barrels, and you can make out the names of the fine vintages they store, as well as the year they were stowed away.

Starting point is 00:37:11 Some wines look to be nearly 30 years old. You turn back towards the staircase, threw a gap in one of the rows, and study the many black and white photos framed on the brick wall. Plaques just beneath them describe the scenes of people working the land, standing next to barrels and pouring wine into rounded glasses. many of them depict the founding family and the farm's first workers. The farmhouse and even the immense front lawn appear in some of the grainy photos and look nearly unchanged after all these years.

Starting point is 00:38:16 As you approach the last batch of photos on the wall near the staircase, You notice that a party of people are loosely gathered on the other side of the cavernous cellar. Their quiet murmurs were masked by the barrels and other natural soundproofing elements. They are standing around a few barrels that have been stood upright to serve as tables, on which choice bottles and stemware are perched, you're just in time to join them in tasting a few of the finest wines that the estate has to offer. And you slip in amongst the group, a sommelier dressed in a maroon bow tie and matching apron, has just started filling several pristine glasses. with a splash of scarlet. Just enough to sip, she slowly pours the wine with a practiced twist.

Starting point is 00:39:40 Not a single spot of red appearing on the immaculate white napkin that she's wrapped around the bottle's neck. She tells you that this particular vintage is made from peanutage grapes. she hands out the glasses and takes you through the process of inhaling the wine's scent before inviting you to draw in a mouthful. The heavy liquid slowly melts across your taste buds. A not unpleasant bitter tinge near the end slips through the initial sweet flavor. Your sommelier invites you to pair another. the sip with a bite of the small domed chocolates that have been laid out on individual wooden boards

Starting point is 00:40:48 in advance, you do so, and appreciate how the rich, earthy chocolate draws out a deeper, rounder flavour from the wine. Your host collects your glasses before uncorking a shardinay that she tells you has been embellished with a special ingredient. She asks everyone to nibble on a thin disk of white chocolate and hints of orange rind and cinnamon peep through the creamy taste. With the fruity sweetness of the chocolate still dancing on your tongue, you sample your fresh glass of white wine.

Starting point is 00:41:47 light and crisp, you immediately notice the faint undertones of lavender that sweep through the drink, the sweetness from the chocolate, the hints of orange and cinnamon, and the whisper of lavender combine into a delightful floral bouquet that feels like a summer's day on your tongue. For some time, you sip the palest of yellow and the deepest of purple liquids, taking note of the labels on the empty bottles that are the most delicious. Before finally surfacing up out of the cellar and back into the busy restaurant, you can see Poppy relaxing on her back where you left her. fast asleep and none the wiser of your escapade, taking your time in the shop area.

Starting point is 00:43:09 You collect a few bottles of wine that you particularly enjoyed, along with several parcels of exquisitely wrapped chocolate. Layers of fine silver tissue paper protect the chocolates, and muted satin ribbons tie the bundle closed. At the checkout, you had a box of freshly made dog biscuits to your spoils for the still-napping Labrador to snack on later. With a large paper bag in hand, you walk across the lawn back to Poppy, happy to find that you've returned.

Starting point is 00:44:06 she greet you with snuffles and licks before heading over to her water bowl, sensing that you're almost ready to leave. Since you've been gone, the woman and her white dog have left, replaced by a couple who appeared to be casually enjoying a sampler of food and wine set out on their table, taking Poppy's lead in hand, You unhurriedly trot past the boy who'd been studying the geese, and who is now busily inspecting a lavender bush. Notebook at the ready, just as you disappear into the vineyard, you turn to take in the people who are whiling away their afternoon, with good friends,

Starting point is 00:45:14 good food or a good book or two. All of them look at ease in this lavender-strewn slice of paradise, as they bathe in the sun and the sound of low conversation, certain that some of the warm glow of this place has rubbed off on you. You head back to the tram station. You're ready to journey onwards, to the next wine farm, the next spectacular view, the next unplanned moment, here in the beautiful Cape Winlands.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Springtime Trip to the Cape Winelands

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