Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Fall Asleep in Fez

Starting point is 00:00:00 Before tonight's episode, I want to let you know about our supporters' feed Get Sleepy Premium, the best way to experience the show and get a good night's sleep. With Get Sleepy Premium, everything is ad-free. You'll receive a bonus episode every week, and have full access to our entire back catalogue. Your support really helps, and means so much to us. Simply tap the link in the show notes to learn more. Now, a quick word from our sponsors who make it possible for us to bring you two three episodes each week. Imagine how much better the world would be if everyone woke up well-rested every day.

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Starting point is 00:01:27 and sign up, follow the link for Get Sleepy Premium in the show notes, or you can subscribe directly with in Apple podcasts. Thanks so much for your support. Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. My name is Thomas and I'm your host. Thank you for tuning in. Tonight we'll journey together to Fez in Morocco, taking in all the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this unique old city. But first I have some really exciting news to share with you all, and it's that Get Sleeping now has a YouTube channel.

Starting point is 00:02:22 Now there's absolutely no reason to change your listening habits. I'd say just stick with whatever works best for you. Our YouTube channel is simply an extension of the show featuring the same great stories and meditations but with the addition of some relaxing visuals to accompany the numerations. What we would greatly appreciate is if you could pop over to our YouTube channel and hit subscribe. I'll put a link in the show notes, or you can simply search for Get Sleepy Part on YouTube and you should find us. One of the best features of YouTube is that you can like and comment on each individual video.

Starting point is 00:03:06 So if there's an episode you particularly love, then do let us know over there in the comments. The team have been working really hard to make it special and calming, so I hope you'll check it out. And thanks as always for your love and support. and thanks as always for your love and support. Let's get nicely settled into bed, relaxed, comfortable and ready for sleep. Draw in a slow, deep breath, filling your lungs right up, and enjoy the feeling of letting it go with the out breath. It's time to say goodbye to the day, to gently welcome the peace and quiet of night and to be appreciative for the opportunity to rest.

Starting point is 00:04:16 Whenever came your way today, you've made it through just as you always do. No matter how big or small there would have been moments of accomplishment today and no doubt there may have been some moments that challenged But, here you are, at the end of another day, and you ought to be proud. We all know it isn't always easy being human. We have a heck of a lot to contend with, both outwardly and inwardly. So never underestimate just how well you're doing and the positive impact your presence has in our world. Thank you quite simply for being you. As you continue making your way into sleep, just rest your attention on the sound of my voice. And imagine the beautiful city of Fez that we're about to enter. It's a bustling city filled with old world architecture. Vibrant colors of all shades are abundant, but the dominant hue is that of the golden sandstone most buildings are constructed with. This is Feth and it's here in a quiet courtyard Naped is sitting in the courtyard of a former palace town-total. He's a bit tired from his travels, but is feeling excited to finally be in Morocco.

Starting point is 00:06:58 He awoke this morning in a carved wooden bed, with the plushest mattress he had ever slept upon. He felt so comfortable laying atop the layers of bedding that it was hard for him to get up and start his day. When he learned that he had been selected to receive an academic fellowship, he decided to splurge on a fancy hotel to celebrate. He'll spend his first few nights here at the hotel, before moving in with a local Moroccan family. It is by far the nicest place he has ever stayed. Much more luxurious than his small studio apartment back home. It's a re-at hotel, meaning it's built around a central courtyard that opens to the sky.

Starting point is 00:08:10 Right now, Nate is sitting at a small table in the corner of the courtyard, taking everything in. There is a mosaic tile found in the middle. The sound of bubbling water echoes throughout the space, and the bright blue sky is visible above. In ancient times, running water would have signified luxury as water was a precious resource. There are lush green plants in each corner of the courtyard. Banana leaf plants, majesty palms, and other kinds Nate doesn't know the names of. The floors of the courtyard are covered in geometric tar work in the most vibrant colours, turquoise, blue, gold, maroon, white and black. Nate can feel the warm sun beaming down onto his skin and can smell the honey-suckle

Starting point is 00:09:35 flowers that are placed throughout the hotel. Just then, one of the employee's approaches, he's wearing traditional clothing, wide trousers and a square cap, also called a fence. He offers Nate a cup of Moroccan mint tea. Ocon Mint Tea. Welcome, he says. The tea is served piping hot, with a generous amount of fresh mint leaves stuffed into the tall glass cup. Nate savers each sip, as it's unlike anything is ever tasted before. The strong taste of gum-powder green tea is tempered by a generous amount of sugar. The mint leaves lender fresh and zesty bite. This setting is speck tachua, Nate thinks to himself.

Starting point is 00:10:54 While he is tempted to kick back and sip tea all day, he is also eager to get out and explore the Medina. The word Medina means city in Arabic and is also used to describe the older, historic part of a Moroccan town. His friend, his sham, is expected to arrive any minute now to show him around. While he waits, Nate flips back through his guidebook. He learns that the city of Fez was founded in the year 789. The ancient Medina is one of the largest car-free zones on the planet, as well as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Looking at the map of this historic Medina, he can see that it's walled in and built

Starting point is 00:12:09 in a labyrinthine style with lots of winding alleyways. It seems like it would be an easy place to get lost in Nate thinks to himself. As he looks up from his book, he sees Hisham making his way across the courtyard toward his table. Welcome to Morocco, his friend says, as he gives Nate a huge hug. Isham is a history student here in Fez. The two met when he was studying abroad a few years ago and have remained good friends ever since. As two history enthusiasts, they are both fascinated by this wonderfully complex city. Isham had previously explained its layout to Nate. He described how the city was built in five layers and how five was a holy number in Islam Now that they are together Nate wants his sham to show him each layer as they walk through the old city

Starting point is 00:13:43 Are you ready for your insider's' tour of Fez's Isha masks? Nate nods, definitely. As they step outside of the hotel, they find themselves in an arrow alleyway. The clay walls of the corridor are baking in the hot sun, emanating an earthy, muddy smell. The fragrance of fresh spices and home cooking are layered on top of the hot clay scent, creating a truly unique sensory experience. Motorcycles zip by alongside shuffling pedestrians. In the distance there is the cropping sound of a donkey pulling a cart. Isham handsnates some mint sprigs and tells him to hold them close to his nose.

Starting point is 00:14:56 As the donkey cart approaches, they can see that it is full of sheep hires, en route to the tannery. The mint leaves really come in handy, Hisham tells Nate smiling. The main path through the Medina is narrow and seems to angle slightly down as if they are currently standing at the high point. Hisham Pursnate aside and reminds him that the first layer of the city is the cemetery. On the hillside above the Medina are the Myranid tombs. above the Medina are the Myranid tombs. The Myranids were a dynasty that ruled Morocco from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The tombs have purposely built beyond the city limits. He goes on to explain that they are now standing in the second layer where people live. There are lots of family homes and hotels in this area.

Starting point is 00:16:17 His sham points out some wooden arched doorways that are flush with the clay walls of the alleyways. The façades are modest, but beyond the simple doorways are beautiful reads. In other parts of the Medina, there are apartments that have elegantly carved wooden balconies. apartments that have elegantly carved wooden balconies. The two friends begin to meander further down the alley, and after a few minutes of walking, they smell the comforting scent of freshly baked bread. To the left there is an opening in the wall with some steps down into a bakery. There is a big clay oven and a man standing outside of it with a long wooden paddle. A number of women crowd around the opening, waiting for their orders to be ready. Isham explains that communal bakeries are quite common in Morocco, and that women will bring

Starting point is 00:17:41 their own dough to the baker for him to bake. Isham hands the man a few dirums and buys some for Nate to try. As Nate pulls off a piece, fresh steam pipes out of the bread into the already hot air. He closes his eyes to savor the experience and smiles with satisfaction. Shortly thereafter, his sham and Nate keep walking, winding down the Talakabira, the main path through the Medina. They pass through the food markets where a whole new alchemy of smells presents itself. They continue on next to butcher stores, past people selling fried potato dumpling sandwiches, and spice shops where the spices are proudly displayed in conical formations. Nate notes deep red paprika, bright orange turmeric, pungent cumin, dried red peppers, and even ras al halut.

Starting point is 00:19:18 Its Morocco's famous blend containing upwards of 30 different spices. Nate also sees huge jars filled with dozens of types of olives and preserved lemons, and two litre bottles full of thick, cloudy olive oil. The smells all blend together into a tantalizing mix of spiciness, fermentation, frying oil, hot clay, citrus and more. Isham sees Nate peering around Wiredide as if he were trying to decide what he wanted to eat first. Isham explains that this is the third layer of the city where you will find all the food markets and restaurants. He walks away and comes back a few minutes later with a Makuda sandwich for Nate. He that are deep fried and delicious. Here in Fes, they are added to sandwiches with a fried egg and some melted cheese. According to hisham, they are the ultimate comfort food and something Nate must know about while he is living here in Fez.

Starting point is 00:21:14 Nate takes a huge bite and an expression of bliss immediately passes over his face. It's the perfect street food, he thinks, as he takes another warm, crunchy, salty bite. The pair ambles onwards, winding further into the Medina. Soon they hear a din in the distance that sounds like hammering metal. A few steps further and they can see where the sound is coming from. A handful of copper smiths, both teachers and students alike, working on their exquisite pieces. There are beautiful copper plates and pans hanging all over the place, as Nate and Hisham enter a small plaza called Seffering Square. The little shops around the courtyard display the most intricately designed metal lanterns, teapots, cups, and even tajines. Each item has different etched and hamid metal patterns.

Starting point is 00:22:51 As they turn around, they notice a man seated on the ground, who has stopped hammering a bowl to greet them. He offers them both a cup of tea and gestures for them to sit down. Hisham thanks him in Arabic as he and Nate each take a seat on an embroidered leather cushion. Cod up on a third cushion beside them is a little white kitten, powering softly as it sleeps. Hisham proceeds to tell Nate that they have almost arrived at the heart of the Medina. He introduces Nate to the craft squatter, here in the fourth layer of the city. It is adjacent to the Dyer's Suk, where textiles are coloured with natural eyes made from lapis lazuli, henna, beets, saffron and indigo. In the other direction are the ceramics which are for a style of white glaze with very detailed ultramarine blue motifs. In Marrakesh the clay is red, but in Fez it is white.

Starting point is 00:24:41 A bit further onwards is the leather suke, where finished products from the tannery are sold. And sepharine square is where the metalsmiths work. Not too far away are the woodworkers. They carve cedar wood and in lame mother of pal. These pieces are famous around the world. Fares is known as the craft capital of Morocco and is full of artisans who are dedicated to preserving its rich artistic traditions. Typically artisans will teach their children starting when they are very young and the

Starting point is 00:25:37 craft is passed down through the family lines. line. Nate looks in awe at everything he sees around him. As a historian he is fascinated by the practice of passing down crafts from one generation to the next. Seeing the commitment to preserving culture and tradition is wonderful to him. Nate decides to purchase a metal teapot from the man to remember his hospitality and this special tour on his first full day in Fez. The tea pot is hammered silver and is very shiny. The metal handle is covered by a hand-sown pot holder of a person in traditional Moroccan clothing, a long robe and a square hat. The amount of charm and craftsmanship present in this one object is remarkable, Nate thinks. He will always remember this day with his sham and his first tour of fest when he looks

Starting point is 00:27:09 at it. The din of hammering continues in the background and now the kitten is awake and batting a piece of yarn across the floor. Hisham tells Nate that they are very close to the mosque, which is the heart of the city. Fez is also known as the spiritual center of Morocco, the spiritual center of Morocco, and the great mosque Al-Qarawian is at the center of Fez, just ahead. Nate is excited to be so close to the fifth layer of the city. He feels a sense of anticipation and wonder, just thinking about it. He has studied this area extensively, and his research will bring him back here many more times while while he's living in Feds. They finish up their tea at the copper smith's shop and thank

Starting point is 00:28:30 him before leaving and walking down to see it. Moments later, the call to prayer begins to echo from the mosque. As they get closer, the mosque comes into view and it is absolutely beautiful. Around night and his sham, people make their way down towards the mosque for afternoon prayers. The Kaur Tapraya reverberates all around as though broadcast in surround sound as other nearby mosques also chime in. also chime in. Nate has heard the call to prayer several times since arriving in Morocco, but this time it feels more profound.

Starting point is 00:29:38 It has a beautiful melodic resonance that stops him in his tracks for just a moment. What a lovely reminder to pause and contemplate Nate thinks. Soon, Nate and his sham find themselves walking across the square toward the mosque. The roof of the complex is green, so it can be seen easily from other parts of the city. As they approach, they see a group of men washing their feet in the fountain outside of the main entrance. The arched entryway is stunning. The door is made of carved and painted wood surrounded by ornate, stucco and tile work. Inside is a courtyard and beyond that appears to be the prayer hall. Nate knows that as a non-muslim he must

Starting point is 00:31:00 wait outside to be respectful. Isham stays with Nate to explain what is unfolding in front of them. He shares that Muslims pray five times a day. The call to prayer is a reminder that it is time to stop what you are doing and take a few minutes to pause. If you are near a mosque, you can pray there, or you can stay wherever you are and simply observe a few moments of peace. This particular place is very famous and is considered to be one of the holiest sites in all of Islam. Al-Qarawian is more than just a mosque. It is also an institute of learning. This complex was originally founded in the ninth century and has been a very special place ever since his sham says. People People come here from all over the world to visit this sacred site.

Starting point is 00:32:31 Nate can feel the power of this incredible place and can now understand its significance in a whole new way. He had previously read about this mosque, but being here and witnessing it is a totally different experience. He and his sham lean against the clay walls of the alleyway lean against the clay walls of the alleyway and remain quiet, simply observing this moment of shared devotion and contemplation. They each feel a deep sense of peace and ease wash over them, totally engrossed in the moment, totally present to all the sights, sounds, and smells in their surroundings. In the spiritual center at the heart of Fess, deep in the old Medina, time slows down. Movement, working and rushing stops if only for a moment. There is no pressure or concern to do anything else but to be still in time just as it is at peace. ... ... ... I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room.

Starting point is 00:35:50 I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. I'm going to go to the next room. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... you you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - Fall Asleep in Fez

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