Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Glacier Express (Premium)

Starting point is 00:00:00 Hi, Thomas here. You're listening to a preview episode. You can enjoy the entire story tonight by subscribing to our supporters' feed. There you'll get access to the entire back catalogue, bonus episodes, and more, and it's all completely ad-free. Click the link below to learn more and thank you so so much. Me and the team really appreciate your support. The small town, nestled between the mountains, was still very much asleep. It was an early morning in the beginning of December. One or two locals were up before the sun, shoveling snow from the sidewalks and driveways. Tom walked slowly, listening to his footsteps crunch on the thick blanket of snow.

Starting point is 00:01:06 Each one sounded slightly different than the last. In the chilly morning air, his breath looked like a steam locomotive. It formed delicate clouds of fog billowing from his face. Despite the low temperatures, Tom was full of anticipation. He was on his way to board the glacier express. It was the first train he'd ever traveled on, an unforgettable journey that he'd shared with his grandfather. After 30 years, it was time to relive the childhood experience that he often daydreamed about. The small train station looked exactly the same. It had windows with brown shutters and a clock tower perched right in the middle of the

Starting point is 00:01:59 snow-covered roof. Painted in beige, the station wasn't particularly attention-grabbing. Only the tower, with a clock on each of its four sides, was a subtle reminder of the building's function. Just outside the station, Tom knocked the snow off of his shoes. As he stepped through the revolving door, the warmth of the building washed over him like a wave. Feeling came back to his cheeks and fingertips.

Starting point is 00:02:32 He enjoyed the sensation of warmth every time it happened. He imagined it was what coming out of hibernation felt like. He passed through the brightly lit waiting room, filled with many sleepy travelers, on route two or from their home. Many carried heavy skiing equipment. It was peak season here in Switzerland. Tom on the other hand, traveled light and already had his ticket.

Starting point is 00:03:07 He prided himself on being an efficient traveler. He crossed through the waiting area and exited on the other side of the station towards the platform. Through double doors, he was met again by the cold winter air caressing his face. The wind sent a single snowflake tumbling and drifting until it landed directly on the tip of his nose. Tom only had a second to enjoy this gift from the wind before it melted. Small blue signs with white lettering and arrows guided Tom to the platform he needed.

Starting point is 00:03:49 The parallel tracks were dusted with snow, melted away in a few places where pieces of machinery generated heat. The glacier express was already there, waiting patiently for its passengers to climb aboard. The train coloured a deep shade of red, contrasted beautifully against the otherwise snow-white surroundings. Tom took a deep breath and smiled. He stood on this exact platform 30 years ago, bundled tightly in his winter attire, holding his grandfather's hand.

Starting point is 00:04:30 He remembered being struck by the size of the train. The real glacier express was a lot bigger than a mini-version he'd played with at home. Just like back then, he still had a sense of awe for this locomotive. It was powerful and steady. It traversed steep slopes and breathtaking valleys that humans would be unable to cross-skier round. The train had been updated. It was far more modern now than when he was a kid. It had more cars than he remembered too. Most of them had large windows with lightly frosted edges. Tom pushed the flashing blue button in the centre of the door in front of him. It let out a soft ding and slid open. The inside of the train felt

Starting point is 00:05:28 warm, modern, welcoming. The seats were red with white head cushions. The ceiling was almost entirely made of glass and a black carpet lined the floor. Tom was here for the experience, so he had of course booked a window seat. From his seat, the image through the panoramic window was rather static, just a glimpse of this sleepy town beginning to wake. But that changed, as soon as the clock tower struck seven o'clock. The conductors Whistle cut through the cold morning air announcing the train's departure. The train responded with two toots of its own whistle, then released its brakes. The wheels started to turn slowly. Their motion synchronized in a mechanical choreography. That dance gently rocked the train as it pulled out of the station.

Starting point is 00:06:39 you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - The Glacier Express (Premium)

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