Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Leisurely Afternoon Tea in 1920s London

Starting point is 00:00:00 Tonight's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. As an adult, do you make time to learn new things as often as you'd like? Or was that lost in childhood? Kids are always learning and growing, but in adulthood we sometimes lose that curiosity. Life gets busy, other responsibilities get priority, but taking up new hobbies and learning new skills can be incredibly beneficial for our mental health. Therapy definitely helped me focus on the things I enjoy most and explore ways I can incorporate new, fulfilling hobbies into my own life.

Starting point is 00:00:43 So if you're thinking of starting therapy, give Better Help a try, designed to be convenient, flexible, and suited to your schedule. Rediscover your curiosity with Better Help. Visit betterhelp.com slash get sleepy to get 10% off your first month that's better help h-e-l-p dot com slash get sleepy welcome to get sleepy where we listen we relax and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas and it's a pleasure to have your company. Tonight we're heading back in time to 1920s London where we'll meet Hattie. She's celebrating her birthday with an afternoon tea in a very grand hotel. It was written by Joe Steyer and will be read by Simon. Before we begin, let's take a moment to unwind. Make sure you're lying in a comfortable

Starting point is 00:02:10 position in a spot that feels just right for you. Then close your eyes and bring your focus towards your body. Allow your attention to sweep across your body. Start with your head and shoulders. Then slowly move down, bringing awareness to each part in turn. and explore the sensations with an attitude of curiosity. Now try narrowing your focus to the solar plexus, below the ribcage and above the navel. Send your breath towards this region. Picture a ball of golden sunlight positioned within the solar plexus. Imagine this ball growing larger and brighter and breathe out. And imagine that each breath carries light around your body until you're entirely filled

Starting point is 00:04:19 with a soft golden glow. It permeates every cell of your body, helping you feel increasingly Breathe in and back out. Now that you're feeling calm and relaxed, let's begin our story. It starts on the streets of London in 1925. It's early afternoon on a fine spring day, and the sun shines brightly behind a smattering of clouds. Trees line the roadside, their leaves like glistening emeralds. There's a gentle breeze that whistles through the branches, and then there are the sounds of traffic. Noises blend to form a bustling city soundscape. Footsteps, voices, doors opening, and horns beeping. Horses can be heard too, pulling carriages across the city, alongside the hum of electric trams.

Starting point is 00:06:28 And cyclists ring their bells, warning pedestrians of their close proximity. All kinds of tires wheel across the city. Those of buses, lorries and modern automobiles. The car Hattie drives is a recent invention, one designed by a female engineer, Dorothy Pullinger. She is a pioneer in her field and has made this car especially for female drivers. The seat of the Galloway has been slightly raised and the steering wheel lowered, and the gear levers and handbrake have been moved to the middle, where they're easier to access. The car's appearance is typical of the era. It's a classic convertible in glossy, claret red.

Starting point is 00:07:40 The engine resides under a torpedo-like bonnet, with brass-rimmed headlights positioned at its front. All four wheels are topped with shiny black guards that curve around the tires. As Hattie drives, she looks through the rectangular windscreen, which stands upright in front of the steering wheel. She sits on a seat of padded, creamy leather. This beautiful car is a symbol of the age and changing times. Although some people still do a double-take when they see a woman driving. Her hair kept in place with a bonnet. It is 1925 after all.

Starting point is 00:08:42 Hattie doesn't mind these reactions. She knows that she's an excellent driver, and she's fiercely proud of the independence her car provides. There's little she enjoys as much as driving, especially in the sunshine on days like today. The sun warms her face and the breeze gently tickles at her skin and clothing. These days Hattie lives outside of London, so she only makes the journey to the capital on special occasions. But today, as it happens, is just such a date. It's her 25th birthday, and she'll celebrate in style.

Starting point is 00:09:44 She's meeting a friend for afternoon tea, the old tradition that's enjoying a revival. The ceremony of afternoon tea began in the 1840s with the Victorian trendsetter, the Duchess of Bedford. Typically, the upper classes ate lunch at midday and weren't served dinner until seven or eight o'clock. There was a lengthy gap between meals. In order to combat afternoon hunger, the Duchess began a habit of eating at four. She would dine with friends in her private boudoir, enjoying warm sweet tea and light

Starting point is 00:10:35 food. For the Duchess of Bedford, this habit kept the hunger at bay, and just a few years later it did the same for many more. Variations of the practice were soon commonplace in the home. More formally, it became popular among well-to-do ladies. They'd host afternoon tea parties in luxurious drawing rooms. Queen Victoria herself was a fan, hosting afternoon tea on the sun-soaked royal terrace. Now, in the 1920s, the habit has become more formalized, celebratory and decadent. Afternoon tea is often served in grand hotels.

Starting point is 00:11:37 Hattie can't think of a better way to celebrate her birthday than with a three-tiered banquet of cakes and sandwiches. Especially as she'll dine in the company of her close friend, whose wisdom and humor she always appreciates. But Hattie is in no rush to get to the hotel, being so very fond of London. She likes to drive and take in her surroundings, particularly the buildings which are steeped in history. is full of traces of times past, ancient Roman walls, medieval churches,

Starting point is 00:12:29 and Victorian terraced houses. And yet, it also has the feel of a city in its infancy, as if modern London is just beginning to take shape. This is London in the post-war era, when the city is prosperous and abuzz with optimism. It's a place of freedom, pleasure and escape. There are night clubs, jazz lounges, cocktail bars and luxury hotels. These newer buildings stand out among the rest, displaying the features of art deco design. They're sleeker and more stylized than their older counterparts, decorated with patterns of bold geometric shapes.

Starting point is 00:13:42 And they showcase colors, bright and eye-catching, with stained glass walls and windows. Equally colorful are the fashions of the people who walk the roads in front of such buildings. Hattie drives past men in light pastel suits, with matching colored bands on their straw summer hats. Women wear dresses that end at the knee. They're loose and comfortable with no need for a corset. Fashions reflect a Britain that's less stuffy and formal. There's change in the air, particularly for women.

Starting point is 00:14:36 Perceptions have shifted since the First World War. Back then, women had to work as the men were away. Many found freedom in both the wage and the work. They enjoyed the confidence that employment gave them. This newfound empowerment outlasted the wartime, and demand grew for more rights and independence. These women of the twenties are bolder than ever. They work and socialize, and those that can, vote.

Starting point is 00:15:22 Some cut their hair short, or go out unshaperoned. Others fly planes or drive cars like Hattie. In her sleek red Galloway she's a perfect fit with the city around her. fit with the city around her. The car steers well around turns and corners among the network of trams, buses and cars. The engine hums as she slows, driving along a street dominated by grand, soaring buildings. It's an area that's famous for its luxury hotels. Their palatial mansions magnificently decorated. One such building is Hattie's Destination, a five-star establishment known throughout Europe. It's impossible to miss with its impressive facade. Even from afar, she can make out the flags swaying below the first-floor windows. They hang above a series of attractive stone archways right across the entrance to the building.

Starting point is 00:16:50 Hattie pulls in at the side of the road, directly opposite the hotel's front door. She's helped onto the pavement by a hotel employee, a valet assistant in immaculate uniform. His outfit is in keeping with the hotel's color scheme. It's a navy blue suit embroidered with gold. His tailcoat has epaulettes attached at the shoulders, each displaying a row of shiny gold stars. A thick gold band runs around his top hat, while a thinner line marks the hem of his trousers. In white-gloved hands, the valet takes Hattie's

Starting point is 00:17:48 car keys and he welcomes her warmly with a bright beaming smile before leaving to park the Galloway safely. Hattie strides towards the hotel where a navy blue canopy shades the steps of the entrance. On either side of the steps are flower beds, carpeted in the yellow of golden daffodils. Hattie admires these lovely bright flowers as she walks across the doormat of navy and gold. At the center of the mat is the hotel's symbol, the outline of a crown, frequented by royalty, according to the rumors. Hattie walks the steps towards the glass door. Her reflection is revealed in the mirror-like glass, coming into view with each step upwards.

Starting point is 00:19:05 Hattie is a fashionable young woman. Her short blonde curls are visible beneath a bell-shaped cloche. The woolen hat is a soft powder blue chosen to match her long summer coat. The coat's fabric is more lightweight than the hat. It's so thin and flowing that it almost looks like water. Beneath the open coat, Hattie's dress is visible. It's the color of the daffodils near the hotel door. Her loose, shift dress is sleeveless and v-necked and embellished with beads of bronze and pearl.

Starting point is 00:20:00 Rust-colored tassels hang down from the knees, falling from a hem that's cut into zigzags. The look is completed by elegant court shoes, two-inch heels with a strap across the front. The pearly shoes match her handbag and the long line of beads that hangs around her neck. As she approaches the glass door, Hattie admires her dress. It's a special dress for a special occasion.

Starting point is 00:20:41 And seeing herself now, she's glad she bought it. The bright yellow color suits her beautifully. She looks splendid and feels even better. Hattie steps into the hotel lobby, the rust-colored fringe swaying as she walks. Her creamy leather shoes step onto white marble, and she enters a room of marigold walls. The walls are brightened by ornate lights, fixed within brackets of thick swirling gold. They bring a warming glow to the features of the room, and they illuminate the polished walnut furniture.

Starting point is 00:21:36 There are chairs and end tables and a long reception desk to the side of the room. The chairs are upholstered in bold ruby red, the same color as the large rug that covers much of the floor. Hattie steps onto the luxurious carpet and walks towards a table positioned at the center of the room. It's topped with a vase of fresh white lilies. They're wonderfully fragrant, like sweetest vanilla.

Starting point is 00:22:19 Hattie's standing beside them, taking in their scent, when she's happily interrupted by the voice of her friend. Dorothy, or Dot, has entered just behind her. They embrace, their faces full of glee, before Dot steps back to admire her friend's outfit. Hattie beams brightly at the compliments of her friend. She's always uplifted by Dot's kindness. The pair met at the age of eleven and have been good friends ever since. Dot takes her arm and they stroll beneath an archway. She's happy to lead the way, having eaten here before.

Starting point is 00:23:14 Hattie, meanwhile, observes her surroundings, the gorgeous decor, furniture, and lighting. furniture and lighting. Their journey takes them through an opulent hallway across long, ruby carpets laid on marble. The hall is decorated with plant pots and sofas and chairs beside marble-topped tables. Crystal chandeliers hang from white ceilings, which are outlined with gold around floral reliefs. More patterns are visible on the beige stone walls, engraved in indents that run around

Starting point is 00:23:59 the archways. To Hattie, they look like waves of treasure rising and falling against the hotel's walls. Ahead, to the left, is a marble stairway, lit with natural daylight. Sunlight flows down onto ruby-red carpet between wrought iron railings painted navy and gold. The light illuminates the petals of the sun-colored daffodils in marble plant pots at the base of the stairs. Hattie can guess at where the steps might lead, even before she sees the leaves of palm trees. Palm courts are increasingly common in prestigious hotels in London and abroad. These atrium-style rooms bring the outdoors in, with oversized windows on the walls and ceiling. They're filled with lush green plants, including palm trees, as the name implies. Hattie has dined in such spaces before in other hotels,

Starting point is 00:25:29 though none she's visited have been as grand as this one. Then she notices the sound of classical music and spots the grand piano at the center of the room. A pianist in a tuxedo plays a selection of light classics. Around him, Hattie notes the whites of the tablecloths. There are bright, glowing white beneath a rectangular glass ceiling. The daylight is blended with the glow of chandeliers. Beneath, the chairs are equally lustrous. Upholstered in velvet, they're the color of sunshine.

Starting point is 00:26:21 And they're particularly lovely next to the emerald green wallpaper, with the indents of leaves printed on top. It's hard to envision a more beautiful room and in just a moment it will become even more special. Hattie and Dot are greeted by a waiter. He wears a navy suit with a tie and waistcoat. Hattie notices the crown stitched onto his tie. Bright yellow thread on navy blue silk. The waiter leads them through the room between marble columns and seats them at a table below the glass ceiling.

Starting point is 00:27:12 Patterns of light dance on their table, reflections from the crystals of the chandelier above. From this angle, the room is revealed to be even larger and grander than it first appeared. The great marble pillars support a second-floor balcony, accessible by a stairway that curves around the room. Guests are visible at tables and chairs behind the navy and gold railings of this indoor balcony. To Hattie, the room is a fascinating blend between an ancient Greek temple and an English country garden. The white marble columns are sculpted in the Ionian style, with decorative gold curls around the top.

Starting point is 00:28:14 Next to the columns are the palm trees, nestled within plant pots of antique blue china. Their green, feathered leaves are like fans. The room is adorned with a series of statues, bright gold nymphs that hang from the walls. More statues of these female figures are seated around a fountain, which rests against the wall. To Hattie, the palm court has the feel of a room meant for royalty,

Starting point is 00:28:57 because of its appearance, but also because of her treatment from the staff. Every interaction is warm and hospitable. She feels cherished, as if she were a queen. Just moments after the ladies have been seated, the charming waiter arrives with drinks. He serves up glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice, stirred with a dash of bubbling champagne. The friends raise glasses in honor of Hattie. They toast to her birthday and her health and good fortune. Then they sip on their fizzy drinks, which have been served in coupe glasses, also known as champagne saucers. Unlike the narrow flutes usually associated with champagne, the coupe glass has a far The table is laid with the hotel's own cutlery.

Starting point is 00:30:11 This is clear from the imprints of crowns on the handles of the knives and forks. The crockery also looks like a little piece of gold, with a little bit of gold on the edge. The table is made of a single piece of gold, and the crown is made of a imprints of crowns on the handles of the knives and forks. The crockery also looks specially made. It's spotless white china with a thick gold border. The friends become immersed in merry conversation.

Starting point is 00:30:47 They live far apart and have much to catch up on. In between, they sip their drinks, pausing now and then to listen to the music. When their glasses are empty, the waiter returns. He carries with him a tray of warm tea. A silver teapot is set down on the table, followed by a strainer, cups and saucers. Hattie likes the shiny silver teaspoons which are left on the saucers. Their ends are shaped like crowns. This is fitting, as tea has long been associated with royalty.

Starting point is 00:31:33 It is said the drink was introduced to Britain in 1662 by Catherine of Braganza. The Portuguese princess married King Charles II. When she moved to Britain, she brought packets of tea with her. Previously, tea was only taken as medicine in England. Catherine's penchant for tea drinking was quickly adopted by the wealthy upper classes. The tea itself was imported from China, as were the ancient rituals that surrounded its drinking, involving teapots, cups, and saucers. In Britain, people incorporated these rituals into their own daily practice, with a quintessential measure of Englishness added.

Starting point is 00:32:33 Hattie is well-versed in tea-drinking etiquette. It's a practice she treasures. Dot is amused to watch her in action. Hattie is charmingly meticulous about all that she does. As host of the meeting, she pours the tea, serving Dot before herself. Loose-sleeve tea goes through the metal strainer. Then the teapot is placed down with the spout pointing towards her. Each of the ladies pours in their own milk and adds cubes of sugar to suit their tastes.

Starting point is 00:33:22 The cups are then stirred just two or three times before the spoons are set down on the saucers. The teaspoons jut out beyond the rim of painted gold. The saucers remain on the white tablecloth as the cups are raised. The ladies take delicate sips as they enjoy the taste of the sweet milky tea. Fine bone china is said to make the tea taste better, which leads Dot to say that it's very fine indeed. Cups are returned to saucers between each sip as the conversation flows like the notes

Starting point is 00:34:15 of the piano. But soon the arrival of the waiter leads to a brief hiatus as Hattie and Dot glimpse their afternoon tea. It's an appetizing sight if ever there was one. A banquet of delicacies on a three-tiered stand. From top to bottom, the plates become larger, displaying sandwiches, scones and sweet treats. The ladies begin at the top with the plate of sandwiches, elegantly cut into crustless rectangles. The finger sandwiches, as they're called, have been placed on their sides, exposing the fillings between slices of soft bread.

Starting point is 00:35:10 There's the green of cucumber with the white of cream cheese and brightly colored salmon glazed with butter. Another displays ham, sliced thickly with mustard, beside creamy egg salad with cress. Ornate silver tongs have been left on the stand, which the friends use in turn to remove their selection. Then they eat with their hands, as is the custom, taking dainty little bites of the tantalizing sandwiches. Both are delighted by the freshly baked bread, the quality of the ingredients, and the way they've been seasoned. The butter on the salmon has been flavored with lemon.

Starting point is 00:36:05 It complements the taste of the fish beautifully. And the soft cream cheese has been mixed with mint. It adds a tang and freshness to the cheese and cucumber. Sandwiches are washed down with more tea from the pot, poured and stirred with continued ceremony. The friends chat between sips of tea, pausing some minutes before returning to the food. The second course comes from the plate in the middle of the stand. It's a relatively recent addition to the traditional afternoon tea. This is known as a cream tea of scones, which are small round cakes, served with generous helpings of cream and jam. This delightful dish is believed to have originated in the 11th century in the seaside counties

Starting point is 00:37:17 of Devon and Cornwall. The cream tea gained widespread popularity from the mid-19th century. Around this time, tourists began traveling to the southwest of England by train. It's likely that they brought back stories of the cream teas they'd sampled, and it was soon incorporated into the classic afternoon tea. Hattie and Dot each take a warm golden scone. Then pots of cream and jam are placed between them on the table. The strawberry jam looks sweet and delicious and the cream is clotted, a southwest specialty. After breaking the scones into bite-sized

Starting point is 00:38:19 pieces, jam and cream are spread on with a knife. Each bite is then relished in careful, happy mouthfuls, with pauses in between to talk or to simply enjoy the moment. It's not just a meal to be eaten, but an experience. A chance to be completely present. Hattie can savor the delicious scents, tastes and textures, made even more enjoyable by the surroundings of the palm court. There's a lengthy pause once the cream tea is finished, with the ladies content to let their food settle. This is Gott's moment to pull out her present, a rectangular gift box tied neatly with a ribbon. Hattie smiles in wonder. She hadn't seen

Starting point is 00:39:29 the box hidden beneath Dot's coat. It's beautifully designed with a pattern of pink roses and it seems to have been scented with the fragrance of those flowers. Hattie's face glows as she unties the pink ribbon, opening the box to reveal its contents. Within are pyjamas, the color of ivory. They're expertly sewn from the finest silk. Hattie is thrilled to receive the gift, and Dot is delighted by her friend's reaction. Of course, Dot knows of Hattie's fondness for pajamas, especially those that are loose and comfortable.

Starting point is 00:40:29 A little while later, they resume eating, now from the plate to various treats. All the cakes and pastries take the form of attractive little portions. of attractive little portions. There are slices of lemon cake, as yellow as Hattie's dress, and round apple tarts glistening with syrup. Cloud-like macaroons have been drizzled in chocolate beside Victoria's sandwich cakes sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Starting point is 00:41:07 Victoria's sandwich cakes sprinkled with powdered sugar. The friends fall into a very happy silence as they sample mouthfuls of the lovely sweet treats. Hattie can't think of a better birthday treat than the apple tarts with their flaky golden pastry. The Victoria sandwiches, named after the former Queen, are divine too. They're filled with jam and buttercream between soft sponge cake. It's a delicious finale to a wonderful meal, one that leaves the ladies feeling warm and satisfied.

Starting point is 00:42:01 The pair agree that they'll meet again soon, without the need of a birthday or occasion. But the day isn't over yet. There's plenty of tea still and even more to talk about. So, the friends stay here, chatting happily and relaxing on their velvet chairs. The tunes of the piano are soothing like a lullaby. Notes ripple through the room like water in the fountain. The lid of the piano is black and shiny, and it reflects the patterns of the chandelier above. The crystals move slightly in the breeze, which comes through the open window. They seem to dance, their reflections sparkling across the wall and tables.

Starting point is 00:43:12 The light of the crystals is also reflected on the white marble floors, forming diamond-like patterns around the shoes of the friends. It's a dreamlike accompaniment to their happy conversation, which continues to flow into the late afternoon. You You.. You You. You You You You You You You You You You You You You. you

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Leisurely Afternoon Tea in 1920s London

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