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Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy.
My name's Thomas, and the fact you trust in this show to help you get a good night's sleep truly means the world to me.
This evening, we're continuing our exploration of Zimbabwe.
In tonight's story, we'll travel to Lake Kariba.
It's the perfect place to unwind as you go sailing, swimming and then fishing for your evening meal before you turn in for the night.
As with last week's tale in this part of the world, it was written by Kathleen and I will be reading it to you.
Don't worry, if you've not heard the first story yet.
You can always go back and listen to it another time.
Now my friends, find a comfortable position wherever you're resting.
Then, close your eyes and take a deep cleansing breath.
As you exhale, feel the tension leaving your body.
Let go of any worries or thoughts from the day. allowing your mind to settle into a state of calm.
Now, let's focus on the soothing sounds of water.
Imagine you are sitting on a sailboat, the wind softly blowing through the sails on a tranquil lake.
Listen closely to the lapping of the water against the hull, each wavelet carrying with it a sense of peace and serenity.
As you breathe in, visualize the water's energy flowing through you.
Cleansing and revitalizing your entire being.
With each breath, notice how you feel more and more at ease.
As you drift off tonight, carry this feeling of calm with you.
We're going to be sailing on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe, in Southern Africa.
This is where our story begins.
Under the bright rays of the sun, the boats reflect their pastel exteriors on the calm surface of the lake.
Like colorful sweets scattered on a blue tablecloth.
They float, mirrored on the glistening glass-like water.
As the boats bob, their reflections mime their sways and ripples, adding a sense of movement and life to the view.
Each detail of the boats, from the masts to the hulls, is faithfully mirrored.
It's like a still life painting.
The sun's rays dance upon the surface of the lake, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadows.
Located on the Zambezi River, Kariba is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
The idea for the dam and lake originated in the 1940s.
While it is now a place of recreation, it was from the start a controversial construction project.
Its creation was a joint venture between the then British colony of southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, and the former federation of northern and southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland, now the countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
It was a means to harness the Zambezi River's immense hydroelectric potential and provide electricity to the growing region.
The project aimed to control the seasonal flooding of the river and generate power to support industrial and agricultural development.
Over time, Lake Kariba became an essential water source for both Zambia and Zimbabwe, providing irrigation and hydroelectric power.
Balanced between the countries, this lake has become a shared space, a communal meeting point of cultures.
One where you, or anyone for that matter, would feel welcome.
It's also now a prime spot for fishing, sailing, and stunning sunsets.
And that's why you're here today.
As you admire the reflections and soak in the beauty of the scene, a feeling of serenity washes over you.
You head over to your little boat.
Her name is Aurora and she's a small dinghy known as an optimist, which is quite the fitting term, you think.
The boat is wooden, with a pale duckling yellow exterior and large white sails.
Feeling the warmth of the fiberglass on your hand, you decide it's time to rig her up.
You inhale deeply, knowing you'll sleep well tonight.
There's nothing like a day on the water to leave you sunkissed, exhausted, and ready for bed.
With that thought, you head up to the shed to collect your sails and sailing kit.
As you walk up the little hill, you pass the local fish market.
It's a bustling and lively scene, and the air is filled with the rich aroma of freshly caught fish.
Colorful wooden stools line the waterfront, displaying an impressive array of capenta fish.
The fish, also known as Tanganyika sardines, are small, silvery, and abundant in these waters.
When dried, they taste like crispy little salt treats.
The vendors proudly showcase their catch, arranging the fish in neat piles or baskets, their small gills glistening under the sunlight.
The market is abuzz with activity.
Fishermen unload their boats, bringing in the day's catch in large nets.
Their laughter and the soft clicking of tongues in both Shona and Ndebele fill the air as they exchange stories.
The clatter of baskets and the sounds of haggling between buyers and sellers create a vibrant mishmash of commas.
Under the baking sun, it feels heavy on your senses, so you walk on and collect your kit.
Back at the harbor, you start to rig up Aurora.
The promise of adventure fills the air as you unfold the mainsail, feeling the crisp fabric in your hands.
Carefully, you attach the clips of the mainsail to the mast and then to the boom, securing it tightly with the weathered ropes and ties.
One day, you'll have to replace them, but for now, they'll do the trick.
Next, you rig the sprit, completing the triangular shape of the sail.
Your fingers move with confidence, knowing that each step brings you closer to being out on the water, the wind brushing across your face.
With the sails firmly attached, you step back and admire your work.
Aurora now stands ready, kitted out, with her billowing sails, awaiting the moment when she can glide over the water's surface.
Wading her out, you hop aboard.
And just like that, you are on the move.
Looking out on the horizon, you pick your destination.
It's a small island called Archipelago.
If the wind stays true and you run your course without any hiccups, it'll be the perfect spot for fish on the fire.
As you start voyaging out, the wind fills the sails, propelling the boat forward with a gentle yet invigorating force.
The sun warms your skin, and the rhythmic sound of water lapping against the hull follows a steady motion that you are soon accustomed to.
The wonderful thing about nature is that it very much has a mind of its own.
And in this instance, as if it's decided to hold its breath, the wind stops.
The sails slacken, and the boat glides to a peaceful standstill.
You find yourself enveloped in near silence, with only the gentle sound of water.
As you wait for the wind to return, you embrace this unexpected moment of stillness, savoring the beauty of the calm waters and the sense of being at one with nature.
You spot a kingfisher perched on one of the branches poking out of the water.
Its iridescent turquoise and orange wings rest by its side.
Ripples and the occasional bubbles of fish swimming beneath the boat are the only movements that disrupt the still water surrounding you.
Your new kingfisher friend hovers briefly, scanning the water below.
You watch in awe as he locks sight on his target, a glimmering fish just beneath the surface.
With wings outstretched, he swoops down with incredible precision, breaking the water's surface with a graceful splash, like nature's very own Olympic diver.
Then, in a split second, he shoots back up. beak firmly clutching the shimmering prize.
As the sailboat glides slowly across the sparkling waters of Lake Kariba, you imagine the wind whispering to you, as if to say I'm still here, come and catch me if you can.
The day is nothing short of magical, with the sun illuminating the azure expanse and the waves caressing the hull of your vessel.
You're ready to get moving again, but a new challenge looms on the horizon.
You know these temperamental winds and that now is the time to change tack and navigate around a small rocky outcrop that lies ahead.
With a steady hand on the tiller and an attentive eye on the telltales dancing in the breeze, you prepare an about turn.
If your crew were here, you would call out to them, telling everyone to duck their heads under the boom.
But today, alone on the lake, you only need to take care of yourself.
You look upwards in preparation for the readying sails which seem to be prepping themselves for the forthcoming shift.
As the boat nears the outcrop, the wind seems to sense the change in direction and playfully alters its course.
No stranger to the playful cheek of the elements, you deftly turn the boat into the wind.
It's instinctive.
The sails billow and flap, releasing their power.
For a fleeting moment, they have full, free rein.
With the sails luffing and full.
The boat slows and you brace yourself, feeling the shift in momentum.
The sails are white and crisp against the cloudless sky.
They remind you of a perfectly whipped set of meringues.
Ready about, you think to yourself, as you swing the tiller to the opposite side.
You hop to the other side of the boat and quickly adjust the sails, pulling in the sheets with a practiced rhythm.
At this point, it's practically muscle memory.
As Aurora completes her turn, a newfound energy surges through the currents that carry you below.
With the rocky outcrop now safely behind you, you gaze ahead at the open waters, ready for the next leg of your journey.
Well, just about ready.
You could do with something to eat, a quick lunch in the sun.
Luckily, you packed a sandwich before you set sail.
Unwrapping it, you take a bite.
The taste of fresh, soft bread fills your mouth.
You chew slowly, appreciating the simple pleasure of the snack.
You probably wouldn't enjoy it anywhere near as much on land, you think to yourself.
As you eat, you feel beads of sweat forming on your forehead and reach for your bottle to take a sip of water.
Then you dip your hand into the lake, splashing your face until you cool down a little.
Despite the heat and occasional discomfort, you appreciate this moment of peace and solitude.
It's a simple pleasure, but it's grounding.
You take another bite of the sandwich, then wash your lunch down with another swig of water.
It's cold, refreshing and light, and it seems to clear your head instantly.
Soon, the allure of the lake becomes too strong to resist.
You decide it's time for a cool-down, a quick swim.
The water's inviting surface beckons you, and you already feel the inevitable, yet welcome chill.
With the boat anchored securely, you stand at the edge, looking down into the clear depths below.
It's time to take the plunge.
You inhale as you leap off the boat, feeling the rush of air against your face.
The cool water surrounds you, creating a buzz around your body as you make your way back to the surface.
The initial shock of the cold gives way to pure bliss as you begin to swim.
You feel alive, connected to nature.
As you float on your back, looking up at the clear blue sky, you feel weightless and at peace.
Your senses are heightened, and you notice the subtle shifts in the water's temperature around you.
Glancing to the side, you notice how the sun's rays dance on the surface, creating mesmerizing patterns.
Then, out of the corner of your eye, you catch a flash of movement beneath the water.
Curiosity peaked.
You turn your head to see a small fish darting through the crystal clear depths.
Its scales shimmer with myriad colors.
And it's not alone.
There's a whole school of them.
Enthralled, you decide to follow the fish, eager to get a closer look.
You swim silently, trying not to disturb the serene underwater world.
The fish seem to play, with you darting away and then circling back, as if inviting you to join them in their aquatic performance.
As you glide through the water, you notice how every single fish is unique in both shape and color.
This school of tiny fry swims in harmony among the seaweed, while larger fish cruise lazily through the aquatic landscape.
The fish appear completely at ease, unaware of your presence, or maybe simply unbothered by it.
You feel a sense of admiration for their ability to navigate effortlessly through the water, each movement seemingly purposeful and yet graceful.
On the boat, you feel small, looking out on a seemingly endless horizon.
Here, by contrast, you feel very large, almost imposingly so.
As you observe these creatures, you gain a newfound appreciation for the delicate balance of life beneath the surface.
The lake, once just a beautiful expanse from the boat, now reveals its hidden wonders that only come to life below the surface.
Eventually, you start to make your way back towards the boat, feeling a sense of contentment and wonder.
You emerge from the water with a smile on your face, the sun now warming you like a big fluffy towel.
After pulling your body back onto the boat, you lift the anchor and continue on your way to Archipelago Island.
With the wind picking up, you start chopping through the water with a refreshing and energized speed.
As you continue your boating adventure, you notice a subtle change in the atmosphere.
The wind begins to pick up, causing the sails to billow and snap as they fill with newfound energy.
The boat responds to the invisible force, leaning slightly to one side as it catches the wind's power.
You feel a rush of excitement as the boat gains momentum, gliding smoothly through the water.
The sensation of forward movement takes over, and you become one with the elements.
With each gust of wind, you feel a tug on the tiller in your hand, guiding the boat's course.
As the boat heels to one side, you find yourself leaning with it, balancing your body to maintain stability.
The water splashes playfully against the sides of the boat and you can't help but let out a laugh in response.
Archipelago Island is close now.
In a moment, you'll have to hop off and tie up Aurora for the evening.
As the boat cuts through the water, you look over your shoulder and see the frothy wake Aurora has left behind her.
You lean back, feeling the spray on your face, and take in the scenery all around you.
The sun slowly descending after a long day's work casts a golden glow over the lake's surface, which will soon turn a warm shade of bronze.
It's time to bring the day's boating adventure to a close.
Hopping over the side, you guide Aurora towards a safe and sheltered spot.
The water near the shoreline is calm, providing nature's very own perfect host.
As the boat glides towards the shore, you prepare the ropes and fenders.
With practiced precision, you secure the boat to a sturdy dock post, ensuring it remains steady and protected from any potential currents or unexpected movements during the night.
As Aurora settles into her new resting place, you can't help but feel a pleasant wave of exhaustion.
The adventures of today will be repeated tomorrow when the sun rises.
So, with the boat securely tied up, you bait a fishing line and start working for your supper.
Fishing rod in hand, you gaze at the water.
It's serene, reflecting the orange and pink hues of the twilight sky.
There are no bites yet, so you reel in and recast your line, hoping for better luck this time around.
The bait lands gently on the water's surface.
You wait patiently, allowing the ripples to disperse before beginning your slow and steady retrieval.
The quiet around you is almost meditative.
You take a deep breath, savoring the tranquility and solitude.
Moments pass and you remain still attentive to any subtle signs of a fish nibbling at the bait, any small tug or pull.
Your senses are heightened, attuned to the nuances of the water.
Feeling a slight tug on the line.
You calmly and expertly reel in the fish without any haste or urgency.
You allow it to play its part, feeling its slight resistance yet never causing it unnecessary stress.
As the fish breaks the water's surface, you scoop it into your waiting hand.
With the fish secured and the evening settling in, you decide to cook it on an open fire, adding a touch of rustic charm to the outdoor experience.
Gathering some dry wood and arranging it carefully, you create a small campfire near the water's edge.
The crackling flames dance in the night, casting a warm glow around you, and the scent of burning wood fills the air.
You prepare the fish by cleaning it thoroughly, ensuring it's ready to be cooked.
With a sprinkle of salt, a drizzle of olive oil and a few herbs from your well-prepared stash, you add simple yet flavorful seasoning.
As you place the fish on a sturdy grilling rack over the fire, you watch the flames lick at its edges.
The aroma intensifies and slowly you turn the fish over, ensuring it's evenly cooked with a perfect golden brown finish.
The warmth envelops you, and as the sun goes down, the campfire becomes the main source of light.
You bite into the fish, which is soft and cooked to perfection.
You savor each mouthful feeling grateful.
And now, full and tired from the day's adventure, it's time for bed.
As the night sky unfolds above the tranquil Cariba, you find yourself settling in for a truly magical experience.
Sleeping under the stars on the boat.
The rocking of the water beneath you creates a soothing lullaby, hypnotizing you into a state of relaxation and serenity.
With blankets and pillows arranged on the deck, you create a cozy nest for the night.
The cool breeze carries a hint of the day's warmth.
It's not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
The stars twinkle above you, their brilliance undiminished by any city lights.
Lying down on the deck of your boat, you take a moment to let your eyes adjust to the darkness.
The constellations glittering above become your companions, each one telling a story in the night sky.
The boat gently rocks, cradling you in its embrace, and time seems to lose its hold as you find solace in the vastness of space and the comfort of the boat.
You close your eyes, and the soft sounds of nature surround you.
The lapping of the water against the boat's hull, the distant calls of crickets and frogs and the whisper of the wind through the trees.
All of it comes together to lull you into a deep slumber.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching!
Let's pray.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
