← Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
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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 getsleepy.com support. Now a quick word from our sponsors.
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welcome to get Sleepy where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas and I'm your host. Thanks so much for joining us. This evening we'll be journeying to a vast desert in western Egypt. There, close to the Libyan border, we'll visit the peaceful sanctuary of the Siwa Oasis. This urban oasis is an ancient atmospheric place known for its healing springs. This is the second part of a two episode series, but don't worry if you haven't heard the first story yet. You can still listen to this one tonight and return to the other when you have time. Thank you again to Kathleen, who always does such a beautiful job of writing these travel stories for us. And thanks to Arif for lending his reliably soothing voice to these two episodes. We'll begin our story in just a moment, but first, as you settle in for the night, find a comfortable position, Close your eyes and take a deep breath in. Sensing the air filling your lungs. Now start to release any tension in the body. Let your toes relax first, then feel the sense of calm travel up through your legs, softening your hips and easing any tightness in your back. Take another deep breath in and as you exhale, release any stress or worry that remains. With each breath in you are drawing in calm, and with each exhale you are letting go. Feel yourself relaxing more and more, sinking deeper into rest. And now let's return to Egypt. This is where our story begins.
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The Siwa Asis is nestled in the heart of Egypt's vast western desert. A timeless place, it beckons adventures with its rich history and serene rolling landscapes. To reach it, one must embark on a journey not only across the physical expanse of desert sands, but also across centuries of time, tracing paths once taken by ancient traders, soldiers and kings. The camel ride to Siwa is an experience in itself, connecting you to the slow Rhythms of the sand that flits and whirls about you and the vastness of nature. This is the adventure that awaits you on the morning of your journey. You awake at dawn to the chit chat of birds and palm trees. The first hint of light barely touches the eastern horizon. The dawn is tentative, shy even. There is a certain stillness in the desert at this hour, a steadiness that feels ancient, as though the very sands are holding their breath. Before the day begins, your camel kneels patiently outside your dark green canvas tent, its large eyes watching you with a placating calm. You are wrapped up in soft garments that are light enough to keep you cool and provide enough coverage from the sun up ahead. The fabric billows in the slight breeze. Eager to watch the sun as it starts its ascent, you climb into your saddle. Once seated, you adjust your weight to find balance on the sturdy animal which has been the faithful companion of desert travelers for millennia. You are not alone here. You're accompanied by fellow travelers who share your spirit of curiosity. There's a drowsy camaraderie. Your caravan of companions, small but well organized, begins to move forward, the slow swaying of the camels setting the pace for the day's adventure. As the journey begins, the first thing you notice is the profound silence of the empty expanse. The only sounds are the gentle plodding of your camel's hooves in the sand and the occasional creak of the leather saddle beneath you. The wind, when it comes, is a muffled whisper, carrying with it the scent of dry earth and distant palm trees. It's a silence that feels both empty and full at the same time. Empty of the noise of modern life, yet full of the ancient presence of those who have traveled these paths long before you. Centuries upon centuries have borne witness to the landscape that surrounds you. The journey to Siwa is a pilgrimage of sorts, not in the religious sense, but in the sense of connecting with something far older and larger than oneself. The path ahead of you is not clearly marked. There are no roads, no signs, just the endless, undulating dunes that rise and fall like the waves of a golden sea. Yet your guides know the way, just as their ancestors have for generations. They follow the roots that have been passed down through oral tradition and keen observation of the stars, the winds, and the land itself. As the morning progresses, the sun begins to rise higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the dunes and turning the sand a brilliant shade of bronze. The heat of the day is still far off, for now the air remains cool and crisp, with a hint of moisture that will soon evaporate under the desert sun. You adjust your headscarf, the traditional cloth worn by travelers in the desert, to shield your face from the sun's growing intensity. The scarf, made of light cotton, is not just a practical garment. It's also a link to the traditions of desert nomads who mastered the art of surviving in one of the harshest environments on Earth. As the sun rises higher, its light filters through the loose folds of your headscarf, casting dappled shadows across your face. The material, light and airy, shields you from the intense desert heat while allowing streaks of hazy, golden sunlight to pass through. It flickers gently as the breeze shifts. The patterns of light and shadow dance across your skin, creating a soothing interplay between warmth and coolness. It's as if the environment itself is cradling you in its ancient embrace. While you journey across the sands slowly, you travel onwards, and your thoughts turn to your destination. Siwa has always been a place of mystery and wonder, A hidden oasis in the heart of the desert that has drawn people from across the ancient world. Its isolation has helped to preserve it. While much of Egypt's history is centered around the Nile and the great cities of Memphis, Thebes, and Cairo, Siwa has existed on the fringes. Nevertheless, this remote outpost has played an important role in the country's history. One of the most famous figures to visit Siwa was Alexander the great. In 331bce, after his conquest of Egypt, Alexander set out across the desert to consult the oracle at the Temple of Amun in Siwa. According to legend, Alexander the Great, already hailed as one of history's most formidable conquerors, sought more than just military and political dominance. He desired divine validation. After his swift and dramatic victories across Persia, he set his sights on Egypt, where he was welcomed as a liberator from Persian rule. But Alexander craved not just the throne, but confirmation of his divine lineage. It is said that he believed himself to be the son of Zeus Ammon, a syncretic deity revered in both Greek and Egyptian traditions. To secure this divine confirmation, Alexander embarked on a challenging pilgrimage to the Oracle of Amun at Siwa, a remote temple oasis deep in the desert. This journey, often considered a test of both will and faith, was no small feat. Even for a leader of Alexander's vast resources, Crossing the desert meant risking the lives of his party. The sands stretched on and on, and they faced dehydration and exhaustion. Yet, according to legend, their journey was aided by mysterious omens. One of the most famous stories recounts the sudden appearance of birds just When Alexander and his men were on the brink of collapse, some birds appeared and miraculously guided the expedition to a source of water. Upon reaching the oracle, Alexander is said to have been greeted with an extraordinary prophecy. The priests of the temple allegedly affirmed what Alexander had long he was the son of Zeus, divinely chosen to rule not only Egypt, but but the known world. This divine endorsement helped to solidify Alexander's place in history as both a king and a God in the eyes of many. As you ride toward Siwa, you can't help but think of Alexander and the countless others who have made this same journey. The desert, unchanged for millennia, offers little in the way of modern comforts. Yet like those who came before, you are drawn to Siwa for its significance and for the promise of water and sanctuary. After the long journey through the sand, the further you travel, the more the landscape begins to change. As much as can be expected in a desert that is what was once endless sand dunes begins to give way to signs of life. Small though they are, patches of greenery start to appear like weeds shooting up between the tiles of pavements. These clusters of hardy desert plants seem to thrive in the arid environment, their deep roots reaching far below the surface for water. These patches are the final indication that you are nearing the oasis, though it will still be hours before you reach the lush groves of Siwa itself. The camels, sure footed and steady, move through the sands with an ease that belies the difficulty of the terrain. These animals, sometimes called the ships of the desert, have been essential to life in the Sahara for thousands of years. Their ability to travel long distances without water, to carry heavy loads and to endure the heat of the desert sun makes them the perfect companions. Your camel moves with a slow, steady rhythm beneath you, its long legs swinging in a graceful rolling motion. Each step feels deliberate, as if the animal is instinctively navigating the shifting sands. You don't resist, but rather move in synchronicity with the movement of the animal. The saddle rocks with the camel's gait, creating a near hypnotic sensation. The soft thud of hooves sinking into the sand, followed by the slight lift as the camel rises, gives the ride a serene quality. Stretching out every stride, the desert vanishes into the skyline with no end or confine in sight. The camel's measured pace makes it feel as though you are part of the landscape. You are flowing with the dunes, moving as naturally as the wind across the sand. The Siwa oasis comes into view long before you actually arrive. In the distance, you can see the faint outlines of palm trees, their Tall, slender trunks rise up from the flat horizon like sentinels guarding the entrance to a hidden world. The sight fills you with a sense of anticipation, and you let out a small sigh of relief after hours of riding through the barren desert. The oasis represents life, rest, and nourishment. There's also a town here consisting of mud brick houses. With a population of around 33,000, Siwa is one of the most isolated communities in Egypt. As you draw closer, the greenery begins to reveal itself in greater detail. The palm trees, now much larger and more numerous, create a dense canopy of green that offers shade and protection from the sun. Beneath them, the ground is covered in rich, fertile soil, fed by the natural springs that bubble up from deep within the earth. The air is cooler here and fresher, with the scent of water and vegetation replacing the dry, dusty smell of the sand. And you can hear water trickling over rocks, a welcome and soothing sound after the silence of the desert. One of the most striking features of Siwa is the ancient fortress of Shali. This massive structure is made entirely of karshev, a mixture of salt, mud, and clay that is unique to the region. The fortress was built in the 13th century by the Berber inhabitants of Siwa. It once served as the center of life in the oasis, protecting people from invaders and the harsh desert climate. Today, much of Shali is in ruins, having been damaged by heavy rains in the 20th century, but its towering walls remain, a testament to the skill and resilience of the people who constructed it. As you ride through the winding, sun dappled streets of old Siwa, the scent of spices and herbs mingles with the warm desert air. The alleyways, narrow and labyrinthine, guide you deeper into the heart of the town, where the low hum of conversation and the clink of pottery echo off the mud brick walls. You pause by a stall, its shelves lined with jars of dried herbs, spices. A man, his face lined with the wisdom of years, sits behind the counter, slowly stirring a pot of mint tea. He greets you with a smile. Motioning toward a small wooden stool in need of refreshment, you dismount your camel and approach the stall. The aroma of the tea is instantly soothing. It seems the desert has a way of stirring up both thirst and curiosity. The merchant chuckles softly. He pours a small glass of mint tea and hands it to you. The tea is hot, fragrant and sweet, with the familiar scent of fresh mint leaves rising from the glass. Siwa has always welcomed travelers. This particular point, in fact, was a stop for caravans carrying goods across the Desert traders from Libya, Egypt, and even further would come through here, exchanging spices, textiles, and stories. You muse upon this as you sip your tea, feeling its warmth spread through your body. Despite the desert heat. The tea in your hand feels like a surprising refreshment. Rather than intensifying the heat. Each sip brings a soothing calm to your body. While the minty aroma cools the senses, somehow it creates a sense of balance, slowly restoring your energy. As you drink, you glance at the array of dried herbs and teas on display. You ask the man what tea he recommends, motioning toward the jars. The merchant's eyes brighten, gauging that you're after the essence of Siwa. He insists that you try his desert hibiscus blend. It's known to cool the body and the spirit after a long day in the sun. And for the nights when the air cools and the stars seem to hang low enough to touch, he suggests sage tea brewed with a touch of honey. It's said to bring clarity to the mind and peace to the heart. You nod, intrigued by his descriptions. You agree to buy a pouch of both, already imagining the taste of the teas beneath the palm trees, with the oasis stretching out before you. As he measures the teas into small pouches, the merchant looks at you thoughtfully. Every visitor comes to Siwa for something different. As he ties the pouches with twine, he tells you that some travelers seek the history, others the healing waters, and some, like yourself, perhaps come to find something they didn't even know they were searching for. You ask the merchant what he has found inside. He smiles, looking out at the distant palms swaying gently in the breeze, and tells you that what he has stumbled upon is peace, connection, a reminder that even in the vastness of the desert there is always life. You take your teas, thanking the merchant, and as you ride away, the quiet wisdom of his words stays with you. The people you are traveling with have also purchased trinkets, bits, and bobs to take home with them, a reminder of the adventure the people of Siwa have long been known for their hospitality. As you pass through the town, you are greeted with smiles and nods from the locals, many of whom still wear traditional dress. The women, in particular, are known for their distinctive jewelry, large, ornate silver pieces that are passed down as family heirlooms. The Siwan language, a Berber language, is still spoken here, though most people also speak Arabic. This linguistic and cultural distinctiveness is a reminder of Siwa's long history of isolation and its unique place in the Egyptian landscape. The Temple of the Oracle rises from the rugged hilltop overlooking the Siwa oasis. Built in honor of the God Amun, the temple's once grand walls now stand in partial ruin. But it still commands a sense of awe. This sanctuary, though eroded by centuries of desert winds, holds an aura of reverence. It's as if the voices of the priests who once presided here linger faintly in the air. Standing by the temple, you can almost imagine Alexander the Great, his footsteps echoing in the corridors as he sought guidance from the oracle within these very walls. From the temple's elevated position, the view stretches wide, offering a panorama of the lush green oasis below and the infinite desert beyond. The contrast is striking. The vibrant life of the palms and springs against the golden expanse of sand. It's a reminder of Siwa's role as a sanctuary in the vast emptiness of the Sahara. Siwa is also known for its healing springs, which you visit later that day. The most famous of these is Cleopatra's Bath, A large circular pool of crystal clear water that has been used since ancient times. Legend has it that Queen Cleopatra herself once bathed here. You can imagine the scene. The desert breeze lifting the folds of her robe as she stands by the edge of the pool, gazing into the clear, shimmering waters. The pool, fed by the life giving springs of Siwa, sparkles in the sunlight, its surface calm and inviting. As Cleopatra steps in, the cool water embraces her, offering a moment of relief from the relentless desert heat. Whether or not the queen truly bathed here, the pool itself remains a tranquil sanctuary. With its crystal depths, it represents the enduring allure of Siwa's natural beauty. There are numerous other springs scattered throughout the oasis, each with its own unique properties. Some are said to have healing properties. People come from all over Egypt to bathe in them, seeking relief from ailments ranging from skin conditions to joint pain. The water, rich in minerals, is believed to have therapeutic qualities. And many of the springs are surrounded by lush gardens and palm groves, creating a serene atmosphere. The oasis is also famous for its agriculture, particularly its date palms and olive trees. The dates of Siwa are considered some of the finest in Egypt, and the olive oil produced here is highly prized for its quality and flavor. The people of Siwa have been cultivating these crops for thousands of years using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. The rich, fertile soil of the oasis, combined with the abundant water from the springs, creates the perfect conditions for growing these valuable crops. As you walk through the date palm groves, you can see the intricate system of irrigation channels which have been developed to manage the water supply. These channels Allow water to be distributed evenly across the fields, ensuring that every tree gets the right amount of moisture. The irrigation system shows the ingenuity of the people of Siwa. They have learned to thrive in an environment that at first glance, seems harsh and unforgiving. As the day draws to a close, you climb back onto your camel for the final leg of the journey, on your way to a campsite further west. There, your camp awaits you, a cozy place for the night with soft cushions and blankets spread out inside the tent. The sun is beginning to set, casting long shadows across the oasis and turning the sky a brilliant shade of orange and pink. The air is cooler now, and a gentle breeze rustles the palm leaves, carrying with it the scent of dates and olives. The camel moves slowly, its steady gait matching the relaxed pace of the evening. You ride out of the oasis, leaving behind the green groves, mud brick houses, and return to the open desert. The dunes, now bathed in the light of the setting sun, stretch out before you in every direction, a vast golden sea that seems to go on forever. As the sun dips below the horizon, you find yourself riding off into the sunset, a figure silhouetted against the endless expanse of desert. The journey to Siwa has given you a sense of connection to the ancient past, to the land, and to the people who have called this oasis home. For millennia, the desert, timeless and unchanging, has seen it. And now, for a brief moment, you have become a part of its history as well.