Sailor's Rest: Adriatic Port

Drift into deep, peaceful sleep with ease after a long journey at sea in tonight’s sleepy story, “Sailor’s Rest: Adriatic Port.” Imagine yourself aboard your sailboat, Serenity, as you come into a charming port in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic walled city with your pup, taking in the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea. At nightfall, you return to your cozy cabin, rocking gently to sleep beneath a twinkling starry sky.

It’s time to dream away.

Transcript

Slip away from the world and find a place of rest with tonight's immersive sleep story.

You are listening to Sailor's Rest,

Adriatic Harbor,

A seafaring tale that brings you to the charming walled city of Dubrovnik.

On the cusp of summer,

You glide into the port to spend a calm night after a long voyage.

As the rich afternoon sunlight pours over your skin,

You explore the quaint world amongst the protective stone walls,

Feeling a deep connection to centuries past.

The gentle creak of your sailboat Serenity's timbers and the soft lapping of the Adriatic against her hull create a familiar,

Comforting lullaby.

The briny air,

Cool and soothing,

Drifts through the open porthole.

As you're gently rocked to sleep,

It's time to dream away.

Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.

I'm Michelle,

And I'm here to offer you a soft place to land at the end of your day.

Celebrate all you have done today by giving yourself time to unwind and enjoy a mental holiday.

This journey will set the tone for calm dreams to come.

Think of me as a dear friend and sleep ally.

My voice will only bring us to safe and serene destinations,

And you may change any detail you wish as we proceed.

In the sanctuary of your room and mind,

Anything is possible,

And you may surrender to sleep whenever you wish.

Years ago,

I found myself in Croatia with a dear friend,

Exploring the ancient cities,

Climbing bell towers,

And swimming in the turquoise water.

I often return there in my mind,

And my experiences have inspired this story.

We're going to take a few relaxing,

Conscious breaths together as we welcome softness and a time for slowing down.

Open your mouth and let out a sigh,

Making a sound as you let go of any thoughts or feelings that might get in the way of our Adriatic journey.

Feeling present,

Inhale slowly and with care,

Feeling your body claim all the space it can.

Imagine the air smells of the sea,

Salty and sweet.

The space around you transforms,

Taking on the peaceful ambience of the deck of your beloved sailboat,

Serenity.

If you feel a yawn coming on,

Welcome it,

And then let out a long,

Gentle sigh.

Your abdomen rises and falls like the gentle cerulean waves that lap against the walled city.

Appreciate the stillness of this moment and the quiet settling of your mind.

Continue to inhale,

Maybe yawn,

And sigh at your leisure,

Letting each breath become deeper and more gratifying as I count us down.

5.

The Adriatic glitters around you as you revel in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on your skin after a long day's sail.

4.

A deep sense of gratitude washes over you,

Appreciating this peaceful arrival in port,

A welcome reprieve from the open water,

A reminder that home may be found wherever you roam.

3.

Centuries of protection found within this harbor 4.

Send a wave of comfort and warmth that spreads through you.

Feel the safety and security within the tranquil embrace of the harbor as the whispers of the sea join the distant sounds of the city.

2.

Your muscles soften,

Your shoulders relax,

And you find it effortless to surrender to the gentle sway of serenity.

1.

All thoughts and concerns have drifted away with the tide,

2.

Creating the space in your imagination to anticipate the wonders of a sailor's rest as you inhale,

Yawn,

And sigh one last time.

Your breath returns to an easy,

Natural rhythm,

And with that,

It's time for our story to unfold.

3.

We sometimes ache for what isn't within reach.

A landlocked sailor will long for open seas,

The uncertainty that comes on long voyages and demands being completely present in the moment.

And then once far from land,

With nothing but the stars overhead and the deep blue waters around,

A longing for home begins to stir.

The sails are readjusted with a port in mind,

And some time is then spent on land.

These yearnings add an air of romance,

Heightened anticipation,

And a true understanding of how fragile time is,

And how easy it is to feel something that's missing.

Imagine yourself on the high seas,

Aboard the Serenity,

A vessel that has become more than a reliable companion and friend.

Her personality crafted by you when she came into your life a few years ago.

Back then,

She was but a bare-bones soundhole that you spent countless hours transforming into the perfect solo world cruiser.

Every update was made with self-sufficiency and comfort in mind.

You wanted her to feel like a home,

But she became so much more.

And what a gift it was to have the chance to design something from scratch,

Customizing each detail with a thrilling sense of freedom and creativity.

The 38-foot cutter rig has a classic elegant profile.

Her hull,

A deep navy blue that seems to absorb the very depths of the ocean,

Is complemented by a crisp white deck and a varnished teak towrail that gleams like chestnut honey in the sun.

Solar panels are sleek and unobtrusive,

Providing the vessel with power and the easy use of modern amenities.

A robust wind generator spins gently in a stiff breeze.

A backup power source that makes life more comfortable.

The interior pays homage to traditional nautical design blended with modern practicality.

Warm honey-toned wood panels are found on the bulkhead with a smooth,

Well-polished grain.

The cabin floor features dark mahogany wood,

Providing secure footing even in a rolling sea.

Every locker and drawer is organized with care,

Bringing a sense of ease and comfort,

And keeping provisions and equipment secure during long passages.

But what truly makes Serenity special is that she's yours,

An extension of you traveling through the world.

She can take you wherever you wish to go on the water,

And that is a profound freedom not everyone gets to enjoy in this life.

And while optimized for solo travel,

There's a furry co-captain always aboard.

You travel with a dog,

A long-time companion who has easily adjusted to a life of sailing.

With four sea legs,

The sweet pup is often your shadow,

But now sleeps comfortably on a nautical dog bed on the deck.

The afternoon sun pours rays of white-gold light onto the Serenity as your pup sunbathes and dreams,

Twitching their legs and fluttering their eyelids ever so slightly.

After many days at sea,

The familiar rhythm of the waves begins to soften as the coastline of Croatia appears on the horizon.

Dubrovnik,

A city that has risen from the ashes of history time and again,

Its spirit unbroken by sieges and earthquakes,

Still retains an old-world charm.

Restored to look as though nothing ever happened,

Its bright orange-red terracotta roofs rise behind the limestone walls,

Pops a vibrant color against a clear blue sky.

The Adriatic is a rich shade of cerulean,

A sea of a million mirrors glistening in the warm sun.

Your heart flutters at the sight of this spectacular city,

Feeling a wave of appreciation as you drift closer.

Founded in the 7th century,

The port city was called Ragusa and flourished as a maritime republic for centuries.

It was a hub of trade with an enviable and strategic location,

Enduring loss and triumphs with strong influence from the Venetians.

In modern times,

It's become a popular vacation destination,

Often attributed to a popular cable show.

But arriving in the shoulder season of late spring,

You avoid the intense heat and the throngs of summer tourists are still a few weeks away.

It allows a more intimate experience that you crave after being at sea.

The air is perfectly temperate,

A gentle warmth carrying the promise of summer without the stifling humidity or blazing sun.

As the serenity glides into the sheltered harbor,

The air thickens with an unfamiliar scent unique to the city of old damp stone,

With a hint of blossoming citrus and coastal flowers.

The welcoming cries of gulls seem to announce your arrival,

And you hear the clinking of glasses and silverware at nearby cafes,

And the friendly,

Drifting voices from joyful conversations.

They create a soundtrack you haven't heard in some time.

It's quite a contrast to the isolated music of the sea crashing against your hull on dark,

Starry nights of travel.

You smile broadly,

And the taste of salt lingers on your lips.

Your pup stirs,

Sniffing their way out of slumber to take in the tantalizing aromas of wood-fired pizzas and grilled seafood.

Docking is a familiar ritual,

Lines secured,

Fenders placed with practice ease.

It's hard to imagine a time in your life when this didn't come easily,

But sailing is just one of those things that seems overwhelming at first,

Before your muscles remember and take over one day with unanticipated grace.

You put a leash on your pup and slip your bare feet into a pair of loafers,

And step onto the solid stone quay after so much time at sea.

It's a peculiar and unique sensation.

The world feels strangely still and dense,

But your body hasn't caught up.

A subtle,

Almost imperceptible sway persists,

The spirit of the Mediterranean still rocking in your bones as you and a tail-wagging pup make your way towards the ancient city gates.

Ascending the worn limestone steps that lead into the walled city brings you back in time.

Like many stories of cities and villages of Croatia,

It's quite surprising to see street names on a map,

Only to realize that there are narrow foot-traversed stone walkways and paths that lead upstairs,

Not at all like the streets you may have envisioned.

A storybook world comes to life with breathtaking views of cliff walls and the shimmering deep blues of the Adriatic,

Framed by the imposing pale limestone walls that have guarded the city for centuries.

Café tables spill out onto walkways,

Covered with a colorful array of red and white and blue and white striped umbrellas.

An ancient clock tower rises in the heart of the walled city.

Your pup cannot help but keep their nose vertically tilted toward the air,

Taking in the new aromas of savory cuisine.

You settle at a café table outside a three-story dwelling that offers a restaurant on the first floor and apartments overhead.

With views of the courtyard,

You watch live musicians play as young children dance in a circle,

Their joyous peals of laughter echoing through the stone buildings.

There is a uniform look to this limestone city,

And yet upon closer inspection,

You can see the variations in the stones,

Fossils telling stories of what came before you and all that the city has endured.

As you settle at an umbrella-less table to enjoy a quick bite,

You re-acclimate yourself to the energy of human life.

Visitors and locals alike stroll by,

Dressed in layers,

Still not trusting the warm weather will prevail into the post-sunset hours.

But now,

The sun filters through the stone buildings and warms your face,

A pleasant contrast to the often fierce glare of the open sea on the sunniest days.

The waiter arrives to take your order,

Bringing a silver bowl of cold water for the pup,

Who laps eagerly and relishes the attention.

A cool,

Sparkling citrus drink quenches your thirst when it arrives,

With a few light bites that you enjoy,

Taking in the scene as your pup settles in the shade beneath the table.

You linger for a bit,

Appreciating the chatter and murmurs of the city that reveal more musicality than you ever really noticed until you started sailing on long journeys.

You rise and stretch before feeling the sleepiness that often comes in the late afternoon hours,

Prepared to explore.

The streets are such smooth stone,

It's almost like walking inside a palace rather than outdoors.

The buildings,

Constructed from the same beige limestone as the walls,

Rise organically from the stepped streets.

The stone polished smooth and glistening,

Worn by the passage of countless generations.

It's easy to imagine knights in armor and merchants haggling in these very same pathways.

The fort city feels both impenetrable and surprisingly intimate.

The narrow alleyways opening into small,

Charming squares.

Rounding a corner,

You never know what you may find.

A hidden gem of a restaurant or shop.

Or in this case,

You're amused to discover three tiny kittens peeking out from holes in the facade of an old stone home,

Their eyes wide with curiosity.

They playfully swat the air,

Teasing your pup,

Who curiously wags their tail and looks to you for guidance on what to do.

You smile and just encourage your dog to follow along,

Leaving the soft meows in the wall to fade in the distance.

You peruse shops,

Selling hand-crafted candles and nautical bags made from reclaimed sails.

Your fingers run through the pages of coffee table books that romantically capture the city and tell tales of its history in small captions.

A shopkeeper offers a treat to your dog and shows an array of hand-stitched bandanas in varying shades,

Embroidered with the word Dubrovnik.

You select a nautical pattern that has navy and white stripes on one side and a navy backdrop with floating white stars and anchors on the other.

You pay for it and carefully tie it around your pup's neck,

A small token to remember your day together.

You walk until your legs and inner ears are accustomed to land once more,

And until your pup starts to slow down,

Indicating they're getting tired.

But the many stairs and ascending paths feel good,

Stretching your muscles in ways they haven't enjoyed in some time.

As the afternoon mellows into the evening,

You seek out a spot to perch yourself along the ancient stone wall.

High enough to watch the sunset and peer at the city below.

A soft wash of rose gold and peachy orange light spreads across the limestone buildings,

Creating a sense of dreaminess and warmth.

As the magenta sun lowers,

The terracotta rooftops take on a fiery glow.

The cerulean sea transforms into gently rolling waves of liquid amber and coral,

Silky and shimmery.

Faint wisps of high clouds spread like slender fingers through the sky,

Catching the light in hues of crimson and lavender.

Fuchsia bougainvillea cascading down the weathered walls,

Reflecting the vibrant sunset colors on its waxy vines and leaves.

The energy of the city below seamlessly shifts as the afternoon glare softens and shadows move in quickly.

The first golden Edison bulbs strung around cafes and shops twinkle to life.

Candles are carefully set on cafe tables,

Their gentle flames transforming casual daytime spots into intimate venues for fine dining.

The air,

Still warm from the day,

Carries the faint melodies of music drifting from open doorways.

It's amusing to hear the songs that are selected.

Some are long-ago ballads that once played on FM radio in the U.

S.

You have enjoyed countless sunrises and sunsets with your pup.

It's become a cherished tradition,

Taking time to slow down and appreciate this transitional moment as night wakens to day and day surrenders to night.

A pleasant tiredness settles in,

A satisfying ache from the physical exertion of the voyage and the thousands of steps explored within the city walls.

A gentle reminder of a day well-lived and a journey's peaceful end in sight.

And while you take a similar path back,

The walk feels quite different as twilight deepens with an air of mystery and magic.

The sky transforms into a gradient of deep blue and purple,

Fading from the last vestiges of orange and pink near the horizon to a velvety indigo overhead.

A slender crescent moon hangs delicately between the clean lines of a sailboat's mast in the harbor.

Your mind captures it with a mental image,

The deep marine blue sky overhead beginning to twinkle with stars.

A gentle cool breeze drifts off the water that is still too brisk for swimming,

But perfect to stir the lingering warmth of daylight that radiates from the ancient stones.

On the way,

You stop at a small local market.

Its stalls still displaying fresh produce,

Cheese,

Proteins,

And crusty bread.

You pick up a few items,

Envisioning a simple grilled dinner aboard Serenity.

It's always nice to balance eating in town and then enjoying the views from her deck with your pup.

No matter where you dock,

Returning to the Serenity is returning home.

This comforting sense of belonging and feeling grounded,

Even while aboard a floating vessel,

Meets you with familiarity.

Your pup,

Sensing dinner time,

Starts licking at your shins as you guide them back to the boat.

You encourage your furry companion to board first and follow behind,

Undoing the leash and slipping out of your loafers and into flip-flops.

The familiar scent of wood and canvas meets you as you start up a small charcoal grill and then feed your dog.

The dark navy canvas of a starlit sky and twinkling water soothe you as the dancing flames lick the silver grill and you add your market goods to hear a satisfying sizzle.

Another port city,

Another meal on the deck,

With the lights of Dubrovnik and ancient walls reflecting on the water.

You settle into your favorite deck chair as your pup sits at your feet,

Begging for a grilled treat or two.

You finish your meal and lie back,

Looking at the stars and feeling the complacent heaviness of your body sinking into the cushion.

The serenity lives up to the promise of its name in this beautiful spot where the tides of the Adriatic meet the vibrant pulse of life on land.

The port offers the chance for a rare luxury,

A hot shower.

You wrap in a robe and gather your toiletries.

As your pup settles below in the cabin,

The marina's facilities beckon,

Promising amenities that you forgo during long voyages.

Stepping inside,

Your flip-flops land on the cool cobalt blue tiled floor and you enter a private stall.

The pipes groan softly before a rush of gloriously hot water erupts from the showerhead with remarkable pressure.

Steam billows around you and you appreciate every pulse of the massaging water.

Droplets bead on your skin,

Cleansing you as the botanical soap lathers richly,

The scents of eucalyptus and lemon filling the steamy air.

The shampoo infused with citrus tingles on your scalp,

Leaving you feeling weightless and clean.

Time seems to melt away under the soothing cascade of water.

Every muscle relaxes,

The knots of tension accumulated from hours at the helm slowly unraveling.

You inhale deeply and the sense of cleanliness is so profound.

With some reluctance,

You turn off the shower and towel off,

Wrapping yourself once more in the soft terry cloth robe.

You step back out into the cool marina air,

The contrast surprisingly pleasant.

Returning to the serenity,

The hull gently rocks like a cradle or a hammock strung between palm trees.

The cabin is dimly lit by the soft glow of the companionway light and you can hear the soft snores of your pup nestled in their bed.

Shedding the robe and changing into pajamas,

You slip into your bunk.

The custom mattress,

Designed for support during long voyages,

Offers a bed as comfortable as a luxury hotel.

It's quite a rare experience that came about when you customized the sailboat.

The clean ivory sheets are a welcome invitation.

The warmth from the shower lingers,

Mingling with the cozy confines of your floating home.

As a cool sea breeze circulates through the porthole,

With a rhythmic sloshing of water against the hull as your lullaby,

And the comforting presence of your furry companion nearby,

Sleep comes quickly and deeply.

The day's adventures fade into Adriatic dreams,

Leaving a reverberating sense of peace that comes with a sailor's rest.

You drift between wakefulness and slumber a few times before giving in to the undertow of sleep.

Finding bliss.

Finding comfort.

Finding serenity.

Finding sleep.

Reviews

Thank you, Michelle🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Always wonderful to travel to and explore great places throughout the night, this time arriving with your sailing boat, and your furry companion, in the ancient city of Dubrovnik. Loved it, thank you🙏🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🙏🏻

Michelle is an artist with words, she has a beautiful voice and uses the background music and sounds perfectly.

Michelle, what a lovely story! Made me wish I was there too! Beautiful city, wonderful adventures with a pup & great food! So peaceful on the boat! I’ve never been to Croatia but it sounds amazing! I listened to this two nights on repeat & fell asleep so quickly! Listening to it this morning was so relaxing & made me feel like I was there! Thank you kindly for sharing your adventures! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

Thank you, Michelle, for this fun sailing adventure. This brought back memories of two years ago when I went to Croatia on a cruise ship. It is a beautiful country & I went on a tour to a forest with a beautiful park & river.

I didn’t hear much, so it must’ve done the trick. Thank you again for another lovely story. And if I have any suggestions or recommendations, I will let you know. Thank you for making that lovely offer, you’re so kind.💜💜💜

It was very relaxing and I fell asleep very quickly. I will listen again. Thank you!!

Very soothing and soon got me to sleep sadly didn’t hear all of it but will be listening to this one again. Thank you now to listen to a get me back to sleep one xx