Clocking sounds around the British Virgin Islands can be a game. You can surely play. No effort, just time to listen and appreciate what you may hear. You could write a list of these sounds, you could write a play about them and you could use them as a life-puzzle of what’s going on around you.

Start with the roosters. They are not just announcing morning.They have gotten into  the post position of crowing during the day. And often, they surprise you, as they are quite close. Other times they annoy and wake you up,long before morning. And then, they parade in front of you,in all their stunning glory and are silent.

Footsteps are another thing. The fashionable high heels of the moment click along the hallway. Then, there is the determined work shoe across a pebbled path, alerted you of a visitor. The sound of running is always a curiosity. Where, who, what mission? If you are super alert you may even recognize the sound of bare feet…barely!

Kitchen sounds are signs of good things. Pots clinking and cutlery in the sink. The mild tap of glasses being carried on trays, a signal of fine wait-staff, and a not a single mishap. The hum of the refrigerator competes with a generator and the purr of an air-conditioner. Home sounds. Comfort. In the hotel, the hustle and bustle of preparation is continuous.

Often,at a distance,there is the sound of a basketball,on the court. And this heralds an evening game,with the voices of the crowd and the announcer. Often, wafting in the wind. you are amazed of the clarity of the occasion. Other times, the wind changes and things are muffled and mixed. But you know there’s activity nearby.

Boat sounds are Wonderful.They range from the start of the newest engine, to the flap of the smallest sail, to the roar of the ferries all day long and the rumble of competition and fun on the sea. The waves play their part as they lap the shore or roar around when the weather is ruffled up and a storm is approaching. The sea-gulls chime in,for all occasions, winging their persistent way to sky conferences, making announcements as they travel.

Traffic is a big subject. I will leave you to listen by yourself. For,you get life clues there too. The sounds of human voices could entertain you for hours, without your spying even one person. To your right and to your left, and above you, in a small hotel, for instance, are the mingled and muffled voices of other guests. Who are they? What are they saying? In what language?

Church choir sounds, fungi music sounds, reggae music sounds and classical music sounds are topics for a life-time of listening. And,if you are really curious,you might hear sounds that you,yourself make up in the hum of an engine or the rumble of the wind. Sounds like songs.

Notice, with the whir of bees and the flap of flags and wings, you could amuse yourself. And, notice, I have NOT mentioned the eternal and ever-present sound of the television. You choose.

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