The Sounds of Grenada….

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The sounds of Grenada may not be what you would expect.

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.

I stumble out of bed and shuffle to the kitchen to make coffee. Dishes can wait. (I have my priorities).

I sit in front of my computer and contemplate my semi-conscious state. I listen to the black parrots singing in the tree off the terrace, and the Caribbean breezes that rush through the luscious foliage of the surrounding landscape.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Soca music has just filled the entire house. I blink. Where is it coming from?

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Listening to the sounds of Grenada from my porch

Bobbing to the beats, I dance onto the terrace to see if it’s the neighbour down the street with a loud car stereo. No…it’s too loud for that….

The music is loud enough that it must be coming from the neighbour’s place. But I didn’t realize they had a stereo (or electricity, for that matter)…

I dance around to the front of the house. The music gets even louder. Okay, it’s not the neighbour….this music is echoing and bouncing through the entire valley.

Here’s what I hear and see on this morning: (the video doesn’t quite capture the volume of the music, but I’m sure you’ll get the gist)

Click here to see this video on YouTube.

These classic sounds of Grenada are coming from the local pasture; the central point for community gatherings and sports events. It’s not uncommon for music and announcements to fill the entire valley, especially for Sunday afternoon cricket or football matches on the pasture.

I’ve lived in so many places in the world where these audio levels would be considered intolerable. Here, it’s a welcome part of the Grenadian soundscape. The music is cheerful, and a reminder that there’s always a celebration under foot.

Although I’m sure something entertaining is going on at the pasture, I return to my coffee and laptop to resume waking up. It’s early yet…I’ll heed the next musical call; it won’t be long.

Interested in Life in Grenada? Check These Posts Out…

Buses in Grenada

Driving in Grenada

Don’t Send me Presents: My House Has No Number, My Street No Name

The Art of Liming

Curious Facts About Grenada

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12 thoughts on “The Sounds of Grenada….”

  1. What a wake up call! I’m not sure I would have been quite so relaxed to hear a drum beat that early on during my morning routine, but then if it is accepted by the locals why attempt to adhere to any other way of thinking!

    Reply
    • Hey Charli – Funny thing is, when I was describing this morning serenade to a friend (before writing this article), it was only in their reaction that I realized that these noise levels would be considered unacceptable in many places. Here – it really does seem natural. Heck – it’s better than listening to traffic and sirens! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Ah, the sounds of the Caribbean. Noise levels like this are very common. I welcome the sound of soca dancing up the valley to the muffled sounds of soca trying to escape the trunks of cars. — oh you know what I mean πŸ™‚

    Reply
  3. Well who needs coffee! I’m sure that got the blood flowing for a more speedy caffeine experience. It actually sounded very upbeat anyway.

    Reply
    • Hey Cheryl – Indeed! It’s a lovely way to wake up. And on most Sundays, the music echoes throughout the valley during the afternoon and evening. No complaints here! πŸ™‚

      Reply
    • It is indeed! (Although “affordable” lies in the eye of the beholder. It’s one of those places where you can spend as little – or as much – as you like! But if you keep to local foods and venues, it is very reasonable). When were you in Grenada?

      Reply
    • TELL me about it! You’ve got to like dark chocolate though…..my fav is the Himilayan sea salt dark chocolate bar. Or the one with cocoa nibs in it. Yum!

      Reply
  4. Hi, Nora! I likes your blog a lot! Like you, I have travelled a lot and it seems this upcoming summer, I am in Grenada! Do you still live there? I just found out from there embassy in DC that Americans need to apply for a long term visa before the expiration of a 90-day. I heard that they have some duty on electronics items even if they are used personal effects. Can you please give any info? Thanks

    Reply
    • Hi Pradeep,
      No, I no longer live in Grenada, but I hope you will enjoy it! It’s an amazing place.
      I’m not sure about duty on electronics. If you plan to move to the island and are shipping stuff there, then yes, you may have to pay duty. But if you are just carrying small personal electronics with you, you should be fine. I came and went many times with my laptop, phone, and other electronics with no problems.

      Reply

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