Soundwalk

Today I walked home from the train station because my bus was thirty minutes away and the walk is about twenty minutes. I decided to take that opportunity to listen for my soundwalk exercise. As I was leaving the train station I heard people chatting and wondering when the next bus would come. There is a new Chinese buffet restaurant that just opened up by the train, and by the sound of it, it has been a success. I heard faint music and people speaking and laughing loudly. I continued to walk until I passed the high school that is by the train. During the day this area is extremely loud because of the students and also because of the high levels of police presence. Tonight it was quiet and I could hear the crickets in the trees outlining the large empty football field. As I continued to walk I heard cars passing by but no conversation as this area was a little more remote. Eventually I passed a cemetery and enjoyed the quiet for a while before continuing along my route. At this point I am hearing cars pass by on the highway nearby and my footsteps against the concrete sidewalk.

I began to get closer to my neighborhood and the sounds of people talking came back, some on their phones outside. I also heard planes flying overhead because I don't live too far from Laguardia Airport. I also heard sounds from halloween displays on the houses, eerie music and dark voices from the props. I am usually upset when I have to walk home instead of waiting for the bus, but I always appreciate the serenity of the walk because it is quiet and I get to indulge in the natural sounds of the world around me.