I have a deep affection for Spain, so when an acquaintance asked if I could care for her five cats in Mallorca in exchange for staying in her house, I eagerly accepted the opportunity. This was a new experience for me, so I arranged a video call with the homeowner, Daniella, who spoke to me from her cozy living room in the charming town of Binissalem.
Daniella, a business coach from Switzerland who had relocated to Mallorca, explained that she would be leaving for a coaching course in Arizona and needed someone trustworthy to look after her beloved feline companions: Phiro, Jabbo, Nunik, Orion, and Yoda, all of whom she had rescued as kittens.
According to Daniella, during warm weather, the cats spent most of their time outdoors, so my main responsibility would be to ensure their well-being and feed them twice a day. In exchange, I could enjoy the comfort of her ensuite guest room and even make use of her car.
“Do you have experience with cats?” Daniella inquired. I had to admit that I hadn’t taken care of cats since my teenage years, but I had always found my friends’ pets to be adorable and delightful company.
Although I was filled with excitement, there was a tinge of nervousness. While I was accustomed to traveling alone, having ventured to destinations like Vietnam, Bali, and Las Vegas on my own, I had never stayed in a stranger’s home during an overseas trip. The fear of feeling isolated lingered in my mind.
However, my concerns were swiftly dispelled. Daniella provided me with a comprehensive introduction to Binissalem, showcasing its narrow streets and ancient vineyards dating back to Roman times. She introduced me to some of her longtime friends, fellow English-speaking expatriates settled in Mallorca, during a lovely meal at Es P’dal, a restaurant tucked away off the town square. Among them were a celebrant specializing in officiating weddings and other ceremonies, as well as a life coach. Daniella graciously added me to their WhatsApp group, where they shared upcoming social activities.
After bidding farewell to Daniella at the airport the following morning, my journey as a first-time cat sitter commenced. Daniella had provided me with detailed information about each of her pets: Phiro, a gentle ginger tabby; Yoda, a timid gray tabby who preferred the great outdoors; Nunik, a tuna-devouring tabby with a white belly; Orion, the long-haired secret ruler of the house; and Jabbo, a black and white feline who was perpetually begging for food.
True to Daniella’s words, upon arriving at her home in Binissalem in her white convertible, Jabbo gave me an enthusiastic welcome by rubbing against my leg and gazing up at me, hoping for a treat.
In no time, I established a comfortable routine. Each morning, I would wake to the melodic chimes of the town’s church bells, descend to clean up the remnants of the cats’ dinner from the night before, and proceed to serve them breakfast. I ensured they always had access to dry food for grazing and fresh water.
Next, I would check the weather forecast. If the sun was shining, I dedicated my mornings to working on my newsletter, “The Honesty Box,” before venturing out in the afternoon to explore the picturesque beaches of Muro, with its turquoise sea and long stretches of pale sand, as well as Cove S’illot, nestled near a small restaurant boasting breathtaking views across the Bay of Pollenca.
Returning to Binissalem, I would conduct a thorough search of the garden for the cats and give them their evening meal. On cooler evenings, I would relish the cozy moments on the sofa, accompanied by one of my newfound furry friends.
One day, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in a yoga class at Bini Balance, just a short walk from my temporary abode. The instructor, Cristina, conducted the class in both English and Spanish. Following the class, she extended an invitation for me to join a weekend retreat in the nearby Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, a beautiful sanctuary in the heart of the island. There, we practiced yoga amidst the tranquility of nature and savored paella cooked outdoors.
Additionally, my friend Holly, who had connected me with Daniella, introduced me to creative writing classes led by the renowned author and editor, Alice LaPlante. Alice, a long-time teacher at Stanford University, resided in Mallorca and graciously welcomed me into her home in Palma, the capital city of the island. We delved into the intricacies of short story-writing and scene description techniques, and later met to discuss a novel we had all read. Holly also shared her favorite dining spots, including La Trencadora, an Italian restaurant hidden away in Pollenca’s enchanting streets, and Sa Placeta, a charming eatery in Palma renowned for its Mallorcan specialties.
As time flew by, the moment to bid farewell and return to London approached. Taking care of the cats had made me feel like a true resident of the island, and parting ways with my five newfound companions filled me with a hint of sadness.
In conclusion, my cat-sitting adventure in Mallorca not only provided me with a unique experience but also granted me the chance to fully immerse myself in the local community and embrace the island’s natural beauty. I will forever cherish the memories I created during my stay.
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