There were several nice surprises when we pulled up to our weekend swap home in Cape Cod. First, the exchangers had posted a large sign on the fence behind their reserved parking spot. It directed us right to their door. We could have found the unit ourselves because each home had a number on it. But since the parking spot was in front of the house that was two doors down from the exchange home, it might have been a little confusing.
It was thoughtful of the swappers to remove the element of chance from finding their home. This is the kind of little touch that enhances the home exchange experience.
We found the second nice surprise as we approached the exchange house. It was located right on the water. We knew that there was water near their development but most of the homes were in the interior of the property. This home, by contrast, had a large deck looking right out onto a lake that sparkled in the sunlight. Whether or not we ended up liking their town we could spend the weekend relaxing on the deck as the water flowed past.
Approaching the front door, we found the last surprise. This was Mandy, the exchangers' cat. She waited on the doormat to greet us. This probably had more to do with wanting to get inside to her food dish than with that ol' home exchange hospitality, but that was alright.
We love having a loaner cat when on exchange. To us, nothing makes a house a home like a purring lap cat. Of course, there is no guaranty that an exchange family's cat will be pleasant. Some are interested only in being fed before they turn around and leave again. Other cats are actively hostile when new people are in their homes. Mandy was well-groomed, gentle and affectionate. A perfect temporary pet.
Next time: what we found inside.
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