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I felt a warm connection to Claire and Scott from our first videocall with them in the jungle, and me on a back porch in Joshua Tree. They struck me as fair-minded, grateful, hard working, playful, and private people for whom opening their house to a stranger was a stretch. I immediately knew that I wanted to help them.
In housesitter relationship, I value communication, orderliness, and a simplified routine for the animals, and Claire and Scott checked on all three. Their communication was just the right amount to stay connected and informed, and their response time and patience fielding questions was great. They were wonderful about including me in their dinners, and suggesting places to go. It felt like I was meeting two new friends.
The house itself is a beauty. They designed it themselves. Surrounded by their private and lush jungle. Very little car noise from the nearby highway. Mostly, I heard birds, frogs and enjoyed some of the best full moon viewings and firefly evening shows in memory. Internet is satellite — a high standard in Mexico. There is a wonderful trampoline exercise room, and a lovely spare apartment for the sitter with a quality mattress. The jungle is hot — and there are overhead fans and AC units which need to be balanced in their use, because they are 100% solar — and solar has its own idiosyncrasies.
This is a perfect place to disconnect. I would recommend a housesitter who is good with solitude; proactive about cleaning, assertive enough to keep dogs on the routines, not squeamish about crawling jungle insects (I made no war on the jungle; I just got used to removing many a creature with a harmless little trap that Scott uses that works every time!)
The doggies are fun, upbeat, loving, obedient and loyal to the house, with gentle spirits. Be you so lucky to meet them!
Edward Housesitter
