It is not a given that you will meet people again if you spend six months a year in southern Africa. Even if you don’t say «good bye» but «see you again» when you leave you never know whether you’ll see each other again.

What counts for people also counts for animals. When we left behind a cat that crossed our path in Kandersteg, the probability that she would no longer be alive when we returned was greater than the chance that we would see her again. The cat is 23 years old and a methuselah. But maybe she also has seven lives – that’s what they say about cats…

Our joy was great when the cat showed up again after a few days. Of course, I helped this return with special food – I now know how to catch mice with bacon and cats with ham. She quickly recognized where she could get plenty of petting and the best food.

No wonder the cat is now already waiting for us on the terrace early in the morning. She can no longer hear anything and see so well – but she recognizes us and greets us with a joyful meow, meow, meow. Then she lies down on the sheepskin, where it is soft and warm until the next food is served…