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Philippa Cary, known as Pippa to friends, swapped a steady sales job in the UK six years ago for a fresh start in Porreres, Mallorca; a town recently voted the island's 'ugliest' in a street poll . Now a preschool teacher at the Rafael Nadal International School, she's also penned her first children's book, inspired by the kindness she found in this close-knit community. As a mother of three, she cherishes the slower pace. "The pace is different here; I have time to think and create," she says.

 

What stands out most is her glimpse into Rafa Nadal off the tennis court. With one of her own sons at the school, Pippa sees Nadal's hands-on side every day and thinks of him as just another dad dropping by. "He comes like any other parent, he’s always keeping an eye on things," she says. "He’s very approachable and genuinely cares about how the children are doing." Pippa notes he takes part in school life and talks directly with teachers. "He's very normal and very respectful of the work we do."

 

It's refreshing to hear about Nadal's normal family moments away from the spotlight. For many in Mallorca, this human side of the legend makes him even more admirable.

 

Image: wikicommons