Our baby is double digits! Where does the time go? And how can it feel simultaneously like there is no way 10 years have gone by and also like Luisa has always been part of our family?? Unfortunately Luisa’s birthday fell on a travel day so we decide to pre-celebrate (she called it her “Ersatz” birthday) the day before. She chose to start the day with crepes, then to spend the day at her favorite beach (Christi Milia where the waves are fun) followed by dinner in the Old Village. It was low key but nice. And we got a few family photos which makes me happy! 

Then on her actual birthday we started the day with our traditional birthday breakfast. We made do with a donut cake and she only got a few presents since turning 10 in our family means a birthday trip instead of gifts form Steffen and I, but we had a nice morning and she was happy to be celebrated a bit. Then we packed up, returned the rental car and got on the ferry to Skiathos. We then had 7 hours to kill before our flight to Athens. Not ideal. But we had some fun (and some complaints). 

First we found a laundromat and got all our laundry done in 1 hour for €15 total! That was amazing. While the laundry was going, we ate a late lunch. Then we found a nail salon that also had these fish tanks for your feet. The girls had their nails done, and Steffen and I braved the fish feet. It was a strange sensation that took some getting used to but kinda cool in the end. We also spent time playing games, eating ice cream, picking up one last gift for Luisa and being a bit bored. The it was time for the long walk to the airport and our flight back to the mainland. 

While we were in Skiathos all day today, I was surprised to see a larger shopping and eating area just a few blocks away from where we had been two weeks ago. A hopping area that we had no idea existed! When we left in the evening, it was quite crowded and felt very touristy though cute in parts. I have to say, I’ve very glad we found Alonnisos and spent the bulk of our time there. It really is so beautiful and calm and not at all commercialized. A gem in the Aegean Sea!