We are back from a month-long vacation in Greece. Loulou Maya met all her close relatives and even some not-so-close ones and we had the chance to eat amazing food and spend time with our loved ones. September is a great month to visit Greece, as most of the tourists are gone and the sea is really warm as well.

We spent ten days in Alexandroupolis, with N.’s side of the family and then we went to Planitero, to visit my grandparents at their village. After that, we went to Preveza, to visit my best friend, and then to Athens, to see my side of the family. Finally, we spent five days on Syros island. I have been there before, the summer of 2010, camping with a large group of (almost constantly drunk) friends, so I knew it was a great place. This time, however, the experience was very different and even more pleasant. It was Loulou’s first holidays on a Greek island and we stayed at an apartment that we found via airbnb, which I love. It was this great place.

I might or might not make a post with tips about traveling with a baby, but until then, enjoy some pure Greek summer bliss 🙂

Alexandroupolis

Alexandroupolis

Alexandroupolis

Planitero

Planitero

Planitero

Planitero

Planitero (OK, not really, but on the way there. It’s Achaia municipality anyway)

Preveza

Preveza

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Syros

Aaaaaand a bonus Summer Loulou Maya 🙂

Loulou, a true summer child.

The end of these holidays found me full of mixed feelings. I terribly miss my friends and family and I wish we would live closer, so that they could watch Loulou growing up live and not through skype. On the other hand, unemployment rates, bureaucracy, a non-child friendly urban environment make a return to Greece not such a great idea at the moment. However, despite all the vices of our homeland, we do plan going back relatively soon (aka before we retire). At least, when we came back to the Netherlands, we were greeted by the clean streets and atmosphere, our peaceful neighborhood and lots of kid-friendly activities.

Oh well, happiness is largely a matter of attitude anyway, no matter where we are 🙂