One week in Greece, we arrived full of excitement, ready to sink into that famously laid-back Greek rhythm. A moment to relax, recharge and enjoy the beauty around us. Yet somehow, we find ourselves a week later feeling… exhausted. Not because we haven’t been enjoying ourselves, quite the opposite. This place is close to our hearts and brings joy to all three of us, maybe even especially to our little one. But this week has brought more than just crystal waters and ouzo sunsets.

It’s been a week of birthdays – joyful! – but also full of technical headaches, especially with the batteries. What began as a slow suspicion during a crossing, things charging too quickly, then cutting out altogether, has grown into a major issue. We knew our lead-acid batteries might not last forever, but now it’s clear we need to make the switch to lithium. A significant upgrade, and an investment. One our boat and the way we live aboard truly deserves.

So, while we celebrated, Edwin’s mind was working overtime. Researching, contacting suppliers, reaching out for help, trying to understand what’s needed and how we’ll pull it off, not a simple task when you have no fixed address. Getting the right equipment in the right place is challenge enough. Add to that the fact Edwin can’t install it himself, so we’re now also on the hunt for a trustworthy, available, and somewhat affordable technician. Meanwhile, the generator’s running far more than we’d like, and the list of repairs is growing.

And yet: birthdays! 12 and 14 July are always big days aboard, with two of our three celebrating. We marked Edwin’s birthday in charming Fiscardo, with cake during the day and dinner in our finest at a lovely square that felt like it came straight out of a postcard. A special day, albeit with battery worries lingering in the background.

Then came the 14th: Philou turned six – a milestone worthy of full celebration! Balloons, candles, presents, and dozens of sweet birthday messages and videos made the day extra special. And of course, it was also “Yes Day” – when mom and dad had to say yes to (almost) everything. Thankfully, it wasn’t the wild, extravagant day we feared. Philou’s wishes were modest and charming: picking meals, deciding on her hairstyle, two scoops of ice cream (not three!), and one go with make-up. The joy was in the power to choose, and she absolutely loved it. Meanwhile, Edwin was juggling Yes Day energy with the stress of electrical chaos… not the easiest combo.

That same day, it felt like Murphy’s Law had boarded the boat. Random things started breaking: parts of the gangplank came loose, the dinghy engine gave out mid-journey in rising wind, and in general, it felt like the ground beneath us was shifting. Deep breaths, pancakes, and onwards to the next day.

By Tuesday, the dust began to settle. The decorations were down, we basked in the warmth of the love we’d felt on Philou’s big day, and the battery plan began to take shape. Philou went off on a play date, and suddenly there was stillness. Space to breathe, to think, to regroup. And with that, momentum started returning.

A plan is in the works. With any luck, we’ll find a solution in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we’re living with limited power, but surrounded by natural beauty and blessedly calm weather. If we have to face these issues somewhere, at least it’s here. And through it all, one thought keeps returning: balance.

This week reminded me that joy and challenge often walk hand in hand. The beautiful can’t exist without the difficult. Light only shines in contrast to the dark. The most magical moments often come wrapped in chaos. Life is full of contrast and therein lies the balance.

Written by: Mirjam