Andy and Claire, we were a tiny little part of your time, but so glad you enjoyed seeing us. Your title of Arillas Effect (I use the words "Arillas Magic") says it all. The Arillas Effect is felt by all of us. Like lemmings we keep coming back until we fall off the cliff. Jen and me are working on it, but the cliff seems even further away for us. We have made a study of what makes us all come back, and I have followed all of the opinions the many folk who have expressed them to me. Boringly, I have not made a spreadsheet or a graph out of it.
It is the people and the welcome which make up the Arillas Effect. The Greek people, not the "bladdy tourists." They cement friendships that might be a bit wobbly and bring others together who as "bladdy tourists" would never even speak to each other. Some will cynically say it is all about making money, the smiles are false and the welcome is not real. But they are wrong.
I believe that Poppy Bardis embodies the Arillas Effect. Her business is secondary to her hard work and desire to make people be together and be happy. She looks after all the local tavernas by filling her complex with customers. But having spent the evening with her, I fully understand why her clients book time and time again. Bobby confirmed that is now 6 times since we have stayed for 3 weeks in July. But this story could be rewritten by others who see the same in Anna studios, Armourada, Brouklis, Mirage, Marvel.....
I could go on but I think I have had my 10 cents worth. Whatever the f*** the effect is, long may it continue.
Phil