' It's our first time, but we'll definitely be back' 
'We've just fallen in love with the place' 
On and on it goes - something about Cyprus - and in my experience Kouklia, just reaches out and grabs people. 
Our second year in business in Kouklia has shown just how many people come back again and again. 
August in particular has provided a steady stream of  repeat visitors to the Village - and it's wonderful to renew friendships and catch up on news of the year gone by. 
Many have their favorite Taverna, and again and again we see heartfelt ' hello, welcome back greetings from Taverna Owners. Some make a point of dining at different Tavernas on different evenings but at the shop we are in a quite unique position, because most visitors pass through our door - some on more than one occasion at some stage during their stay. 
Some visitors speak of plans to retire to the area in years to come, twice this year already returners came with the news that they had bought property nearby. Some families with children and a holiday property relocate to Kouklia area for the entire summer holidays. 
So what is the Kouklia secret ? 
First and foremost Cyprus is a great holiday destination which has it all! Sun, Sea - Great places to visit, fantastic food and plenty of it, we drive on the left, and the Cypriot people are most welcoming.  -
Within this, Kouklia itself has a secret ingredient,  -  the co operation of Business owners, the local Council, friendly locals and the ' real feel'  of ' Cyprus Culture'  in a picturesque Village Square. 
Somewhat unusually in Cyprus I'm told, people talk to one another and work together to the greater good of all involved, creating a destination village venue which, once experienced,  draws Visitors back again and again. 
Kouklia is not ' over developed'  thankfully retaining a population which is made up of many more Cypriot Nationals than Ex Patriots. 
We don't have bingo nights or pub quizzes blaring screens with football. ( yes there's one on the square, but it's ' low key' and doesn't effect the ambiance of the Village.
This is Cyprus - real Cyprus at play on summer nights - something very special - and once bitten - your'e hooked!!!!

This week at Kouklia Arts we are struggling with intense and unusual levels of Heat and Humidity - but we carry on !!!

In the shop we have fans churning around all day and night to create some air movement, staff no longer sit outside under a shady umbrella - finding it more comfortable to retreat into the shop and placing themselves in front to the fans. 
In the Gallery and school we unashamedly perspire into our paint and onto our canvases- it's just ' how it is'.

Painting in Acrylic is somewhat exacting as the conditions create poor application - things just don't ' flow' in the usual way. 
We aim to stay tucked away in shady areas, with a constant flow of Frappe, water and soft drinks to keep hydrated. 
We celebrate any breeze afforded to us - arms outstretched - embracing the cooler currents and air movement. 

In the school at present - some of our Adult Students are focusing on large oil paintings of cool flowing rivers and streams - and perhaps taking a moment to wish they could step into the painting for a while to enjoy cool rippling waters. 
Even Artists have deadlines however - so the work must go on - -
Thankfully we have the opportunity for plenty of breaks when concentration ebbs - and top sit for a while and share a drink with the Guys in the Coffee shop - Cyprus Style, and to head off to the beach or the pool - a treat to round off the working day - and provide respite from these extreme Middle Eastern conditions. 

We suffer for our Art in the knowledge that we are indeed privileged to be here at all in Cyprus.