Farewell Montanita

Three weeks in paradise, not without its challenges.
How to explain the dichotomy that is tranquility and bedlam, in a town that, once sleepy, rustic and untouched, is now literally a building site for tourists.
Mid stretch through a yawn, woken abruptly, vegas esque, castles in sand.  Locals thrust into the spotlight, a tourism smorgasboard, spotlight on and not a trained performance ready.
Confused, overwhelmed, uneducated, misinformed, unprepared.  Nothing becoming a spectacular literally overnight.  Like a car racer with the speed wobbles, the wheels threatening to fall off as everyone learns to navigate whilst learning to drive.
Promises and expectations, a booming mecca, a competition to snare the visitors...genuine intent, true friendships blossoming, yet lost in the mirage and facade.
Romantic ideals mixed with urgent race to succeed...the potential for salty sandy disappointment is high.
We enjoyed the mixture...from anonymous gringos to welcomed family we experienced both ends of the spectrum.  The hustle, the surge of offers, the twinkle and glamour...and then the tranquill, trust, reciprocated friendships that blossomed.
It is hard to reconcile the two...knowing that we are just slightly more permanent than those that leave in a few days, yet feeling as if the connection is worth so much more, and will endure so much longer.
With sadness we left...yet happy to know that we have found a second home, a place that, despite the boom, we will be a part of the family that is the foundation.
Farewell Montanita
Hasta Luego!