Motovun is either deserted or crowded, as I already pointed out a few times too many. And the main problem is the inability of the local population to deal with foreigners. Or furešti, as the local expression goes. That is, forestieri or “forest people” in proper Italian. Barbarians, in short. During the cold months, too few of them are admitted, especially if they wish to stay in town or the surrounding countryside. Most are treated like lepers. Foreigners buying houses are never accepted by the locals, even though they spend money earned elsewhere to support the local economy. Which is why they are leaving in droves after the recent real estate boom.

During the warm months, also known as the tourist season, too many foreigners are accepted, if only for a few days at most. To the detriment of the local economy, once again. Fewer, but cleverly selected, foreigners would do the trick. They would spend more money earned elsewhere to support the local economy than any old tourists who spoil the fun by sheer numbers. In both cases, regarding cold as well as warm months, the problem is that of local, regional, and national government. Nationalistic to boot, the government also treats foreigners like lepers.

Few people in power, if any, appear to understand foreigners for what they really are in economic terms—export opportunities. But the locals understand import opportunities all too well for their own good. Cars, motorcycles, television sets, electronic gadgets of all sorts, are coveted beyond their actual worth. Most important, beyond the thwarted export capabilities of the local population. As the locals like to joke, if foreigners would only send their precious money without ever coming. And that is why Motovun is forever deserted or crowded by turns. The protracted economic crisis merely accentuates the pernicious cycle. Chances are that the way things are at present is how they are going to stay, too. Indefinitely.