Talolinga, Nicaragua

Well, I anticipate this entry to be a very short one. I will be brief and to the point.

I very much dislike one of our "tour guides." She has been subtly confrontational and overwhelmingly dominating. Her supposed expertise of the Nicaraguan culture and language has led her to an illusionary state of superiority. One thing that I utterly cannot deal with is someone who holds a position of undeserved authority. I feel that she has placed us on a leash no longer than my thumb.

I rode a horse today for almost 45 minutes during the first part of the ascent from Santa Rosa del Penon to Talolinga. After I dismounted, I walked as fast as possible to escape the group. I succeeded in doing so very quickly. For the first time, I was not a part of a machine being driven by some false authority. I was seen as just some other visitor to Talolinga. I stopped to get directions from an old lady, got directions from several passers-by, stopped at the edge of town for a drink of water, and beat the group by at least 15 minutes to relax and get a drink of fresco.

Unfortunately, soon afterwards, the leash was retied. At this point, I have relegated myself to living in the shadows and getting by. One has to pick his own battles wisely. Regardless of my attitude, I am here for six more days. I would rather be quiet and reserve myself to my own inner world, retreat to my own inner soul, then to complain about every last detail. I am very much looking forward to returning home to Gettysburg.