During the Nicaraguan war when the Sandinistas and Reagan-backed Contras were slugging it out in the Central American country, it was not easy to reach Managua, Nicaragua's capital.
Language is a problem.
Everyone speaks Spanish. You grope your way to the only hotel, dominating the view, overlooking Managua's muddied lake. It is the Intercontinental Hotel. You heave a sigh of relief because the pretty hostess can slip in a few words of English and is clearly excited about an Indian on the premises. As I enter my room I receive a note. ''The general manager would like to have dinner with you in the penthouse apartment.'' At the appointed hour I knock at the door.