Originally Posted by greenery
I would like to hire a couple of local men that would speak English and the local language who would answer my questions, deal with locals and push away touts, beggars and associated troublemakers. But also help me navigate the City and its problems. I want someone who can assist me in enjoying the people and culture of foreign cities but protect me from the hassle.
You're f'n kidding me right?
The hassle IS the culture of these cities!!!! How do you expect to honestly experience the urban realm of say India or Thailand if you can't even experience a tout or homeless person? If it's such an issue, just ignore touts and homeless people (don't say "no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no," every time they ask you for something). What's the point of leaving your gated community if you want bodyguards to protect you from this "threat" that you're imagining?
Places like Columbia or Iraq where there actually is a risk is one thing, but India?