"Guards"

It is customary in many countries, particularly in towns, for a number of children, or disabled people, to offer their services as "guards", as soon as you find a parking place.  This can be distressing, and and on occasions irritating, particularly if it's very hot and many of them compete for your attention while you're still trying to park.

This is a situation which different people handle in different ways and with varying results. One person might take a hard line and never agree to a "guard", whilst another may select one of the "candidates" and appoint him or her to watch the car.  The latter option would of course cost some loose change.

There are pro's and con's for both approaches, and it's really up to you to choose the one you are most comfortable with :

• If you always ignore the offers to "watch the car", there is a possibility that it will suffer some minor damage; (scratching, flat tire etc).  On the other hand if you never agree to pay, the chances are that the "guards" will eventually give up and stop bothering you.
• If however you choose to select one of the gang as a guard, it is most unlikely that any harm will come to your vehicle.  The downside is that you will continue to be bothered and it will cost you the going rate every time you park in town.

Whichever option you settle for, try to avoid losing your cool.

Back to The Bush Telegraph

Copyright © Mission and Project Support / Société d'appui aux missions et projets - 1996 - 2007