From this discussion, one thing I couldn't follow why a guide should matter so much in an audit if the 'guide' isn't the auditee him/herself? What crucial role does a guide play except showing the auditor the way to the area and getting him/her introduced with the auditee? Rest is to be taken care by the auditee of the area concerned, IMO.
While reading all your quotes, I saw myself (German, able to speak English!) in the Italian heat treatment facility I once was. If my guide would had be gone, I would be LOST!!! Speaking very little Italian, and the buildings where really confusing!! It would have taking me 30 min, to find a way back to the admin-desk for sure!!! And I think after this time of walking, I had made the desicion to cancel the audit at once, Bad mods.
But normally, this is the way we handle it internally and my expierence at suppliers, there are two persons, one from Quality and one (changing) from the audited department, so if the Quality guy are called off, the other can bring me back or to the next department on my plan.
And I think in most companies, it is also not aloud, to leave guest alone, so the guide shall be come back soon, or find someone to car for you, or he will get trouble.
Greetings TamTom