One Night in Kabul
Mick Heron is a former Royal Marine and a Security Consultant working for TOR International.
Could you list some of the countries and cities that most concern you regarding security?
Arguably the most dangerous place for westerners at the moment is Mogadishu in Somalia, don’t visit there unless you want to go on the Kidnap diet. Of the more visited places where I think you should take serious care are Guatemala City and Lagos.
You have visited some very interesting locations that most people won’t visit, which has been your favourite? and why?
I have good memories of Bolivia. It is the quintessential South American country – you can have it all – Mountains (Andes) Lakes (Titicaca) Desert (Atacama) and the Amazon. Due to the huge altitude change it’s all within a day’s travel.
Is there anywhere to eat out in Kabul?
There are a surprising amount of places to eat out although if I was honest none that you would get too excited about.
When you are there what do you do to relax and socialise?
In Kabul everything takes a bit more effort because of the security situation. There are a few Gyms that I would visit within the UN compounds. There are a few swimming pools but they are in the big western hotels so you swim at your own risk.
Can you drink? Are there bars? If yes are they considered ‘safe’?
You can drink and many people do. It’s something that is generally frowned upon by most Afghans who don’t really understand why we do it. Due to the nature of the job it is not very professional to be drunk as the situation is very volatile and can change quickly.
What are the major hotels in Afghanistan?
The Major hotels in Kabul are the Intercontinental and the Serena both of which have had numerous attacks against them. Although they do have good security most of it relies on locals who don’t get paid a lot so I would probably avoid those particular places.
What is your favourite local dish of all the countries you have visited?
The dish that always sticks out to me was Chillied Red Snapper – I ate it a lot in Malaysia/Singapore. I’m not sure if it’s that local but I’ve never had it as tasty anywhere else. My least favourite delicacy was something they eat in the Philippines called “Balot”, which is a gestated chick in a shell – totally disgusting!
What’s your most memorable moment of the time when you have been working?
When it was a bit safer I used to like walking around the ancient wall in Kabul, it’s about 500 meters above the city. I took a few people up there to watch the sunrise it was a magical sight, all to the soundtrack of the morning call to prayer echoing over the city.
Where would you most like to visit that you have never had the chance and why this place?
I have not been to Japan. I love places that are unique and don’t try to emulate other countries particularly the US – I think Japan would be like that. It also has a rich mixture of ancient and modern history.
What do you always take with you when you travel?
A book, IPod, earplugs, sunglasses, $200 and mints
What’s your best piece of travel advice?
If you see a toilet use it – don’t wait!
ET Travel has managed global travel movement for TOR International for eight years.
Published on Nov 11, 2011
