Travel Influences: Thomas Rathsack

This is the first post of my  monthly series “Travel Influences”.  Will discuss  how influencers around the globe are inspired by their travels.  For my first post, I am interviewed a great friend, Thomas Rathsack. Thomas and I met in 2005 when we were both posted in Baghdad, Iraq and have been friends ever since. He introduced me to one of my favorite cities in the world, Copenhagen and is partly responsible for my move to Europe in 2006.  During our first conversation,  he shared his amazing travel experiences: from working as an NGO in Afghanistan pre-9/11 to being a fashion photographer in Chile.  I recall telling him: “Dude, you should write a book”.  Several years later, he did.  Jaeger – At war with the Elite was released in 2009 and became a bestseller in Scandinavia.  The book was recently translated into English, you can order it here.  Since the release of his memoir, he has written three best-selling military fiction books, a fourth to be released soon. He currently lives in Copenhagen with his beloved girl (his Afghan mix pooch), Selma.

Interview with Thomas Rathsack:

What was your first trip abroad as an adult? What were your impressions?

In 1986 I went to California with a couple of friends. I was 19 years old and it was my first trip overseas.  We arrived in San Francisco, rented a car,  and drove down Highway 1 along the sea towards Los Angeles.  On our way, we stayed for a few days in Monterrey and Santa Barbara.  I loved it.  Used to the windy, grey and cold Scandinavian climate this was a completely different experience.  The majestic beauty of the Pacific was absolutely amazing.  Los Angeles was overwhelming for me. Coming from a tiny nation with only 5.5 million people, this city seemed enormous.  Everything was so big: the cars, the buildings, the steaks, even many of the people.  What also struck me was the huge gap in the city’s atmosphere.  Some neighborhoods had a rather somber atmosphere with people sleeping in the streets and searching for food. In others – since it was the 80’s – I saw so a lot of red Porches, funny hairstyles and harsh make-up.

 2. Which destination abroad has given you a completely different perspective on travel?

It must be Afghanistan. For eight months in 2001 I was a program manager for a Danish demining NGO.  My job was to clear Russian mine fields around Kabul as well as clearing unexploded ordnance in various provinces.  This was during the Taliban regime and to some extent I had to cooperate with the locals. I have never experienced – and probably never will – this extreme degree of intolerance and  poverty in both an intellectual and material level.  Women were beaten on the streets, people executed on the national stadium for minor offences, music and kite running were banned and people were litteraly eating from the gutter. This period really opened my eyes to how the world also was – and some places unfortunately is. (P.S. still, in this rough country I also found the lovee of my life – my dog, Selma.

3.  Which destination has been your most interesting to explore on business? Why?

If soldiering is considered business it was Iraq. For more than a year (2004-05) I served as a bodyguard in Baghdad when the city was most affected by the war.  The entire city was a regular warzone and I have never experienced human nature in such perverse and macabre manner.  At the same time, I experienced an extreme degree of loyalty, courage and affection from my comrades.  This contrast made the whole experience rather bizarre but at the same time, it’s a period of my life that I miss.

4.  Same as Question 3 but for leisure travel.

For two years, I traveled as a freelance photographer in South America. Most of the time I stayed in Santiago, Chile but traveled to Argentina, Uruguay and Bolivia as well.  The laid-back mentality of the continent was challenging business-wise, due to my Danish mentality.   However, in terms of fun, good food and wine, breathtaking nature, and beaches I couldn’t have wished for more.  Most of al,l I remember condors circling over the Andes, luxurious wine valleys, the mighty Pacific, and the friendly people.  I love South America and wouldn’t mind to spend my last years there by the sea.

 5.  You’re from Copenhagen. What are your top food/experience recommendations?

I am a sucker for good food.  If you go to Copenhagen I would recommend a couple of restaurants.  First,  ‘Oysters & Grill’  here it’s ok to spill your drink and make a little mess on the waxed tablecloths as they write on their website. The place is very laid back but most importantly, the food is great. Then I would recommend ‘Kiin Kiin’ which is the only Thai restaurant in the Guide Michelin in Denmark. They serve classic Asian recipes combined with modern techniques. Good stuff!

I would like to thank Thomas again  for sharing his travel experiences with The Dining Traveler. Ten years ago, I found his stories fascinating and feel even more so now that he’s sharing them with the world through his writing.  Very proud and humbled to call him a friend.  If you want to learn more about his book and works, check out his website.  All photos on this post courtesy of Thomas Rathsack.