Day 1—17-Dec—Movie, Meal, Nap; Movie, Meal, Nap…

Ok, first world problems, we know.  We got off to a few bumps, but nothing that will draw sympathy.  It surprised us what a mess DFW was, but we finally got through it and into the Lounge for a drink and snack before heading to the gate.  Once on board, we began our first encounter with AA’s newest premium class (Business) known internally as “Super Diamond”.  In short, each seat lays fully flat, has a big monitor (video) and has aisle access.  But, the only way to sit “together” is in the middle two (the outer two have windows).  It’s sort of strange not being able to see outside.  Anyway, never having seen these new seats, I fumbled around trying to get the tray table pulled out, and managed to pop up a side table launching my predeparture Champaign over the middle and all over Theresa’s area.  No one was happy.  We mopped it up from various places (it went everywhere!), and I sat grumpy for a few minutes.  But, must move on. 

Thanks to Theresa’s work, requiring a lot of travel and giving us a lot of miles, we have and used miles to get Business Class confirmed all the way on this trip.  So, all of the finger crossing and wondering was allayed.  Anyway, Theresa selected our meals about 30 days ago, so she knew (perhaps I knew, but I didn’t KNOW I knew) what meals we were having.  There were 201 movies to select from, but Theresa knew immediately what was first…”The Secret Lives of Pets”.  It was really cute and funny.  As the movie started, my grilled beef fillet, bleu cheese potatoes au gratin, spinach and mushrooms was served, as was Theresa’s Bibimbap (a Korean meat, vegetable, and rice dish).  After the movie, Theresa closed her eyes for a bit of a snooze.

When she woke up, we got some snacks (they set up a snack bar in the Business Class galley (don’t hate us!)) and started Star Trek Beyond*.  After which…well, short snooze.  That got us 5.5 hours into our 14 hour, 7200 mile trip!!

*Something seemed fitting about watching Star Trek as they whooshed off across space, while we sat on an airplane whooshing across…well, atmosphere, I guess.  It seemed connected to me!

We started our third movie, Suicide Squad, as they brought around sandwiches.  Then another short nap.  When we were preparing for our fourth movie, I lobbied for one that began with an S, as I had a nice long sentence mostly picked out.  But, we watched Independence Day.  (Star Trek was more realistic!)  They served an omelet or soup. 

Hard to see the countries without borders!

I had to laugh at the Inflight Map, as we clearly went out of our way (to avoid North Korea).  In one view, I saw Incheon (Seoul)(S Korea), Pyongyang (N Korea), Vladivostok (Russia), and Beijing (China).  It struck me how many hostile relations are and have been between these four countries and the US.

Going a LITTLE out of our way!!

Finally, 14 hours of flying, and we landed.  After meandering over to the Cathay Business Class lounge (and waiting until it opened 15 minutes later), we set up for the 3+ hours.  They had so many good looking food options, which was taunting since we can hardly consider ourselves hungry!  But I tried the OB (Korean Beer) and Hwayo 53, a “traditional Korean distilled beverage” (according to the sign). Then, we split a plate of Dim Sum.  Next stop – Hong Kong and a bed to sleep in!