revigik

Hello all,

This is my round the world trip I took in the winter. UA had just announced their Mileage Plus Devaluation, so I redeemed all my miles for a last hurrah. I sampled several First Class products while visiting people and places along the way.

The routing was:

ORD-NRT-BKK on NH/TG First Class, 70000 miles one-way (long layover in Tokyo)
BKK-DXB on TG Business, 27,500 miles one-way
DXB-IST-HEL on TK Business, 40,000 miles one-way
HEL-FRA-YYZ-ORD on LH Business, LH First Class (747400), and AC Business 67,500 miles one-way

Coming up next are the pictures...

revigik

I arrived at check-in early for the 4 PM flight for ample lounge time. United employees were manning the checkin, and First Class Check-in was pleasant and easy. Quickly through security and on my way...


The Field Museum dinosaur ready for the holidays


United Global First Lounge


Newly renovated- I like this lounge; it's cosy and has nice Chicago photos and memorabilia.


Buffet


On to the plane- the gate agents PROFUSELY apologized for a 15 minute delay, and expressed their sincerest hope that passengers would continue to fly ANA and Star Alliance


Separate entrance for First Class, only me in the cabin today!


appetizers


Kaiseki meal, first course


Kaiseki meal, second course


Late night snack- sea urchin roe


Each time I went to the bathroom, the FA's would turndown my seat/bed

I arrived on time to Tokyo NRT, after some turbulence. After clearing Customs, I got on the Narita Express and then took a cab the last bit to my hotel- The Shangri-La Tokyo.


View from the hotel.


Takashimaya Department Store


Chirashi Sushi at the hotel!

revigik

On the way to the airport, I was afraid I was pressed for time and made the mistake of taking a cab from Tokyo to Narita. $250 later I learned a good lesson!


Thai Royal First Checkin


United Club and Global First Lounge- really enjoyed this place! Classy and good food.


Flower sculpture on the wall


Global First Lounge, artwork


They had good sushi at the buffet. Though there was less selection than the ANA lounge, the food tasted better.


ANA First Class Lounge




snacks


My ride to BKK


Good wine selection in the lounge


Interesting exhibit- they were displaying their mother of pearl cards they give out to the ANA Million Miler flyers.


Jetbridge for the A380- for such a large plane they boarded it in a reasonable amount of time. I'm glad I flew the A380 once; it was interesting to see how large it was and how they used space for bathrooms and sitting areas. However, I am quite happy with smaller planes and fewer people; also I can see how many airlines regret flooding markets with so much capacity with these mammoths. Hard to make money with that many seats.


Appetizer of Chicken Satay


Lobster appetizer- tasty!


Lobster Thermidor Main that I ordered in advance- I didn't realize the appetizer would also be lobster. To be honest I wasn't crazy about this main as it was a bit dry; I wish I had ordered some Thai Food instead.


Seating area- pretty cool


I slept a good amount of the flight. Our tremendous crew made sure I got some ice cream before landing though


Thai F seat


First Class escort to immigration to beat the crowd

I stayed at the Shangri-La in Bangkok, again on points. FYI the $100 meal voucher for 1000 points is a great deal.


Shangri-La


Boats people use as public transit. The cabs drove so dangerously that I was very happy for public transit that day!




Nice fruits and juices on the street


Delicious street food


Rickshaws and the wall of the Grand Palace


The king's picture is everywhere. Everyone I spoke with had only great things to say about him.


Leaving shoes upon entering a shrine




The Golden Buddha


All the cab drivers wanted to bring you to the shirt makers (I think they were subsidized to do so). I got conned into buying an overpriced, poorly made shirt. Another lesson learned.






Dessert at the Shangri-La. Lychee ice cream inside a coconut with what tasted kind of like marzipans on top.


Shangri-La Pool


Thai omelet, fruits, and fruit smoothie for breakfast at the Shangri-La. I know I'm in Asia!

Next I went inside the Grand Palace. I tried going the day before, but long pants are required and I was wearing shorts. So, I went when I had pants on- keep in mind:










Thai Royal Guard

Next I went to the airport to take Thai Royal Silk to Dubai.

revigik

So after the scariest cab ride of my life (no seatbelt, the driver used his parking brake to stop, walls duct taped, popping noises coming from the engine...), I arrived at BKK airport. Checkin was uneventful, and the Royal Silk Lounge was okay. Next stop the Royal Orchid Spa!




Hand doorknobs!


I received a 30 minute head and shoulder massage. I was surprised, but I completely zoned out and felt incredibly refreshed by the experience. Massage and travel are a good combo, and it's something I would pay for in the future.


Stopped in the Silver Kris lounge for a couple dim sum


Coconut water cup


My ride to BKK


Purple Amethyst Drink to start


Appetizer of smoked salmon and overcooked beef


Beef brisket massamun curry


Dessert- I have to say Thai business underwhelmed me in general. Angle flat seat, subpar food. The massage was a highlight though.


The seat


A familiar face at DXB

I travelled to Dubai to spend a week with my girlfriend and her family- a wonderful highlight . A couple pictures from the trip:


Mall in Dubai- the thing to do there


Funny sign above a toilet in an Indian restaurant. The Indian Food in Dubai is amazing, though!


Obligatory Burj Khalifa shot


Tucked away section in the grocery store


Fuzzy Burj al Arab shot


This Indian joint by the docks now becoming famous in Dubai for their masala fish. The guy makes the catch of the day in his secret sauce, and closes when the fish runs out. Once a fisherman's secret, this is now becoming extremely trendy there.

We went on a drive throughout the country, and saw some interesting scenery:




Apparently there are pockets of Oman in the UAE and you need your passport to drive through this 10 square mile stretch of land. Too bad we left them at home, so we had to drive around.


Bedouin tents




A wonderful week with Nicole and her family


A billboard of the 7 sheikhs of all the Emirates.


The UAE touches a small part of the Indian Ocean- my first time sticking my toes in.

Next up, Dubai to Helsinki on TK.

revigik

Plane to Istanbul


TK Cabin


I love the TK Pre-departure beverages


Free wifi for Business passengers; every airline should do this


I enjoyed flying over Iran :P


DO&CO Chef


Mediterranean Appetizers- pretty good


Omelette- it was soggy


Iran still I think


Istanbul area


TK C Lounge- it's expanded since I was here. Beautiful facility- I think one of the best C lounges out there


Golf practice area

I have reviewed the TK Lounge before. The Turkish appetizers, grilled food, and desserts are to die for. They have subpar showers, but otherwise the facility is beautiful.


Helsinki flight- quite a long walk from the lounge


A321 to HEL, didn't have the C Barcaloungers


More tasty PDB's


Tasty appetizers


This is some of the best fish I have ever had, and in the air no less. I would highly recommend shorthaul Turkish grilled fish with vegetables to anyone. It tasted fresh and crisp.


Some nice Turkish coffee and aperitifs after


I'm not in Dubai anymore :P

revigik

My cousin is ready for the cold.


The dining room of the Scandic Vierumaki


Good Finnish breakfast


Snowy Helsinki


Dinner at a restaurant- mushroom soup with elk meatballs






Heinola Tower


For sale at the local store


Last day everything stopped melting


Hilton Helsinki Airport, had a sauna in the bathroom


Happy New Year


Deserted Kauppatori in downtown Helsinki


Boat to Suomenlinna, practically the only thing open on New Years Day








President's Palace

revigik

Santa's sleigh Helsinki Airport


SAS Lounge was closed so I got a gift certificate for a restaurant


LH C Meal


The famous view. I exited security to go to the LH First Class Terminal, something all of you can relate to. IDK when the next time I'll be back is as I used my miles on this trip.


Gummy bear bar


Delicious DO&CO latte


The pasta was to die for. Love this place!!


Got the Mercedes all to myself





Last minute switch of champagne that day- Cristal!


Goat cheese hors d'oeuvre


I need to get the First Class butter stamp


Tasty caviar


Left to right- Thai Beef Salad (surprisingly spicy), beet salad, crab cakes. Delicious appetizers!


Amazing English Pea Soup

I forgot to take a picture of the main; it was the seafood stew- tremendous of course.


Cheese selection


Gonna miss this seat+bed- what a tremendous product.




Another delicious soup- potato this time. I was so full but had to have it anyway.


Dessert fruits and macaron.



US Customs at YYZ was a complete nightmare- connect in YUL if you can!!!


Maple Leaf Lounge- similar to their domestic US counterparts


Last plane of the trip


Interesting- I had a miles ticket, everyone else was an upgrade. I was the only one to get a meal.


Good to be back in Chicago!