I started out my around the world trip with a Transatlantic flight from Chicago to Munich in United Global First Class. After a longer than usual flight from Washington-DCA to Chicago, I arrived at O’ Hare and met up with my good friend, who would be joining me for the entire trip to Europe and Asia. We spent an hour or so at the United Global First Class Lounge in O’Hare, primarily finishing up some last-minute bill paying and calling loved ones before we departed. Finally, it was time for boarding, so we ventured to the gate where boarding had just commenced.