Mongolia
Starting off the day at Tokyo Station's Ramen Street is never a bad thing, and Hirugao for shio ramen is very good. Then the usual efficient Narita Airport Express back to the airport, where they had some pretty subdued signage for today's inaugural flight to Ulaanbaatar. (there might have been more on the big overhead signs, but I didn't stick around for them to cycle through alllllllll the ads...)
I got to the gate just as the pre-flight interviews were starting. Quite a gaggle of people from United, Narita Airport, and both the US embassy and Mongolian embassy were there, including United Airlines Senior Vice President Patrick Quayle (Global Network and Alliances), Banzragch Bayarsaikhan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Japan, and Akihiko Tamura, President, Narita International Airport. Add in a dozen or so enthusiasts and influencers (hi Eric! Hi Lindsay!) and it was quite a party, with a nearly full flight, speeches, and a ceremonial sake barrel smashing.
Once onboard, found inaugural flight pajamas at every seat, among other bits of commemorative swag-- although only first class passengers (sold as United Polaris, somehow) got the teddy bears. Ended up seated next to Angela Shannon from United's internal news team, on the 5hr 9min flight to Ulaanbaatar. Food was a bit better than usual but still not much in economy, and the feel was celebratory, with Warren and his parents in the row behind, along with Patrick, Sue and Alice up front, and Sarah, Trevor, and others scattered throughout the plane.
2,216 miles (actual, 1,900 miles great circle) heading west and then northwest meant a few sights I had yet to see, including what I think was snow-capped Mt. Kengamine. And the landing at Chinggis Khaan International Airport was superb, with the nighttime arrival making the water cannon salute all the more spectacular.
The festive atmosphere continued on the ground, with locals in elaborate ceremonial dress, live music, and quite the welcoming committee. About the only hiccup was waiting too long to get a cab, and having to wait a full hour for cabs to return from Ulaanbaatar proper to pick up our group.