Michael,
I can completely relate to that surreal moment on the plane. On my first trip overseas to Europe (going overseas when I was 5 doesn't count as it was on my parent's passport, and, NZ a couple of times is just over the water) I got upgraded to business class on Singapore Airlines. And, if that wasn't enough, when I woke up after sleeping on the flight I could see the glowing orange lights in crystal form of giant Indian cities below me and out to sea, lightning striking out over the ocean. It was surreal.
13 kilometres above the Earth, doing 1000+ km an hour, and witnessing a light show on the ground and in the sky. It's something I'll never forget.
Regards,
Humayun