We have broken with tradition and are leaving Australia via Melbourne for this trip. Melbourne international is a very easy airport to navigate with little of the hustle and bustle of Sydney airport.

Not as much noise, not as many shops ( who I guess is good although I have managed to buy some sunnies – they look very similar to a pair I had in the 80’s) and no where near the number of people.

We are also departing from the airlines we have flown with in the past and travelling with Malaysian Airlines. There seem to be quite a few people sitting with us so it might be a packed flight – ah the joys of an 8 hour flight (and this is the short leg)…