Melbourne to Brunei

An early rise this morning in Melbourne. The service at the hotel was superb with the reception giving us an unsolicited call enquiring as to whether we needed help with our luggage - must have been profiled on our arrival! Having said we didn’t need the help, a few moments later the shuttle bus driver appeared at our door and took our bags to the bus. We could get used to this service!

A ten minute trip to Tullamarine Airport saw us check in and deposit our larger cases. Then off for a coffee and breakfast. It is fascinating to see the number of people that are out and about at an early hour. 

Even though we had given ourselves plenty of time, with coffee stop and duty-free, there really wasn’t much time to hang about. 

The flight to Brunei was only half full so the boarding of the plane took very little time and thus we were away before the scheduled time. The comfort of the Dreamliner, without a full complement of passengers, is a very pleasant way to travel. Not first class comfort but it will do! 

The six and half hour trip was a good starting point. The next legs of the journey aren’t always as relaxing. - more folk and less space!

It never ceases to amaze us how long it takes to leaves the Australian air space. We are a large land mass.  

The Royal Brunei flight is a non-alcoholic serving experience. It is interesting to see some passengers bringing their own half-bottles of wine on board to have with their dinner. The first meal, a spicy beef and rice, was very acceptable - a step up from some aircraft meals. 

On arriving in Brunei you can feel the hot, humid, tropical climate. Even with an overcast and misty rainy day the heat was very noticeable if you were to spent much time out of the air conditioned terminal. 

A relaxing stopover with very few people waiting for flights. This terminal services mainly Asian ports with many Australians using it for their Bangkok link. 

As we were waiting for the connecting flight we were entertained by the huge electrical storm swirling around us. 

Next stop Dubai - and that’s tomorrow!

Underway!

Up and away! The process of leaving home can be a little daunting, but not so today. Such a smooth exit! In fact, we were all packed and ready to leave with 90 minutes to spare. Being able to sit quietly and enjoy a coffee was a new experience for us - none of the questioning as to whether something hadn't been left off or not.

As can often happen, the unexpected should always be factored in to any activity. This was the case (or broken case!) when lifting the case into the boot of the car - the handle gave way! No time to change, so a little gaffer tape came in handy again. (About the only thing I would agree with former Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, is that you should never travel with good luggage! I had no choice today.)

Kevin arrived early to take us to the airport - in the very comfortable new car - where we ran into the airport security! Being very thorough with our packing as to what is allowable in your carry-on and check-in baggage, I couldn't accept - very nicely - the claim that I had scissors showing up in my carry-on luggage. After much backwards and forwarding to the x-ray machine, I had to accept the accuracy of the security screening! (The scissors were placed in the case concealed in another bag!) All worked out well in the long run, being allowed onto the plane with the other passengers.

Arriving safely in Melbourne - but very cold - we caught our transport to the airport hotel. Spent the afternoon relaxing in the knowledge that we had nothing to do - for a change!