Day 56. Tuesday 26 May.

A somewhat restless, unsettled night with the first leg of our return home at 0900. The hotel is only ten minutes from Terminal 2A, so with Moon River waking us just before 0600, we had time for the buffet breakfast before checking in. The check in took all of five minutes, so we were through security and customs/passports by about 0715. D was delighted and T finished her book.

Flight to Istanbul was smooth and on time at 1215, so another wait until our 1550 departure for KL. Breakfast served, to add to our quick one at the hotel – we will arrive home porkies at this rate! A little late getting off, but no apparent dramas like last year in Spain, although we still have to get away from there after refuelling without incident.

A long flight and good (any?) sleep is impossible. We were fed almost as soon as we were airborne – about 1700 – and fed again at around midnight (Budapest time – about 0300 where we were). We both knocked back some of the offerings.

Day 57. Wednesday 27 May.

On time into Sydney and seamlessly through passport, luggage claim and customs. Checked into Rydges then downstairs to join the crowd in Smithy’s Bar watching State of Origin – although we were listening on the side rather than watching. A quiet tipple then back to the room for D to watch the second half and the Blues miracle comeback.