Patrick and I spent a (much needed) long weekend up north in Maleny. We were there for two occasions: the wedding of his long-time childhood friend, James and; the birth of his beautiful new niece.
It's hard to describe Maleny from a relatively new perspective, I have visited three times in the past year. With each subsequent visit, I've developed a fond familarity with the town; it's hard not to fall in love with a place like Maleny and hard not to be envious of those who had an idyllic upbringing in such an enchanting environment.
Maleny, as well as being in QLD is 400m high, and the first range in from the coast, so topographic clouds bump against the range constantly. Everyone has tin roofs, and the sound of rain falling is the most heavenly, recuperative sound I can imagine. Walking out in the rain is amazing, you see birds and paddymelons hopping about, you take shelter under a broad-leafed fig and listen to the forest sputter around you, small torrents carving new paths through the undergrowth. The hills are incredibly green, hemmed in by this stunning temperate rainforest, scrub turkeys and paddymelons lurking behind cedars. Surprises such as wild passionfruit hidden in some innocuous place, vines dripping with fruit. It really is a beautiful wonderful place.
The wedding was lovely and picturesque. Patrick was the best man and gave a heart-warming speech at the reception. The boys got to dress in yukatas (a summer cotton garment much like a kimono) with matching obis. I met all of Patrick's childhood friends who, very much, remind me of my own good friends. Relaxed, chilled-out, intelligent, funny and engaging GEEKS. :p In true Asian-style, we all fought over the microphones at karaoke later in the night.
The view from our room at Tranquil Park (where guests stayed and reception was held)
Two Japanese guests enjoying the view after the wedding ceremony.
The beautiful warm and hilarious couple: Miyuki and James.
Ninjas attacking in the bushes
Patrick looking mischievious whilst waiting for the bride to arrive
The guests waiting in the marquee
Boys in yukatas attacking the unsuspecting groom
The only photo of me on this camera laughing at the antics of yukata-clad ninjas!
Hi all my lovely readers,
The beautiful warm and hilarious couple: Miyuki and James.
Ninjas attacking in the bushes
Patrick looking mischievious whilst waiting for the bride to arrive
The guests waiting in the marquee
Boys in yukatas attacking the unsuspecting groom
The only photo of me on this camera laughing at the antics of yukata-clad ninjas!
