Marlay Park Train Rides!

Day at Marlay Park in Dublin

 Today we happend on the last day of the octogenarian-volunteer-run train rides at Marlay Park. I've heard about this from friends and... it lived up to the hype.

Alright, he doesn't seem THRILLED, but this sweet old man is the conductor from April through September, every Saturday, for several hours with no pay of any kind. He's an angel, even if he looks a bit like a kermudgeon. (sp?)

 Those kids are strangers but the only "handle" is the kid in front of you, so she did as she was told by the train man.

You needed to be at least 3 to ride but we knew Norah could handle it so Wayne said she was just over 2 1/2 (lie). Well, half way around, the train stopped behind some trees and we thought maybe Norah wanted off but it was the two children in front of her (the girl she was holding onto) so here, the old man in the back is steadying her. haha! She sat there, still as a statue, staring straight ahead until they came back around. I love this kid. 

 I also love this old man. Honestly. I bet he's one of the greatest grandpa's on earth - come on, he's the conductor on a small train for children!  

This little 'service' provided by the elderly train-men just made me so happy. You know, there are lots of things we run into, on a daily basis, that make us feel pretty down about humanity. (alright, lots of things I run into) You need only walk down the street. (or for instance....this would never ever happen in the States....you know why? Liability and Lawyers. Hence children are robbed of something SO authentically pure.

But, then, on other days, (and this can be rare), you run into something that is so genuinely caring and selfless that you restore a bit of that faith in humankind's ability to be inherently good. THIS was one of those experiences. These old men, while they don't seem to be emanating cheeriness, are doing something 100% for the enjoyment of small children. They blatantly ask for nothing in return and, at the risk of using a terrible cliche - it warmed my heart.  Now I only feel terrible that I didn't thank them profusely - maybe I'll write a letter..... =)

 Marlay Park is hundreds of acres and this is one of many, many cricket pitches, with an actual game (match?) going on.

 The gorgeous walled gardens inside the park. Attached to this is also the loveliest cafe! I adore this place. (I go running here in Marlay Park, each week and we always end with coffee in these gardens)

Perhaps the actual door to Narnia.