It was like one of my many dreams I’ve had, of going back to Maynooth. Getting to see the things, once again, that I saw on a daily basis while I lived there: the churches, the castle, the sidewalks, the moss. The friends I made while living there. Getting to share all this with those I love, so they may know this vital part of me.
After flying into Dublin, we spent the rest of the day with the family I lived with when I was studying abroad in Maynooth. They put out a beautiful spread for lunch. We sat back with some tea while the boys enjoyed playing with their new puppy.
So much had changed, but so much was the same. The boys were surprised to find photos of Mommy and Daddy on their refrigerator. It was kinda surreal to see the parents whom my 20-year-old self looked up to interacting with the antics of my talkative four-year-old. Meanwhile digesting the fact that the six-year-old whose dinner conversations I adored, is now a 22-year-old man.
After we filled ourselves, they indulged in my desire to walk through the footsteps of my daily life in Maynooth. They were always game for a good walk.
They started by buying the boys 99s, rich ice-cream cones with chocolate Flakes.
Then, we walked toward campus, at the entrance of which is the castle. It was built in the 12th century, and was the site of the first use of gunpowder in Ireland, when the English attacked it in 1535.
We proceeded into St. Patrick’s College. I love the buildings, especially the chapel.
I couldn’t believe how much the campus has expanded. It is quite a large university now.
We bid farewell back at the hotel. It was a brief visit, but it was so good! It was so great seeing Maynooth with the very best company.
Until our next visit…
