Vending with George

This interesting story comes from the Summer 2000 issue of Daytrippin' magazine. It was written by Robert Gutierrez of NewYork, New York.

My fondest "Beatles" recollection was when I met George Harrison. At the time of the plagiarism case against "My Sweet Lord" was being heard in the Federal Court House in New York City. I work at the courthouse and one afternoon I went to the "snack bar" for a quick pick me up. As I was removing some chocolate treat from one of the vending machines, who walks in but George. Not wanting to lay the usual fan trip on him, but still wanting an opportunity to talk with him, I decided to ask if he had change for a $5 bill. Well the man could not have been nicer. After searching each of his pockets, he held out his hand which contained a few dollars worth of change and said, "Take what you need." At a momentary loss for words I replied, "No I need $5 in change for the express bus to get home later." With that, George took a few steps over to the doorway to the hall and called out "Hey Leslie, come here this guy needs change." Well Leslie didn't have it either but I thanked them both for trying. George then took some of his change and put it in a vending machine and made the selection for a cup of tea. The tea came out but there wasn't any milk in it. He turned to me and said, "Well now maybe you can help me out." "Where can I get some milk?" Without missing a beat I replied, "Why not buy a small container of milk in the other vending machine?" He smiled and raising his right hand and waving his index finger he replied, "That's a good idea!"

Recalling my encounter with George "all those years ago" I can't believe that I was fortunate enough to be able to spend that time alone with him on a very human level. Not as rock star and fan, but just two people trying to help one another out. Needless to say I was on "cloud nine" for many days after that encounter. Thanks for letting me share it with you!