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photos taken by Astrid |
My Meeting with Paul
By Astrid Leao
I arrived in England on June 12th (1983) I went
through an International Friendship Program of the UNESCO. I stayed with a nice English family in
Chatham, a city an hour and a half away by bus from London.
I was hoping I could see one of the Fab Four while I was
there, especially Ringo, ‘cause he’s my favorite. I didn’t know where they were at the time. Then my English Grandma told me she had read
in a paper that Paul was in London recording his new album! I had sent him a birthday card in which I
told him I was from Brazil and would love to meet him in person.
On my second visit to London, I went to Air Studios hoping
and praying that I could see Paul. I had
to take a bus at 7pm so I waited for him until 6. I left my autograph book with a nice fellow
who worked in the building. He said he’d
get Paul to sign it.
On July 4th, I went to Oxford Street again. At 11:20 a.m., Paul appeared, walking down
the street like anyone else. He had his
hands in his pockets and was chewing gum.
I noticed he’s a bit thin with some grey hair, but is still very, very
handsome. I tried to convince myself I
wasn’t dreaming and thanked God for that moment.
Paul was extremely nice.
He stopped to say hello to me and to other fans. He said some German words to two German
girls. I presented myself by saying, “Hi
Paul I’m the Aseroid from Brazil!” because that’s what he called me when he
signed his autograph (He had written “To Asteroid!! Lots of love from Paul
McCartney,” and even drew a little boy’s face, on June 30th when I’d
left my book there). He shook my hand
and I kissed both his cheeks as Brazilians always do. He talked to us for four minutes and then
said he had to go. I shouted, “Wait
Paul! I brought you some cashew nuts
from Brazil!” He waited while I
desperately tried to find the nuts in my bag.
When I gave them to him he said, “Thank you very much. That’s very nice.” As he was entering the building, I shouted “Wait
Paul!” again ‘cause I wanted to photograph him.
He smiled at me and I took his picture.
I don’t have to say how happy I was!
After that, I went shopping.
At four in the afternoon, I returned to 214 Oxford Street hoping someone
could take a picture of Paul and me together.
There were more fans at the time.
I asked them “please” to photograph us when Paul came down. The German girls said they would. I really hope they did! I took six more pictures of him. I said, “Sorry, Paul, but I’m back because I
don’t have any photo of the two of us together.” He said he couldn’t stay long because Oxford
Street gets a bit “tough” in the end of the afternoon. It was 5:00 already. Then I followed him to his car. Other people did too. When he rolled the window down I told him, “Paul,
you’re still gorgeous and beautiful at 41!”
He gave me a big and unforgettable smile. Then I said, “If you send us to hell, Paul, I
will understand because we fans are always bothering you!” And he smiled and replied, “No, I won’t do
that!” He left then and all of us who had that lovely chance of seeing him were
so happy. I still can’t believe that it
happened. I saw Paul twice!
On July 6th I went to Ascot trying to find out
about Ringo. A man who worked for him
told me he was in London. Of course he
didn’t tell me exactly where. That was a
frustrating moment. I had cashew nuts
for him too and a birthday card. I also talked to a woman through the
intercom. She had a very unfriendly
voice and was very rude to me. I
returned to Chatham mad and sad. But
maybe in the near future I’ll be able to see that Starr in person. I’ve seen George four times and I’ve now seen
Paul twice. Ringo is more difficult to
find but someday I will meet him too.
I only know that meeting beautiful Paul was the greatest joy
of my trip! Thank you Lord!
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