Vending machines have been part of our life for a long time, but last week when I wanted to buy a train ticket they competed with a real live person.
Pennsylvania station in New York is a very busy place. Trains are leaving from here to Washington, Florida, New Jersey and Long Island. Never having gone to Long Island I was not sure where to buy my ticket. So I walked up to a young, very young policeman in his early 20s and asked,
“Where can I buy a ticket to Long Island?”
“Over there on the ticket vending machines.”
Wondering where ‘over there’ was I looked in the direction he had pointed to, and seeing my hesitation he said,
“Or do you want a real person to help you?” (is there any other kind?)
“Yes, that might be better” I answered.
“In that case turn right at the end there and you will see glass windows where real persons sell tickets.” and making sure I had understood he said again with great emphasis, “A real person will help you there.”
Following his instructions I found the windows and a real person sold me a ticket.
Of course there will come a day when the vending machines will win and there won’t be real persons behind glass windows to help us, but until then ‘let’s all enjoy the real people!
**********
And never forget- A Smile Changes Everything!
Brigitte
Ready to Live Longer 