South Africa - The Lions on the Road: Cycling London to Cape Town - page 337

Alas, the time finally came when I was to leave South Africa. With ticket in hand
andthebicycleinthecar,theBoullesdrovemetotheairport.Itwasmyfinalgood-bye…so
I thought. Even my departure had some adventure.
South African Airlines overbooked two seats: mine and another passenger's. They
asked me if it was OK if I could fly the next morning. They offered me a hotel room, meal
vouchers and pocket money. I asked them instead of receiving all of that compensation, if
they could just upgrade my seat to business or first class. She checked her computer and
in 1.2 seconds upgraded me. My reaction shocked them. I didn't think they have ever had
such a happier passenger in the history of the airline for having his seat overbooked. They
still gave me the pocket money which I handed over to Francis.
The next morning, I was again at the airport with the Boulles. It was very hard for
me to say goodbye to them for they had become a second family. I had stayed with them
for six weeks and was humbled by their generosity and selflessness. At the airport, it was
my final farewell to them, to Cape Town and very shortly, thereafter, to Africa.