International Student Trips Powered By Discovery Education
Abby's Adventures in Africa

An Anecdote

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Now, an anecdote. This is potentially my favorite story from this trip:

First off, if you don’t already know Kelby Jones, let me tell you a little bit about him. He is funny, energetic, and possesses a thick southern accent that makes me smile every time he talks.

On our plane today from Cape Town to Johannesburg, we had just about the most hysterical flight attendant I can imagine. She would say things like, “after you have your life vest on, you will depart down the slip and slide” or “as you leave the cabin, if you feel like the person in front of you is going too slowly…simply push them.” Well, text isn’t doing her justice. It was all in her delivery over the airline speakers. Anyway, she had Kelby at “Welcome.”

The entire flight, Kelby contemplated a grand gesture to display his new found love for this flight attendant. At one point, he even asked if he could give her my ring so he could propose. Somehow I am not sure she would have appreciated the hot pink ring I got today for 15 rand…

As we were about to leave the plane, in a stroke of brilliance, Kelby decided to write her a letter on the sanitary paper that goes behind all of the passengers’ heads. As he struggled to find a hard surface to write down his emotions, he settled on the ceiling, of course. Then, with his wonderful accent, he questions, “Oh no, why ain’t this pen workin’?” to which I (and several others) responded, “Gravity, Kelby.”

Then, after quickly jotting down his emotions, he read us his letter. It said:

Dear Suzanne,
I will love you 4ever.
Love,
Kelby Jones
Discovery Student Adventures

After some coaxing from the rest of us, he then proceeded to leave his BlackBerry email address.
As we left the plane, some other flight attendants pointed the way to Suzanne. As he walked over to her she said, “Sir, the shuttle is over there.” He responded, “I know, but I have something to give you. I finally found a use for those white fuzzy hair things!”

And with that…magic happened. We all believe that she will contact him shortly and there will be a ‘happily ever after' in their future. Don’t you agree?

Kelby likes to associate his accent with that of Atticus Finch from the movie To Kill a Mockingbird. He also claimed that this display in the airplane was our dinner theater.

7 comments:

kbam said...

Definitely. You found a penguin and Kelby found a flight attendant. There truly is something for everyone in Africa.

Susan Gharis said...

Love all of this, Abby! I am having such fun living all of this through you. Keep the pictures coming! Daniel says he wants to see pictures of the sharks! : )

Susan Gharis said...

Uh! Actually, Abby, it is me (Susan) posting. Just so you will know.

Camille Awayan said...

HAHA. That is beyond adorable. I just read all your posts and I must say that I am enjoying your trip vicariously through these words. :)

-Camille

Kara Durbin said...

That is hilarious! I'm sure he made her day!

We need to have a picture/movie showing and story telling party when you get back!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh Abby... I love the picture of the rainbow over Cape Town. You did a fabulous job! I'm so impressed that you went diving...the great white shark met the great white knuckler! You will never regret taking any of those leaps of faith. Isn't it funny to see an ostrich run...they look so graceful until they try that...I can relate. Paige, Erin and Danna left on their mission trip to Port Arthur, TX yesterday morning. Their fun activity for the week will be a canoe trip...only thing they will have to worry about will be mosquitos the size of sharks! Continue to stay safe while doing outrageous things! Love, Ms. Angela

Glenda Jenkins said...

You don't know me Abby, but I am a teacher and DEN member from Glenwood, Arkansas. Ms.Wells and I are friends. Your posts are wonderful! So glad you are getting to have this experience. You are doing a wonderful job making us a part of your experience. (Kelby sounds like some of my students!) LOL

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Essential Programs Details

Duration 12 days
When June 2nd - 13th, 2009
Focus Wildlife Research/Conservation
Political History
Culture