Thanks for the answers so far. Here are some more details:
My intial airline ticket is according to an airline employee is refundable but only via the travel agency. He quoted me for a new ticket to another destination and he did try to sell it but he did not volunteer to use the initial ticket towards the price of the second ticket. I should have asked the airline person. A lesson taught
The travel agent told me that I can have a refund in a few months time and I should have asked the airline to re-route the ticket. Anyway the ticket now is on the way to be refunded I hope for the full amount.
Rwy in Sight