“Around the world in 80 days at the age of 81”: Sandy and Ellie had an adventure like no other

The ailments of old age did not enter the suitcases of two 81-year-old friends who decided to travel through 18 countries and fulfill their desire to travel the world. On the contrary, they have the mind of a bunch of fifteen year olds and that’s how they got on planes, trains and boats.

They waste the desire to live. They are still super animated and inspired by French writer Jules Verne’s novel, “Around the World in 80 Days”.

Are Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby the friends who traveled to fulfill the dream of many: to have a long dream vacation.

around the world

The decision to take this trip was disrupted by the covid-19 pandemic. After the peaks of the disease had been overcome, which paralyzed the world they wanted to know and enjoy, they resumed their plans.

The original plan, according to La Silla Rota, was to embark on this adventure at the age of 80 to go around the world in 80 days, but due to the pandemic, the adventure was renamed “Around the World in 80 Days at the Age of 81”.

Friends and travel companions

These women have been friends for over 20 years. To embark on this journey, they thought of everything and set their own rules: they would avoid traveling in first class, the best was to stay in small hotels, only bring a small suitcase, not take tours, to use public transport and not to hire travel agents, according to Daily Mail.

An earlier trip to Egypt brought them together.

They are both widows. Sandy, the aforementioned media points out, is a doctor who works with the elderly in care centers and Ellie is a documentary photographer.

The first is a mother and grandmother: her four youngest grandchildren were adopted from China. The friend has three children and is also a grandmother.

tours by country

The eighties had their suitcases ready in January 2023.

In a blog they shared “the chronology of this adventure that began in the city of Dallas, Texas on January 11. Both crossed the Drake Passage into Antarctica, then Easter Island Statues, then through Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Their destination was Peru and they were supposed to be photographed in Machu Picchu, but the political crisis the Andean country is going through led them to reconsider the visit.

La Silla Rota points out that they went to Madrid, Spain and then to Finland, where they witnessed the aurora borealis; Continuing through Rome, Italy, they arrived at the Vatican and were introduced to the Sistine Chapel.

In Antarctica, they said, “we had a fantastic time being entertained by the penguins, and the views were breathtaking.”

“It’s a unique feeling to be on the ground in Antarctica. It’s hard to describe the serenity you feel when you contemplate one of the most peaceful landscapes you’ve ever experienced.”

In Rome, they did not pass up the opportunity to taste pizza and make a wish in the Trevi Fountain.

Deciding to travel, they confess, was not an easy one. But they led the way.

As always, we dedicate everything we do to the memory of the loves of our lives, Don and Kelly. We thank you both for encouraging us.

The tour covered Zambia and Zanibar, Tanzania. Then India and East Asia, to reach Australia. Life rewards them at their age with this magical journey that leaves their retinas impregnated with unforgettable images.

Back home in the United States, they point out, “What’s next for Sandy and Ellie? Time will tell!”