AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
YOU South Africa|4 May 2023
Age is just a number for these two grannies who enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime
NOKUTHULA ZWANE-EJIKE
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

SWINGING over a rice paddy in Bali, tearing over the snow in Finland in a sled pulled by huskies, snorkelling on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, riding camels in Egypt . . . 

It’s the kind of travel many of us will never experience in our lifetime – even less so if we’re celebrating 80 years on Earth. 

Yet, these two octogenarians, who’ve both had knee replacements, thought it the best way to celebrate their 80th birthdays – and they don’t have a single regret. 

Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby from Texas in the US had greater ambitions than a sedentary vacation befitting two pensioners for their milestone celebration. They wanted an adventure – and that’s exactly what they got. 

The pair, inspired by the Jules Verne classic Around the World in 80 Days, embarked on an epic odyssey that started in January this year. It led them to seven continents, 18 countries and eight wonders of the world. 

There’s no sign of tiredness as the friends catch up with YOU soon after returning home on 1 April. In fact, Ellie, a photographer, and Sandy, a retired doctor, appear on top of the world. 

The two pensioners (81) are wearing matching sweaters emblazoned with the words Around the World in 80 Days as they chat to us by video call from the living room in Ellie’s home in Abilene, Texas. 

There were so many highlights, they say, but the best part was that they got to do it together. 

The besties have travelled together many times over their more than 20 years of friendship, but they’ve never before embarked on anything as ambitious as this. 

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM YOU SOUTH AFRICAView all
BALLON IN THE BAG
YOU South Africa

BALLON IN THE BAG

Manchester City midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante says his Ballon d'Or win is a victory for Spanish football

time-read
4 mins  |
14 November 2024
IT WAS ALL A LIE
YOU South Africa

IT WAS ALL A LIE

A new doccie exposes the Grey's Anatomy writer who fabricated her life story

time-read
5 mins  |
14 November 2024
'I WILL NEVER GIVE UP'
YOU South Africa

'I WILL NEVER GIVE UP'

After her husband, anticorruption activist Alexei Navalny, was poisoned and murdered by the Kremlin, she became the public face of Russia's opposition. In this candid interview Yulia Navalnaya opens up about life on the run, her perilous family life and why she's continuing her husband's fight to save their country

time-read
10+ mins  |
14 November 2024
AGREE TO DISAGREE
YOU South Africa

AGREE TO DISAGREE

Trevor Noah on how his childhood squabbles with his mother inspired his delightful new book

time-read
4 mins  |
14 November 2024
PAUSE THE CLOCK
YOU South Africa

PAUSE THE CLOCK

Researchers have discovered that the ageing process spikes at 44 and 60. Here's what you can do to slow it down

time-read
5 mins  |
14 November 2024
MPOOMY ON TOP
YOU South Africa

MPOOMY ON TOP

We chat to SA's most popular female podcaster about love, loss and her booming success

time-read
4 mins  |
14 November 2024
MY BROTHER IS NOT TO BLAME
YOU South Africa

MY BROTHER IS NOT TO BLAME

Tinus Drotské says his sibling, ex Bok Nǎka, is the victim in the brawl with a neighbour that landed up in court

time-read
4 mins  |
14 November 2024
MATT THE RECLUSE
YOU South Africa

MATT THE RECLUSE

A year after his friend's tragic death, the actor continues to shun the spotlight

time-read
4 mins  |
14 November 2024
A LEAP OF FAITH
YOU South Africa

A LEAP OF FAITH

After her husband tried to kill her by tampering with her parachute she thought she'd never trust a man again-but now she's found love

time-read
5 mins  |
14 November 2024
THEY'RE MY KIDS!
YOU South Africa

THEY'RE MY KIDS!

This West Coast woman treats her monkeys as iftheyre humans and animal activists are not happy about it

time-read
4 mins  |
14 November 2024