AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Age is just a number for these two grannies who enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime

- NOKUTHULA ZWANE-EJIKE

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.