It all started with a outrageous plan amongst two best buddies to vacation all over the entire world in 80 times. The reference was not just to Jules Verne’s experience novel, All-around the World in 80 Times. It was also a reference to their age.
Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby experienced met over two decades in the past. States Ellie, “We equally, staying widows, form of found each individual other and uncovered this friendship, and we equally had phenomenal marriages, the very best husbands in the entire world. And then we found the best buddies in the earth.”
It was Sandy who pitched the concept of a journey all around the globe in 80 times for their 80th birthdays. Ellie was quickly on board, and the two began preparing. Then Covid hit. The yr the ladies turned 80, they experienced to set their ideas on hold since of the pandemic.
The notion of international vacation appeared a significantly way off. But no matter—these two women are not conveniently deterred. Patiently, they stored placing the parts in put and have been completely ready to journey the year they turned 81.
The Journey Commences
Sandy and Ellie began their vacation off with a bang when they resolved that their 1st cease right after leaving scorching and humid Dallas, Texas, would be Antarctica. It also allowed them to verify one continent off their list—because they have been decided to set foot on all 7 continents right before the stop of their 80 days.
The two chronicled their adventures on a weblog in which readers can see photos of them lounging in gorgeous purple dresses in Bali, donning leis at Easter Island, gazing upon the Taj Mahal, and smiling on the streets of Rome. But this was considerably from a soothing journey. “We’re not wanting our comfort zone. We’re seeking an adventure,” Ellie discussed.
In concerning Antarctica and South America, the two girls crossed the Drake Passage in 15-25-foot significant waves. The passage is viewed as 1 of the most risky in the environment, and it took them two whole times.
Sandy and Ellie flew above Mount Everest in an plane and about the Nile Valley in a hot air balloon. They went on a wild pet dog-sledding experience in Finland and were being plagued by seasickness on many instances. In Australia, a fireplace alarm experienced them rushing out in the middle of the night, spilling their possessions powering them. Not as soon as did the gals contemplate that adventure travelling may possibly not be for them.
Their Trip Goes Viral
In in between some of the rougher times, there have been also serene sights of the Northern Lights and sunny afternoons in Rome. As the two women crossed the environment on their experience and updated their site and Facebook site, they begun to garner quite a pursuing.
Updates on the traveling octogenarians built it to YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Sandy and Ellie’s grandchildren had been energized by that. News stores started out to decide on up their story, and the two generally sat for interviews along the way. They even made an appearance on Saturday Evening Stay.
How did two seniors afford touring for 80 days to these unique places? By staying savvy. On average, they put in only $29 for each evening on accommodations, and they weren’t worried to make options like touring in next course.
Neither lady was a stranger to worldwide journey, possibly. In actuality, that 20-year-outdated friendship started in Zambia when the two have been stationed there on a clinical mission, and they had travelled quite a few instances due to the fact.
In fact, if they were nervous about traveling just the two of them, they didn’t demonstrate it. In a person site publish, the ladies snicker about sleeping lodging on a educate, the two of them on base bunks with youthful gentlemen just above them.
When they desired assistance, they questioned but generally, they felt at ease figuring points out. For them, it was part of the experience. They laughed when recalling trying to get all-around Japan: “Figuring out the Japanese coach method expected additional competencies than we experienced with each other.”
House Sweet Dwelling
And when they last but not least manufactured it home, their friendship was more robust than ever.“We’ve been alongside one another 80 days 24/7,” stated Ellie, “and we have just experienced a wonderful experience. It is just seriously produced us even nearer than we have been.”
The duo insists that their traveling times are not about. As the two most effective pals drew consideration over that 80-working day journey, folks from close to the environment began commenting that they would adore to host Sandy and Ellie. They’re presently scheduling their subsequent trip for 2024.
While individuals wait, though, to stick to the two octogenarians in their newest adventure, they can stick to their Facebook site termed “80 and however on the run” or even acquire Sandy & Ellie tote bags and t-shirts. Or perhaps be impressed by these two girls who refuse to prevent residing their lives to the fullest.
