The women were inspired by the novel “Around the World in 80 Days”
When they were eighty years old, two friends* had the idea to travel the world in eighty days. But then the pandemic delayed their plans. Now, at the age of eighty-one, the friends have started their journey to visit eighteen countries over the course of eighty days. Together they prove that you’re never too old to enjoy life to the fullest.
Travel the world
Two years ago, when Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby were eighty years old, Hazelip, a physician, came up with an idea. She was inspired by the novel written by Jules Verne, called “Around the World in 80 Days”. Hazelip told CBS News how the idea started. She said: “‘Ellie, don’t you think it would be fun for us to go around the world in 80 days at age 80?'” Hamby loved the idea and was on board. That is when the planning began. Unfortunately, the two couldn’t start their trip right away because of travel restrictions due to the pandemic. But now, they’re on their way and doing great. The friends told the news channel that they have been to Antartica and flew over Mount Everest. Their goal is to see every continent, the Wonders of the World and set foot in eighteen countries over the course of approximately two and a half months.
Friends
The women met on a different trip. Almost twenty years ago, the two ran into each other while traveling to Zambia. Their families support their trip. Hamby told CBS News: “My daughter is not too concerned. She just says ‘Well, if Mom falls out of a hot air balloon in Egypt or off of the mountain … That’s fine. She’s living the life she wanted to live, and I’m happy for her.'” Hazelip ends with a message for their generation: “Don’t sit in that chair and waste away. If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
*Not pictured in the photo
Read more: Students raise money so 80-year-old janitor can retire
Source: CBS News | Image: Unsplash, Logan Weaver