5 APR 2023

Around The World In 80 Days At 80

AYAAN PAUL CHOWDHURY

the inspiration

Jules Verne's book, Around the World in Eighty Days has inspired travellers for centuries.

Photo: Getty Images

tWO octogenarians

In light of that, Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby, both octogenarians, set out to visit all seven continents in 80 days.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

the journey begins

Inspired by the timeless novel, they launched their trip after their 80th birthdays. 

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

antarctica

They left Dallas, Texas, on January 11, 2023, and crossed the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica, their first destination.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

easter isles

After Antarctica, they visited the remote Easter Island and Argentina, enjoying a tango show in the latter.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

lapland

Their journey in Europe started with a trip to Lapland, where they marvelled at the Aurora Borealis.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

italy

They then travelled to Rome, where they spent several hours taking in the art in the Sistine Chapel before moving on to Madrid and London.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

africa

In Africa, they visited Zanzibar, and rode a camel by the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

india

Their trip then took them to India, where they visited Old Delhi and the Taj Mahal.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

nepal

Afterwards, they visited Nepal and took a flight over Mt Everest.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

japan

On their way to Bali, they visited Japan, where the bus schedules confused them.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

indonesia

In Bali, they explored the Monkey Forest and swung over the fields in flowy gowns.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

australia

In Australia, they got up close to the Great Barrier Reef, and visited the famous Ayer's Rock in the Australian outback.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

home again

They arrived back in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport after 80 days, greeted by family.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

never too old

They said they hope they've inspired future generations to realise that you’re never too old to take in all that the world has to offer.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com

a testament

They demonstrated that even in their 80s, they could travel the world, and their journey was a testament to the enduring human spirit.

Photo: aroundtheworldat80.com