Recently we have read articles on retirement in general - and early retirement in particular - in notable publications. What strikes us odd is that the authors might interview one retiree, and then three or four “financial experts” describing the risks that retirement entails.

Billy and I are foodies. One of our goals in visiting Puebla, Mexico, was to go to rooftop bars and restaurants, enjoy their view and taste their offerings.

We take a Double Decker Bus Tour around Puebla, Mexico. Public parks, the famous Talaveras pottery on buildings, hand painted murals around town, churches, neighborhood of artists and more!

Billy returns to his favorite beach in the world, Chacala, Mexico during the time of the pandemic. Police tape is gone, beach is opened up, weather is perfect.

In 1987, the historic centre of Puebla was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Below you will find some of her most beautiful streets and buildings.

Billy and Akaisha's Three Lessons on Retirement
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Retirement is a great achievement, but it's not static. It's not like once you arrive you can forget about it and put it on auto-pilot. It's an interactive manner of living that continues to respond to our input, the new skills we learn and how our goals modify. Hopefully we continue to grow and change, making our retirement sustainable and sweeter to live.

Billy takes a walk through the archway-covered restaurants and stores in Puebla, Mexico. Lining the Zocalo, this area is very active during the day! Take a look!

Interestingly, for much of the colonial period, this fountain was the main source of potable water. Bullfights were held in this main square from 1566 to 1722. And in 1862, during the Battle of Puebla, this whole area was unpaved and the battle took place in the front and on the sides of the church. Interesting to imagine all of this, isn't it?

All of us have struggles in life. Be it financial, health issues, family challenges, or something in our career; we all have stuff. Whether you succeed and move towards fulfillment and success or close down and become stagnant out of fear is your choice. The difference is how you approach these obstacles in your life.

Puebla, Mexico, is famous for this church that you see here on the Main Plaza. they are also known for their food, in particular, their mole sauces. See the colorful letters spelling out "Puebla" as seen in many cities in Mexico.

We had heard of Puebla, Mexico for decades, but had never visited. Getting some itchy feet with our life in Chapala, we decided to take a three week trip with Puebla being the first leg of our 3-4 stops.

Generally a dignified and solemn day, we as a culture describe the passing of loved ones in shushed tones. We say they have "gone to the other side" or "passed on" and in mentioning this transformative state of those whom we have lost through death, we are expected to bow our heads, speak softly out of respect, and bear a compassionate, somewhat apologetic expression.....Not in Mexico!

We have just cut a new notch on the pole of life. What is it about turning 68? Did somebody remove some of the sand out of the hourglass? We aren’t even close to finishing our journeys to new cultures and countries and sometimes we feel that time is running out.

Arriving in Puebla, Mexico, we stayed at Hotel Santiago. What a rooftop terrace and view! Have a look.