Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Taking a Look around the

Coastal Town of Brindisi, Italy

(Pronounced BRIN-dee-see)

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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The first time we visited Brindisi, Italy, we were coming from Lecce.

We were happy to be leaving the changeable and rather chilly weather of Lecce, and for $3.40Euros each we bought train tickets to this coastal town about a 25 minute ride away.

On our second visit to this beautiful place, we hit the weather just right - in the 70s and low 80s with a gentle breeze.

Now that's more like it!

Corso Roma

In Italy, a larger, main street is called a Corso. This particular palm-lined Corso had stately buildings, and bicycle and scooter parking.

Brindisi is a very clean town, and this afternoon, not much traffic on the road.

Another area of the Corso

With the wide sidewalks, it was easy to window shop as we strolled about.

There are restaurants, cafes, gelaterias and various stores selling high-end goods.

Stately Ivory colored buildings

Such lovely cream and white buildings with ornate Baroque window sculpting.

Shutters and wrought iron balconies give them the finishing touch, and a street garden is below.

Wonderful, wonderful sunshine.

Modern-looking city building

Brindisi has both old-style and contemporary buildings.

It is an attractive mix of the ancient with the vibrancy of the modern.

Roman Columns at the end of the Appian Way

The impressive Roman road called the Appian way stretched 360 miles from Rome to Brindisi, the port city on the heel of Italy's "boot."

Because of this road, the military could march quickly to distant battlefields, goods shipped to and from the harbor flowed freely and even ideas spread rapidly through the Roman Empire.

The end of the Appian Way was here where you see the two 62-foot columns.

In 1656, there was a devastating plague outbreak in Brindisi.

 The city turned to Sant'Oronzo, the patron saint of nearby Lecce, for divine intervention. According to legend, Sant'Oronzo miraculously interceded and ended the plague.

As a gesture of immense gratitude, Brindisi decided to offer the 2nd column to Lecce as a symbolic token of their appreciation.

In 1660, the fallen column was transported 50 km from Brindisi to Lecce. The broken column base remains in Brindisi next to the standing one, serving as a constant reminder of the gift.

View of the harbor

In the days of the Roman Empire, this harbor ferried passengers and cargo across the Adriatic Sea to Greece, Asia Minor, and beyond.

The Appian Way which ended here at the harbor itself, became a vital artery connecting Rome to the vast Roman Empire, and Brindisi thrived as a bustling port city and a crossroads of civilizations.

Naval ship in the harbor

This military ship serves as a reminder that port cities are also vulnerable to invaders who might want to make that city their new home.

All up and down the coast of Italy deep sea ports have suffered attacks from foreign troops, sometimes having their cities ravaged and burned.

Monument to sailors

Across this bay you will see a tall monument to the sailors who served in various wars. The building is representative of a ship's rudder, stands 54 meters tall and was built in 1933.

For a bit of pocket change, we were able to take a ferry ride across here, and take a look at the monument more closely.

Road signs - where would you like to go?

These road signs let you know where a couple of Palaces are, the New Community Theater, a Temple, a Church, Saint Peter's Quarter and an archaeological area.

Mother and son eating gelato

Of course, since it is Italy, you will see gelato shops everywhere.

This young man and his mother are really enjoying theirs.

A golden Vespa

Vespa motorbikes were created in 1946, and were designed as a practical solution for post-war transportation. But because of their sleek lines, they became a fashion statement right away.

Over the years, Vespa has also collaborated with fashion designers and artists to create limited-edition models, further cementing its position as a cultural icon. Vintage Vespas are collector's items, and tourists fantasize about riding through the rolling hills of Italy on this sleek bike.

Coldwell Bank on the corner

Although steeped in history, Brindisi has a thoroughly modern side as well.

With its upscale vibe, stylish shops and the many bank buildings, this clean town is very attractive to tourists and locals both.

Outdoor restaurant on the Corso

This very handsome town offers plenty of places to eat a meal, have a cafe or a happy hour.

As with much of Europe, Italy has a cafe society and people stroll around meeting friends, saying hello, and people-watching.

Hotels in the center of town

It's a beautiful day in Brindisi, and we are walking the Corso Roma and side streets.

Here you see a sign to Hotel Barsotti, and the face of another hotel right in the center of the photo.

Anchor fountain

This fountain in the shape of a ship's anchor is in the center of this piazza. Our apartment wasn't far from here and there were several grocery shops, bakeries, fresh markets and salumerias in this area.

Our apartment's location made it very easy for us on a daily basis to get supplies.

Looking beyond the fountain are several apartment complexes.

Happy Hour with snacks

Further down the Corso we found this place to enjoy Happy Hour.

In Italy little snacks are served, as you can see here. Sometimes they are included with your drink, and other times one must order them and pay a nominal price like $3Euros.

On our table we have these little pretzel breads, peanuts and delicious Italian green olives.

Glasses of wine were often $4-$5Euros each.

A side via with Italian flags

As you can see on this side via is another wine shop with barrel tables.

Streams of Italian flags are strung between the buildings crossing over the via, making for a festive place to walk or sit and have a wine.

Lovely apartments

Aren't these cornflower blue painted apartments stylish?

Each with a veranda one can sit and enjoy the goings on below.

Although Brindisi is a city, we did not notice the intrusive, blaring sounds that most cities produce. It seemed far more civilized and graceful.

Statue of Roman Emperor Caesar

The man himself.

Apparently in 49BC, Julius Caesar faced political pressure in Rome and marched south with his troops to Brindisi. His aim was to cross over to Greece and pursue his rival, Pompey.

However, Caesar found a limited number of ships available, delaying his departure and allowing Pompey to escape with most of his forces.

Ultimately, Caesar won the Civil War and helped stabilized this region. Trade routes reopened and Brindisi (known then as Brundisium) benefitted economically.

In visiting Brindisi, it's like walking through several layers of history all at once. You have the Roman influence, the Medieval impact, the effects and monuments of the various World Wars, and modern times as well.

If you get to this area, make a point to visit this historic, classy city.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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