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.

The Harbor and Waterfront of Brindisi, Italy

(Pronounced BRIN-dee-see)

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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We had visited the famous port of Anzio, Italy - and the one in Gaeta as well. Now we are in Brindisi with beautiful weather and it's off to the sea we go!

Towns in Italy that have seaports have histories like a double-edged sword. These locations become important due to their sea access and ease of trade for economic development and prosperity, but they also become targets due to invading armies.

Brindisi Harbor has a history as well.

Let's take a look.

Ferry to Greece

Brindisi, was conquered by the Romans in 267BC.

Eventually, the Romans built the Appian Way which ended here at the harbor and this port became a bustling hub of trade and military use.

Panoramic view of the harbor

This photo gives you a panoramic view of the harbor with restaurants and businesses lining the harbor.

One can take a ferry to cross this water to see memorials, and more shops and restaurants on the other side.

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, and 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 the city of Lecce. The broken column base remains in Brindisi next to the standing one, serving as a constant reminder of the gift.

A beautiful yacht docked at this harbor

The Romans weren't he only ones to take over this harbor. Brindisi was also conquered by Ostrogoths, then Byzantines, followed by its destruction by the Lombards.

Serving as a key port for the Crusaders, the Norman conquest led to renewed prosperity.

At a cafe, overlooking the harbor

We are having a morning coffee and croissant here at a seaside cafe.

If you look across the water, you will see the Monument to Sailors who have served in various wars.

The building is representative of a ship's rudder, stands 54 meters tall and was built in 1933.

Another beautiful yacht

Centuries later after an earthquake and political disputes forced this harbor to decline, it became revitalized once again with the opening of the Suez Canal. It became a major stop on the route to the East.

During World War II, Brindisi Harbor served as an Italian naval base and was briefly the capital of Italy after the fall of Mussolini.

Restaurants line the harbor

These days, the harbor is a bustling tourist destination with restaurants, cafes and shops lining the streets.

And it is also a port for passenger ferries connecting Italy with Greece, Albania, and Croatia.

Small watercraft docked at the harbor

There are small watercraft docked here too.

Days later, Billy chartered one of them to take us out sailing.

Billy and Akaisha at the harbor

There were no shortage of boats and yachts coming in and out of this harbor.

The weather held up and we enjoyed many days of sunshine.

A very sleek sailing vessel

Here is a photo of a long and sleek sailing vessel.

There is always action at a port.

Yachts come and go and the owners get re-supplied and ready themselves for their next destination.

Close up view of this yacht

I guess when the sea calls, one can't say "No."

Lots of people love living on or near the water and can't imagine being separated from it for long. Sailing from place to place, all throughout history men have taken to the sea for trade, adventure or pleasure.

This yacht is big enough to live upon and be comfortable.

Would you like a life as a seafarer?

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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