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 in Gaeta, Italy

(Pronounced Guh-AY-tuh)

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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We had just come in from Anzio, Italy and of course we made a stop at the famous port located there.

Now, 53 miles south of Anzio, we are in another beach town named Gaeta.

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.

Gaeta's port had endured both.

Small craft in the harbor

Here you see the beautiful countryside beyond Gaeta's Harbor.

Because the location of this harbor was strategic - right between Rome and Naples - it was an important port for trade and commerce during the Roman Republic and later on, the Roman Empire.

The town of Gaeta gained importance during the Medieval 9th to 12th centuries. This was her "glory period" when the town became famous and increased trade with neighboring states, causing them to become wealthy.

The city became a maritime republic, gaining control over sea routes and maintained a strong navy.

Small craft in the harbor and USS Mount Whitney in the background

Gaeta benefitted by alliances with other maritime republics like Amalfi, Naples and the Papal States, but it also suffered conflicts too, when the importance of Mediterranean trade routes evolved and shifted

Today, the harbor accommodates both fishing boats and recreational vessels. The town's maritime traditions remain alive, and the Tyrrhenian Sea remains an essential part of Gaeta's identity and economy.

More small craft and beautiful hills

Long before the Medieval Period, Gaeta suffered under the wars between the Byzantine Empire and the Ostrogoths. Then of course there was the Germanic tribe known as the Lombards and the Arab raiders who frequently attacked the Italian coast, including this harbor.

There were the Norman conquests and conflicts with the Papal States. The Papacy sought to assert its authority over the region, leading to clashes and sieges.

Anyone controlling this harbor gave them control of Southern Italy, control of the sea and the trade routes too.

Ruins in the harbor from Medieval days

While of course there were peaceful times too, especially between invasions.

But there seemingly was always an invasion.

 Since Gaeta became part of the Kingdom of Naples, it was involved in the wars between the French and Spanish.

Gaeta harbor with he Sanctuary of the Most Holy Annunciation on the hill looking out

The original church on the site is believed to have been built possibly in the 9th century.

However, the structure that is here now underwent significant renovations and expansions over centuries. Most notably in the s13th century, this church was both expanded and rebuilt. The prominent feature of the bell tower was also constructed during this period.

Teachers Twins and a friend

We met these ladies while on a walk around the old town at harbor's edge. They are all teachers.

The twins on the right are from Naples (Napoli) and the woman on the left is from Australia.

These port towns seem to go from war time to peace time and back again.

During World War II, Gaeta's harbor was once again a strategic location for war, and the town experienced military actions and bombings.

Throughout all of these conflicts over the many centuries, Gaeta's harbor has been a vital military and logistical asset.

  Today, the harbor serves primarily as a fishing and recreational port, a stark contrast to its historical role in shaping the town's destiny during times of both war and peace.

The Guardia di Finanza

The Financial Police or Financial Guard is an Italian law enforcement agency.

 A militarized police force, it forms part of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and is essentially responsible for dealing with financial crime and smuggling.

It's Italy's primary agency for suppressing the illegal drug trade.

The Financial Police maintain over 600 boats and ships and more than 100 aircraft patrolling Italy's territorial waters. It also has the role of border police and customs duties at Italian airports.

The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney

This is the USS Mount Whitney.

It operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners.

The ship and crew represent the U.S. Navy in Europe and Africa.

The crew just completed a $22 million dry-docking maintenance update, ensuring the ship was prepared to deter and defend in one of the most dynamic theaters of the world.

This small seaport has played a significant role in both war and peacetime.

To look at it today with all the tourists, restaurants and hotels, one might never know!

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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