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 Beautiful Walled City of Lecce, Italy at Night

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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Lecce is a romantic city inspired by its Baroque charm.

During the day, the sunlight hits the yellowish-cream colored stone and inspires photographers, writers and artists everywhere.

But Lecce at night brings out a whole other style of glamour and grace.

Take a look!

Outdoor cafe by Porta Napoli

Porta Napoli, the historic gate into the heart of Lecce, is on the right. It was named after the city of Naples, Italy since it faces in that direction.

The walls of the city extended out from both sides of this archway making it easier to monitor the people coming through this entrance into the city.

As the evening lights get turned on, a certain cozy warmth beckons.

A decorated window

Local limestone known as "Lecce stone" is soft and easy for intricate carvings and embellishments to be made to the architecture.

The color of the stone itself is warm and with lights on inside the building, it creates a romantic allure hard to resist.  

This small walkway is named after Federigo d'Aragona, the illegitimate son of  Ferdinand I of Naples and his mistress. Federigo's legacy - aside from his military career - was as a Renaissance patron of the arts and humanities in this area. His support contributed to the intellectual and artistic achievements of the Italian Renaissance in the late 15th century.

Garden restaurant at night

Eating out in Lecce is romantic too. One can enjoy a candlelit dinner or have some wine at one of these wine bar-cafes.

There are narrow cobblestone streets, charming squares, and hidden courtyards.

Strolling through the historic streets, especially in the evening glow of streetlights, brings to life a visually stunning and romantic backdrop.

These lights give such a warm glow

As you notice on the building at the left, there is an affluence and flourish to the Baroque style of architecture.

Lecce was blossoming at the time this urban development style was expanding.

Lecce had a strategic location in the Salento Peninsula, with access to both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

Because of this, trade and other economic exchanges were facilitated, making the town quite affluent.

Because of this, the defensive structures around the city (the walls and the Portas) were strengthened, to protect against potential threats of invasion and looting.

Lecce has a whole different look at night

These streets were originally cobblestone and the lights were gas-lit. One can easily imagine horse and buggies, and ladies in long dresses promenading the streets.

Between its history, architecture and culture, this city has a captivating beauty and romantic ambiance.

Lighted balcony at night

I wish I knew the personal histories of those who lived in these buildings centuries ago.

I imagined all sorts of scenarios while walking the streets of this city - whether it was during the day or the evenings.

With the cold and drizzly weather we met during our time here, it was easy to visualize people in their shawls, gloves, and hats with their breath making vapor clouds in the air in front of them.

Horses' hooves clip-clopping down the streets with vendors selling fruits, vegetables, firewood and other wares.

Mothers holding tightly to their children's hands and scurrying to get home.

Lecce is a must-see city for the artistic and historically inclined.

For sure, put it on your bucket list. The muse might show up to inspire your creativity!

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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