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.

Happy Hour at Caffe Palmieri

Lecce, Italy

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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We have written about Caffe Palmieri before, and explained what a great place it was for a morning espresso or cappuccino and croissant.

We talked about the Porta Napoli and how this Caffe sits right at the edge of the ancient walled city of Lecce.

But Caffe Palmieri isn't just a pretty face.

It's also an excellent place to go for Happy Hour in the afternoons and people-watch.

The sun finally came out after days of damp misery and this is what we did!

Caffe Palamieri in the afternoon

It seemed like "forever" that we had cold, drizzly, windy weather, but the sun finally came out.

What. A. Difference.

The town lit up and people again flocked to this corner Caffe to have their wine in the sun.

Porta Napoli to the right

Of course, wine isn't the only afternoon beverage Caffe Palmieri sells.

There are craft beers, local beers, imported beers and mixed drinks.

This caffe is situated right at the edge of what used to be a fortified wall to this ancient town. The Porta itself was connected to these buildings on both sides and the entrance served as a means to control traffic in and out.

When you are an invader or an occupier, the last thing you want is a Trojan Horse to invade and run you out!

On a side note, I was mildly surprised to see these paddle cacti in Italy. After living in Mexico so many years, I guess I just figured it was part of Mexico's landscape, not southern Europe!

Duh.

How parochial.

Happy Hour

Wine in Italy is fairly inexpensive.

Unless you are ordering a vintage imported wine, you can get Italian table wine for from $2Euros to $6Euros a glass.

You can also purchase this wine in some Salumerias for $2Euros a liter.

I can't tell you how happy we were to see the sun and it felt good to thaw out.

Busy in the afternoons

Italy, like a lot of Europe, is a cafe society.

You can sit solo, meet up with friends or even make new ones while enjoying your beverage.

Generally people are easy to approach and will gladly join in with you on conversation.

Or... You can choose to have your privacy.

Sunlit afternoon

This is another view from the Caffe looking down one of the many beautiful streets of Lecce.

When the sun comes out, the famous Lecce stone changes color. It can be yellow, cream, Latte-colored, coffee, brownish-gray and everything in between.

What an amazing city the old town of Lecce is.

Negroni

Ok, ok, so once in every couple of decades I drink a Negroni.

I had my very first one in 1979 in Milan when Billy and I went to a Michelin Star Restaurant.

I don't recall exactly, but I think the waiter suggested it (what did I know?) and after the first one, I hardly recall him taking away our plates!

I mean I do... sort of... but let me tell you, this is one powerful drink, and that's why I don't have them very often.

Excuse me? Where do I live?

The Negroni is a classic Italian cocktail that has gained international popularity. It is a simple, bold yet sophisticated drink that originated in Florence, Italy, in the early 20th century.

If you have never had one, treat yourself but make sure you have a designated driver, and that your personal belongings are strapped to your body so you don't forget them!

Isn't Italy fabulous?

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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