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. |
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Malta
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Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
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Malta is a small island
nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy and north of Libya, and
is a popular tourist destination.
Languages spoken here are
English, Italian, and Maltese.
Maltese resulted from the
fusion of North African Arabic and a Sicilian dialect of Italian and is the only
Semitic language officially written in Latin script.
Malta has a long and
fascinating history, having been ruled by various civilizations including
Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and British.
The turbulent history of
this archipelago shows that it played a vital role in the succession of powers
for domination of the Mediterranean. Its strategic location compelled the
Maltese to be a part of the interplay between emerging Europe and the older
cultures of Africa and the Middle East.
While the British were the
last to rule Malta, the country became independent from Britain and joined the
Commonwealth in 1964, was declared a republic in 1974, and was admitted to the
European Union in 2004.

Stories Rabat, Malta
(Pronounced Ir-rah-BAHT, MAHL-tuh)

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Our Apartment in Rabat, Malta
Our instructions were to contact
the bakery downstairs upon arrival. After a bit of hip-slamming on the
downstairs door, Paula brings us upstairs to show us the apartment. It’s
a lovely rental with 2 balconies and 3 windows / doors that open out to
the street with wonderful views. We are right in the historic district
and the limestone of the city stone is vanilla-colored like the stone in
Lecce, Italy. |
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The Grotto Tavern Rabat, Malta
We arrived in Malta after twice
visiting Sicily with its oversized personality and bold food flavors.
Due to its strategic location, Sicily had been invaded over the
centuries by various conquerors. Each of them left some of their
identities and culture behind on the peoples - and it showed. Malta,
also, has a strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, and it, too,
had been invaded by the same peoples. However... From our point of view,
not much of the rich or vivid was left behind - and it showed.
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The Blue Grotto Malta
The Blue Grotto is a nature-made
series of sea caverns on the south east coast of Malta. Over thousands
of years, the limestone formations here have been eroded by the force of
the sea and weather, creating beautiful openings perfect for photographs
and boat tours. |
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La
Rabtija Restaurant Rabat, Malta
Just down the street from our
apartment in Malta is this traditional Maltese Restaurant. Called La
Rabtija - the name one gives for a local who lives in Rabat, Malta -
this restaurant specializes in traditional food of the island. |
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Bright, Colorful Limestone Buildings on the Streets of Rabat, Malta
By the time we reached Rabat,
Malta, we had seen plenty of rocks and stones. There were Roman ruins,
amphitheaters, The Appian Way, churches, Cathedrals, whole Medieval
towns made from limestone, hikes up big stone hills, and strategic
harbors where invaders of the entire area of the Mediterranean invaded
to lay claim to resources and take slaves. Arriving in Malta - to be
honest - we were "stoned and rocked-out". |
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Our
Sailboat Trip in Malta
Have you ever been on a bad blind
date? You know it won't work the moment you meet, and there's this
"uh-oh" feeling with no polite way of escaping. That's what it was like
with our commissioned sailing trip on this island of Malta in the middle
of the Mediterranean Sea. |
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Valletta, Malta: A Sun-Kissed Historical Gem
Valletta, the vibrant
capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich
history and stunning architecture. Often hailed as Europe's sunniest
city, Valletta offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern
amenities. |
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Ta Xbiex Water Polo Club Restaurant Ta Xbiex, Malta
(Pronounced TASH-besh, MAHL-tuh)
We had just finished our
motoring-should-have-been-sailing trip through the Grand Harbor in
Valletta, Malta. This restaurant was recommended to us for the artistic
display of delicious food they served, as well as boasting Malta's best
view. You had us - let's go! |
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Mdina: Malta's Silent City
We journeyed to Mdina today, the
historic walled city of Malta. Arriving around 9 AM, we were fortunate
to capture the morning’s soft shadows without the bustling crowds that
typically swoop in upon the town around 11 AM. Inhabited since
prehistoric times, Mdina has played a pivotal role in Malta’s history. |
MALTA VIDEOS

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The Day After the Night
Before, Rabat, Malta
After a night of the air conditioner
in our apartment raining water down upon us, and the fan motor
grinding and roaring into the early morning hours, we are a bit
dazed the day after. Repair men show up, but forget to do the
complete job and must return. Meanwhile, the maid has our mattress
out on the balcony, drying. Billy expresses his lack-of-sleep
frustration and gives TMI. Take a look.
To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here. |
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The View of Grand Harbor from the
Upper Barrakka Gardens, Malta
We are at the
Upper Barrakka Gardens with a spectacular view of the Grand Harbor
in Malta. You will see the famous 3 cities that border this harbor
which played a big role in the Great Siege of 1565. The Knights of
St. John and the local Maltese were able to defeat the Ottoman
Empire invasion here, which changed the course of Malta forever, and
stopped the Muslim invasion of Europe at that time. The body of
water you are viewing is called the Sliema Creek which separates
Valletta from Sliema.
To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here. |
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Billy's Not Thrilled with
Malta – Valletta
For several
reasons, Malta did not float our boats. Because Malta had been
invaded by countless empires over the centuries – the same as Sicily
and southern Italy – we expected a vibrant, bold country with
amazing food offerings. Instead, we found a cruise ship stopover, a
large tourist destination, with blandish food. It's one of the
sunniest countries in Europe and very clean. Residents of rainy
European countries come here for the dry, hot weather.
To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here. |
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Our Bolt Ride across Malta –
from Valletta to Rabat
We are finding
that BOLT is a great ride share in Europe with fast and friendly
service. Affordable too! Our driver today is Herberto, from Colombia
and we chat a bit about his life and Malta too. Herberto came to
Malta to visit friends, but Covid broke out and he couldn't leave,
spending all his money. Then he had to find work to survive. At the
end of the video, he recommends The Crystal Palace for the best
Pastizzi on the island, and he takes us there!
To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here. |
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Walking to the Crystal Palace
Bar for Some Pastizzis, Rabat, Malta
We are in Rabat, Malta, walking up
the street to get some delicious Pastizzis for lunch. We were here
yesterday and were impressed with the flavor of this old traditional
snack. Generally served with milk and tea in a glass, Crystal Palace
Bar is open (almost) 24/7 and is a favorite of the locals. The owner
sees us taking this video, and he proudly shows you a full tray of
his Pastizzis. Get there before the line starts at lunch!
To view this VIDEO on Rumble, click here.
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About the Authors



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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