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.

Bright, Colorful Limestone Buildings on the Streets of Rabat, Malta

(Pronounced Ir-rah-BAHT, MAHL-tuh)

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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By the time we reached Rabat, Malta, we had seen plenty of rocks and stones.

We had lived in a cave in Matera, Italy, had an astounding meal below the earth in another cave in that same town. We researched the Sassi and climbed beyond our bodies' endurance in one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in Europe. 

We saw castles in Sicily and on the coast of southern Italy.     

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".

But there were more rocks and stones yet to be seen, and it was here in Rabat, Malta, that we saw them.

The main street leading to St. Paul's Cathedral

According to the New Testament’s Acts of the Apostles, St. Paul shipwrecked in Malta around 60 A.D. This event occurred while Paul was being transported as a prisoner to Rome, and the ship was caught in a storm, ultimately running aground on the island of Malta.

The exact amount of time St. Paul spent on Malta after the shipwreck is not explicitly stated in the Bible, but he made a big impression on the people by healing the sick, including the island's governor, Publius.

This cathedral was built centuries later and stands as a masterpiece of Norman architecture.

A narrow side street

Notice this little side street - so narrow, with no sidewalks and no drains for water run off. 

Streets such as these used to be footpaths centuries ago, which is why they are so slender and circuitous. They were made for people, and perhaps a food cart pulled by a donkey.

With Phoenician, Roman, Arab and Norman influences, the streets have a timeless charm.

Walkway at the side of St. Paul's Cathedral

 We took a walk just before sunset from our apartment to the center of town via this walkway at the side of St. Paul's Cathedral.

The church has the dramatic backdrop of the clouds and setting sun shining through them. 

It's beautiful now, one can only imagine how things were during the Medieval Period when it was built.

Front of St. Paul's Cathedral

The front of the Cathedral is made of limestone, common in this area.

Statues of St. Paul and St. Luke are here, arched doorways, and a mosaic of Jesus in the center.

Wrought iron street lamps in front give a rich luster to the church in the evenings.

Colorful boxed window balconies

These window boxes are called gallarijas and date back to the Medieval period when they served practical purposes like ventilation and protection from the elements.

But the vibrant colors given to them in modern times date back to the 19th century influenced by the British colonial period and a desire to add a touch of individuality and personality to homes.

You can see these gallarijas all throughout Rabat as well as the extraordinary colorful doors.

The British were also responsible for bringing the first modern amenities to Rabat. They had a primary school, postal services and street lighting. They even had a train link to Valletta, the capitol.

Outdoor seating at a cafe

As you walk through the town’s narrow streets, you will see cozy cafes and charming shops.

Rabat was part of Melita, the ancient Roman city, 2000 years ago. Later the Arabs named the fortified inner area Mdina. The outer section was called Rabat, the Arabic word for “suburb”.

Graceful corner

This graceful corner is indicative of Maltese architecture. Limestone buildings, with a cafe on the corner, there are the wrought iron balconies and a gallarija on the right.

It's unclear if the sign "Gilder" means the shop downstairs does gold gilding or if it works on traditional Maltese clocks.

More colorful gallarijas

One has to admit these streets are charming. And the town is very clean.

We saw no trash or graffiti in town, which was refreshing.

Notice the spelling of San Pawl on the corner street sign, the Maltese version of St. Paul.

Sundry and grocery store across from our apartment

This little store sold various items like yogurt, cheese, canned goods and snacks. Tony, the owner, offered a decent variety, and if you couldn't find something he'd show you where in the store it was located.

We visited this store often since our apartment was directly across the street. We had a kitchen, so having some foods for meals was a convenience we took advantage of. 

Tony, the owner, is on the left

When we first met Tony, he was a little peppery. This was the exact challenge Billy likes to take on, so he pressed Tony with an edgy friendliness. Tony found a kindred spirit in Billy and the two of them became fast friends.

Tony has been in his store for decades, has seen all the changes, and knows everyone in town.

He was the perfect connection to get the skinny on anything we might need.

In this photo, Tony's son is behind the counter and a regular customer is on the right. Both are leaning to try to get out of Billy's photo... but didn't succeed!

Cappuccino and croissant

Here we are at a chic cafe having a croissant and cappuccino.

One can sit here and people-watch while enjoying the beautiful morning.

Notice the handsome archways of the buildings left over from the Medieval days, and the bright colors of the doors brought in through the influence of the British when they ruled here.

Cookies and tartlets

Bakeries were dotted all around town, and these tartlets and cookies looked tempting!

Almonds are thought to have been brought to Malta from Phoenician or Roman traders centuries ago. With both medicinal and culinary uses, almonds were valuable. Malta's climate was also found to be perfect to grow them.

Small circle in front of St. Paul's Cathedral

References to St. Paul are everywhere. But how many places can brag about a saint being shipwrecked on their shores?

Paul's journey was complicated, since he was arrested in Jerusalem but needed to get to Rome to be tried.

His travel by sea along the coast of countries which today are now Lebanon, Syria and southern Turkey, he changed ships and went on to Crete.

A violent storm came up where the sun and the moon were not able to be seen for many days, and the ship, with 276 people on board were blown to Malta where they went aground.

After about 6 months, the Roman centurion found (or built) another ship and they all left Malta forever.

Even after all these centuries, that event has marked this country indelibly.

Akaisha sitting at a cafe

Since the weather in Malta is so sunny and pleasant, there are many outdoor eating places to enjoy a meal or a coffee.

The limestone background is perfect for the bright colors of these chairs and the flowers to stand out.

Here I am enjoying the climate and waiting to order a beverage.

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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