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.

Valletta, Malta: A Sun-Kissed Historical Gem

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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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.

Perched on a peninsula between two natural harbors, Valletta has played a pivotal role in European history. The Knights of St. John, who arrived in 1530, transformed the city into a formidable fortress. Their successful defense against the Ottoman Empire in 1565 marked a turning point in Malta's history and Europe's geopolitical landscape.

Come take a look!

Billy and Akaisha in front of Triton Fountain

Here we are in front of the sizeable Triton Fountain.

Built in 1959, this fountain is on Republic Street, a major thoroughfare in Valletta.

The fountain symbolizes the sea and Malta's strong connection to maritime history.

Triton Fountain

Here is a clearer view of the fountain.

in Greek mythology, Tritons are sea gods, often depicted as half-human, half-fish creatures.

They are associated with strength, power, and control over the sea.  

Malta has a long history of seafaring, naval power, and resisting invasions by other empires.

Palazzo Ferreria

Built in the 16th century, this large building originally served as the residence of a Grand Master of the Order of St. John.

It is located on Republic Street which is a thoroughfare in Valletta.

 Later, this building became known as the Palazzo Ferreria because it housed the Malta Mint -- operated from 1973 to 1995.

Malta Mint produced coins in precious metals.  Many of these coins are still highly sought after by collectors today.

Notice all the bright green Gallarijas.

The Wembley Store

The Wembley Store is a popular souvenir shop located in the heart of the city.

It sells everything from magnets and keychains to t-shirts and tote bags, plus a variety of souvenirs featuring Maltese landmarks and symbols.

The store also offers a selection of local products, such as honey, olive oil, wine, and traditional Maltese crafts like Bizzilla - Maltese lace.

Bizzilla is a delicate and intricate form of bobbin lace that has been a cherished tradition in Malta for centuries.

Famous for its exquisite patterns, fine craftsmanship, and timeless beauty, each piece can take weeks or even months to complete.

In the 20th century, the popularity of Maltese lace declined due to changing fashion trends and the rise of machine-made lace.

Triq Melita

 A charming, narrow street named Triq Melita is lined with traditional Maltese buildings, many with distinctive balconies.

It's a pedestrian-friendly street with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for strolling and exploring its cafes and shops.

Triq Melita, or Melita Street leads to the picturesque waterfront area known as the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This scenic spot offers stunning panoramic views of the Grand Harbor. 

An outdoor chalkboard menu

Restaurants line Republic street and you will commonly see chalkboard menus advertising the day's specials

Lamb Shank is a hearty dish featuring a slow-cooked lamb shank, often served with vegetables and a flavorful sauce.

Bragioli are rolled meat dishes, typically beef or pork, filled with cheese, herbs, and sometimes ham. They are then braised in a rich sauce.

Maltese desserts are unusual to our palates with items such as dates, honey, sesame seeds and candied fruit.

St. John's Co-Cathedral

At the front entrance, you will see the Maltese Cross. This is most commonly associated with the Knights Hospitaller, a medieval military order. It is believed that the Knights adopted the cross as their emblem in the 11th century.

The Maltese Cross is typically depicted as a white cross with four points, each ending in a smaller cross. The four points are often interpreted to represent the four cardinal virtues: Prudence: The ability to make wise decisions. Justice: Fairness and impartiality. Fortitude: Courage and strength in the face of adversity. Temperance: Moderation and self-control.

This magnificent cathedral is a masterpiece of Baroque art, featuring intricate carvings, paintings, and the famous Caravaggio painting "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist."

Pricing for entry to St. John's Co-Cathedral

Pricing and days of tour operation are clearly listed.

Two men having cappuccino

I find this photo to be intriguing.

It begs for a story to be told.

You will find an older man with lots of white curly, wild hair speaking with a younger man with almost no hair, but the little that he has is dark.

The older man wears a tie and suit pants whereas the younger man has an open neck shirt and jeans.

One wears glasses in order to see, while the other has sunglasses on his head.

It seems the older man is explaining something important to the younger one who is intently listening - could it be a business plan? A professor discussing history or architecture to a student?

Wouldn't you just love to dive in and "visit" to find out what it's all about?

Humorous sign advertising souvenirs

This sign kind of says it all.

No one wants to go to a foreign country and bring home "sucky" souvenirs.

This sign says you won't find any of those here...

Typical Maltese Kiosk

Here you have some warm-colored limestone buildings with a bright red gallarija, and red window jams and doors.

This style comes from the British influence.

The kiosk and other modes of decoration carries the impact from various cultures, including Italian, Spanish, and Arab.

Malta Stock Exchange

The Malta Stock Exchange (MSE), also known as Borża ta' Malta, is the primary stock exchange in Malta.

The MSE is a modern and efficient exchange established in 1992 and has since grown into a well-regulated and internationally recognized exchange.

The exchange is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), which ensures investor protection and market integrity.

The trading floor of the Malta Stock Exchange

These screens display real-time stock prices, charts, and other relevant financial information.

You'll see the logos of various listed companies being visible, indicating the diversity of stocks traded on the exchange.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are perched atop the fortified walls of Valletta, and they offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Harbor below. 

Built in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, they have served as a recreational space and a strategic lookout point for centuries. 

During World War II, Valletta, including the Upper Barrakka Gardens, suffered significant damage from enemy bombing. However, the gardens were eventually restored to their former glory.

A look out at Sliema Creek from the Upper Barrakka Gardens

The fortified walls surrounding the harbor are remnants of the Knights of St. John, who built extensive defenses to protect the city.

There is lots of shipping activity here, and you will  see fishing boats, cruise ships, and cargo ships in the harbor on any given day.

The narrow inlet that you see here is called Sliema Creek. It separates Valletta from Sliema. 

This creek forms a natural harbor, providing shelter for boats and ships. 

The Saluting Battery

This photo shows you an historic cannon battery that fires a midday salute every day at noon.

This is a tradition dating back to the time of the Knights of St. John.

The three Cities across the harbor are Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. They played a significant role in The Great Siege of 1565.

Fort St. Angelo

In this photo, you can see Fort St. Angelo, also known as Il-Birgu. It's located in the city of Vittoriosa.

It's an enduring landmark with a rich history, playing a crucial role in Malta's defense and serving as the headquarters of the Knights of St. John during the Great Siege of 1565. 

Fort St. Angelo withstood intense Ottoman attacks, playing a pivotal role in the Knights' victory.

Upper Barrakka Gardens

From here you can look out of one of the many arched doorways onto the Grand Harbor. It's a beautiful panoramic view worth seeing.

On the wall to the right is a plaque honoring Albert Einstein.

It serves as a tribute to Einstein's significant contributions to the field of physics and his impact on our understanding of the universe.

Looking towards Valletta from the Upper Barrakka Gardens

The Grand Harbor is to the right in this photo.

You can see the whole town is made of limestone buildings, limestone being a common construction material in this area.

The high walls you see in the center right are defensive walls which were needed in Valletta's historical past. This harbor, and the inhabitants who lived here, experienced much violence over the centuries and these walls offered some protection from the invaders.

The building on the left with the painted blue windows is most likely a residence.

Panoramic view

Here is a panoramic view of the Grand Harbor with the cannon battery in the foreground.

You can easily see the fortifications that Malta with the Grand Harbor had to have to defend itself from the various invaders who wanted a post in the Mediterranean Sea.

In the last few centuries, politics and wars have calmed down, and Malta received its independence from Britain in 1964.

This view is from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

The mound in the distance is Rabat

This view is also from the Upper Barrakka, looking towards Rabat. 

The prominent building with the two domes is the St. John's Co-Cathedral.

And the bridge you see here is the Bridge of Castile, which connects Valletta to Floriana.

If you enjoy ancient history, stories of sea battles and sunny, dry weather, Malta might just suit your taste!

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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