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. |
|
An Inside
View of the City of Naples, Italy
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
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We were staying in the big
metropolitan city of Naples, Italy, and there was lots to see on the streets
here. Little vegetable stands, cafes, restaurants, piazzas,
historical buildings and salumerias dotted the streets.
If you have never been to
Naples, be sure to enjoy our pictorial below to give you an idea of this city.

Side street vegetable stand
We liked getting our vegetables from small
stands where we were face-to-face with the owners. It was a far more personal
experience than going to a larger supermarket.
Beautiful fruits, lovely vegetables and
sometimes table wine by the liter!
And all very affordable.

White and blue flags in support of the
Naples soccer team
We arrived in Naples just in time for the
soccer team competition to decide the #1 team in Italy.
This is a big deal all over the city, and
people had flags criss-crossing the streets all over town, showing their
support.

My People!
Italians are very social. We saw these men
sitting on benches just chatting about everyday life (and probably the Naples
soccer team!)
I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have my
photo taken with them...
I'm Italian, they're Italian, what's not to
love?

Laundry on the line
We saw laundry hanging on the line everywhere
in Italy, and Naples was no exception.
People would have washers but the cost of
electricity was high so, "no one" owned a dryer.
Instead, clothes were hung on a line for
everyone to see.
I don't suppose anyone stole someone else's
laundry...?
That would be a terrible thing to do!

Historic portal
City walls, fortifications and portals played a
crucial role in the history and defense of Naples. They also were used for
controlling access into the city itself.
Today, they are reminders of the city's medieval heritage.
Right in front of this portal was
a daily market where I purchased a new daypack. Passing through this archway on the
right was a vendor where we purchased 2 new 10-kilo rollies so we didn't have to
check our baggage on the planes.
It was far easier to
travel by train this way
as well.

Amsterdam Cannabis store
Throughout Italy, we ran into several
Cannabis stores like this one here. There were even vending machines where one
could purchase whatever item they wanted.
Cannabis laws and regulations vary from one region to another within
Italy. But this country legalized the medical use of cannabis in 2013.
We went inside a couple of these stores to
see what they looked like, but since cannabis laws and regulations change, we
didn't want to have anything bringing attention to ourselves.
We tend to keep a low profile.

Outdoor cafe seating
Here is a little piazza with outdoor cafe
seating.
Many times in these piazzas there are cafes,
restaurants and
gelaterias.
It all provides a pleasant atmosphere for
enjoying a meal, a coffee or just to enjoy the day while people-watching.

Ornate corner building
This building has lots of arches, windows and
architectural designs.
Notice the carving of two men on either side
of the front door, used as pillars to "hold up" the next floor balcony.
This style was very common. We saw it
throughout southern Italy and also in Sicily.

Another piazza
At this piazza you see the blue and white
flags of support for the Naples soccer team. We saw these flags all over the
city.
Notice the church and bell tower.
Sometimes these small piazzas host local markets where vendors sell fresh produce,
clothing, antiques, and other goods.
These markets give you a glimpse into
the daily life of the city.

The view down the street from our hotel
room
Our little
hotel room was conveniently
located near the train station, as well as several
restaurants and cafes.
Once again you can see the blue and white
flags showing support for the Naples Soccer team.

More flags and streamers!
Did I mention flags?
Look how these neighborhood people have
connected themselves through their love of their city's sport team.
All of this passion for Naples was
heartwarming and enthusiastic.
Go Naples!

Italy's colors are represented also
You can see in the center of the photo
streamers in the colors off Italy's flag also - the red, white and
green.
The city of Naples eventually did win the
championship and earned the title of the #1 soccer team in Italy!

A beautiful corner apartment building on a
sunny day
Look at this beautiful apartment building.
The corner has a curved wall with a veranda and a lovely stripped awning.
Notice Mount Vesuvius on the left in the
background.

Akaisha and the Scudetto
Just down from our hotel room
was
this cafe
where we had a
pastry and
coffee each morning for breakfast.
Always an interesting crowd, this particular morning
some bikers brought this Scudetto with them.
Of course, Billy wanted to take my photo with
it since this was such a significant time for Naples.
The Scudetto is a decoration worn by Italian sports clubs that won the highest
level championship of their respective sport in the previous season.
The Scudetto is more about symbolism than
anything.
The translation of a 'scudetto' is a small shield or
badge, and in this context it refers to the badge that can only be applied to
the champions of Italy's top division.

A busy corner outside cafe
Naples has a strong cafe culture, where
locals and visitors alike gather to relax and socialize.
This dining experience is called "al fresco"
and is perfect for enjoying the pleasant weather
and soaking up the local ambiance.
Sitting in an outdoor
cafe is an essential part of being in Naples.

The National Archeological Museum
This museum houses an excellent selection of
artifacts from Pompeii and the Herculaneum.
Frescos, carved marble statues, mosaics, and
daily items used during the Roman Empire period are well preserved and this
museum is considered one of the best in the nation of Italy.
It is most certainly a must-see.

On Your Side!
Ok, back with the flags - but honestly the
whole city of Naples was energized by this championship.
Even when we visited
Gaeta, people there were
talking about this competition as well.
It was a
Very.
Big.
Deal.
The signs read "On Your Side!"

Lunching at home in Naples
Our hotel room had a small balcony with a
view of the city below. We ate
plenty of meals
out there on that balcony and this photo gives you an idea of the various items
we enjoyed.
So many flavors, so many choices!
The city of Naples, while not quite our style
of town, still had much to offer.
Maybe someday you'll choose to go there too!
For more stories, photos and videos of
Italy, click
here
For more on
Retirement Topics,
click here and
here

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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