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. |
|
Basilica de
Nuestra Senora de la Soledad
Oaxaca, Mexico
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
The historical center of
Oaxaca City
was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
There are dozens of
Colonial
buildings concentrated in this area, and even though many were destroyed by
earthquakes, they were rebuilt or restored. These buildings are architectural
wonders and make for great photographic opportunities.
The story
of the origin of the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad
was a bit of a fairy tale. Details vary, but the narrative
goes like this.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
In 1543, a mule driver on his way to the city
of Oaxaca noticed an extra mule in his team was carrying an over-weighted box.
When the mule arrived in the city, he collapsed from carrying the load.
The box he was lugging around was so heavy it
could not be moved but instead was opened on the spot.
To everyone's surprise, images of the Virgin
and a crucifix were inside.
The Church elders of course, interpreted this
as a miracle and decreed that a church be built here on this site dedicated to
the Virgin Mary of Solitude.
The Basilica
Construction didn't get
started until 1582, almost 40 years later, and took over 100 years to complete.
Another view of the Basilica
Since Oaxaca lies on the
Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active places on earth,
earthquakes are common. In 1696 a powerful one hit, leaving this church in
shambles.
Ever since the
Spanish first arrived here in the early 1500s and began constructing buildings,
earthquakes have been destroying them.
This created a cycle of
nature destroying and humans reconstructing.
Often buildings had to be
redesigned and hardened, evolving over time into large, fortress-like
structures.
Plaza de la Danza
Construction of a Plaza next to the Basilica
began in 1950. It's called Plaza de la Danza which was completed in 1959.
This is where cultural and artistic
activities take place, as well as international orchestras play.
Billy and Akaisha at Basilica Soledad and Plaza de la Danza
As in
Guatemala where earthquakes are also very common, many of these historical
buildings have been restored and are still in use today. Monasteries and
mansions are home to office buildings, museums, galleries, artisan shops,
restaurants and hotels.
This re-made Basilica still
provides daily services.
Akaisha holding a hand painted armadillo
Directly across from the Basilica and large
Plaza is a plazita where shops sell food and ice cream.
It was another warm day, so we sat down and
enjoyed a dish of sorbet or iced cream.
This little armadillo is painted in the
indigenous style.
Looking at the Basilica through an arch
From the little ice cream shop we were able
to look through this archway and see the Basilica beautifully framed.
Basilica de la Soledad
Independencia, 5 blocks
west of the Zócalo; North
of Independencia, Centro Histórico.
For more information on Oaxaca, CLICK HERE
For more information and photos of Mexico,
Click 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.
HOME
Book Store
Retire Early Lifestyle Blog
About Billy & Akaisha
Kaderli
Press
Contact
20 Questions
Preferred
Links
Retirement
Country Info
Retiree
Interviews
Commentary
REL
Videos
|