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 

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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