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.

The Waterfront and Malecon in Palermo, Sicily

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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All over the world, port access in a country has determined its historical and economic fate.

It is no different for the deep water port in Palermo, Sicily which has experienced the trade and commerce of the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, and then the Greeks after that.

Reflecting the changing political landscape of the Mediterranean, Carthaginians took control, followed by the Romans then the Byzantines.

Then there were the Arabs and the Normans... well you get the idea.

World War II was not kind to Palermo city and its port, but today this area is modern and beautiful.

A woman doing her morning run

This smooth walking area is a great place to do a morning run or to walk one's dog.

The port itself is so beautiful and you can find boats moored here from a variety of countries.

Sicily's location in the Mediterranean gives all the countries who share this body of water fairly quick access to her port.

Small watercraft moored in the harbor

The buildings lining the harbor are a mix of commercial structures, warehouses, and residential buildings. The area has been a commercial center for centuries, and the buildings reflect that history.

The mountain range in the background is called Pellegrino, and is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing.

A boat named Volare

Every time I see the word "Volare" I can't help but think of Dean Martin, and I hear his voice singing this song.

Volare! oh, oh

Cantare, oh, oh, oh, oh!

Let's fly way up to the clouds,

Away from the maddening crowds

... Let's leave the confusion and all of the delusion behind...

Sounds like a great plan!

There's a boat for every reason

It's fun walking along harbors around the world.

There are fishing boats by which people feed their families or make a living.

Pleasure boats where people escape their worries and let their minds drift away... dreaming.

Sailboats, and tug boats and motorboats, cruise ships, naval ships, patrol boats.

You name it.

A community on the water.

All styles of boatcraft

Here you see some lovely sailboats.

A huge cruise ship - practically a small city -  is behind them.

Then Mount Pellegrino in the background.

So picturesque.

Porta Felice city gate

This architectural gem was begun in 1582 but wasn't finished (money issues) until 2 decades later.

The name Porta Felice is a nod to Viceroy Colonna's wife, Donna Felice Orsini whose enthusiasm and support of this project helped to complete it.

A more famous view of Porta Felice

This view of the Porta has been published more often because it shows you a main street into Palermo. Plus it nicely captures the two columns on either side.

The lower half of the Porta reflects a more modest style, while the upper part is the Baroque - and - busy style of architecture.

Nonetheless, this Porta has been around for centuries.

Historically, the street the Porta opens up to was known as the Cassaro, the main and most ancient street of Palermo.

It is now called Via Vittorio Emanuele, and the name change occurred after Italian unification in honor of King Victor Emmanuel II.

Billy and Akaisha enjoying Sicily and enjoying life.

Palermo's harbor holds much history and beauty.

We have mentioned before that Sicily is not for sissies. This island has lots of grit due to the strength of the survival spirit of its people.

It's animated, alive, colorful, authentic, and - if your senses are easily offended - you might want to choose another destination location.

But if you want to experience the pungency and power that is Sicily, taking a walk around the harbor will make history come alive for you.

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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