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 Unforgettable Streets of Paris, France

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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There's something magical about Paris.

I could list a dozen things that cause me to love this elegant, dramatic and historical city.

It's alive, and one feels free to dream here.

Artistically, there are no bounds. In terms of cuisine, there is no equal.      

One can be alone at a cafe or with a group of friends at a restaurant or trattoria. 

There are theaters, museums, and deep secrets held for centuries.

Everywhere you look is a story.

Ancient people, young vibrant students, and those from dozens of cultures all mix together.

I personally think Paris has crummy weather - BUT - when the sun comes out, the LIGHT is extraordinary, mesmerizing, and unforgettable.

There have been romance and murders, kings and peasants - the heights and depths of human experience - all leaving their mark on this town and its people.

Paris is mysterious and spellbinding.

Come take a look.

Our hotel

Our hotel had a GREAT location in the Latin Quarter, right across the street from a wonderful local restaurant which we visited often. The room was small but adequate and we had the tiniest bathroom imaginable.

For our next trip to Paris, we'll stay at another hotel for a similar price, just up the street from here. The rooms there were a bit bigger, more modern and had larger washrooms.

Bars and cafes

Bars, cafes and restaurants are literally everywhere.

Many have indoor and outdoor seating, and people-watching adds to the entertainment of enjoying one's meal.

The structures in this photo are called Haussmannian buildings. 

It was in the mid-19th century under Napoleon III that Baron Haussmann set out to make Paris the grandest city in Europe. These buildings are energy efficient and courtyards provide natural light and ventilation to the inner parts of the complex.

In order to complete his vision of a unified Paris, some areas of the Medieval city had to be torn down. Even though those areas were dark, disease-filled and dangerous, some French hated the idea of something new coming to replace what was known.

Eventually Haussmann was fired, but his famous buildings continued to be constructed for decades after.

More Haussmannian buildings

You can see the similarities of the Haussmannian architecture. Apartments and business areas share a wall with the one next door. In this way, heat is distributed throughout the building without much loss.

Beautiful wrought iron balconies and windows with planters of flowers decorate nearly every level.

Commerce areas are downstairs with living quarters a couple of stories up.

Hotel de Ville, Paris, France

Even though this building is named the "Hotel de Ville," it has never functioned as a hotel in the sense of a lodging establishment where guests pay to stay. Instead, it has always been a government building, serving as the seat of Paris’s municipal administration.

This confusion comes from a French term that historically means "city hall" or "town hall," derived from the Old French word "hotel," which originally referred to a large house or mansion.

The original Hotel de Ville was built in the 16th century (1533–1628) but was destroyed during the Paris Commune in 1871, when members of the commune set it on fire, burning most of the city’s archives. The current building was reconstructed between 1874 and 1882

The very large square in front of this government building is often used for events, protests, and seasonal activities like an ice skating rink in the winter. It is no small feat to build one of these rinks as it is about 14,700 square feet in area.

Complete with a cooling system underneath, water is introduced to the rink in thin layers. This is a critical step—dumping all the water at once would strain the refrigeration system and result in uneven freezing. The coolant in the pipes freezes this layer solid. The process is repeated, building up the ice layer by layer until it reaches a thickness of about 1.5-2 inches, which is sufficient to support skaters while remaining manageable for the chillers.

It takes several days to make the rink, and after the ice reaches the desired thickness, it’s smoothed and polished.

As a free-entry rink with skate rentals available, it runs from mid-December to late February or early March

It's a slice of winter magic right in the heart of Paris.

A closer look

Notre-Dame Cathedral is a 5 minute walk from here.

This municipal government building is a venue for official ceremonies, cultural events, and public exhibitions.

During the French Revolution, this historic site was a place for public executions and was called Place de Grève.

Narrow alleyway

Small alleyways like this used to be foot paths in the "olden days".

During the Medieval period, people would walk down these back streets, maybe with their horse and cart. As time passed these passageways were quite established and became roads off the main artery.

This adds to the charm of the area with less vehicle traffic.

Many cafes

What's Paris without its cafes?

Depending on the business or location, a cafe can serve snacks or much larger plates of breakfast and lunch.

You aren't limited to coffee, either, with specialty teas, craft beers, wines and mixed drinks available as well. 

In the window you see "Anisette and Orangeade" being advertised.

Aniseed has been cultivated in Egypt and the Middle East for approximately 4,000 years.

Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome used aniseed for medicinal and culinary purposes. But in the 17th Century, Spain began to use the fruit of anise plants to create alcoholic beverages.

Direction signs

The top sign advertises the Batobus. This is a hop-on hop-off boat service on the Seine River, and is a unique way to see the sights of the city. Passes for 1 or 2 days are available, or you can purchase a yearly pass if you plan to use it frequently. 

Île Saint-Louis is one of only two natural islands in the Seine River, the other one is Île de la Cité, where Notre Dame Cathedral is located. Ile Saint-Louis offers a glimpse of old-world Paris with its narrow streets, cobblestone walkways and many riverfront cafes.

A popular feature is the Hotel Lambert, a mansion built in the 17th century with a beautiful courtyard and views of the Seine.

The Latin Quarter is where we stayed.

Tour boats on the Seine River

These are the Batobuses.

Being a hop-on, hop-off style of transport, you may get on and off the boat as many times as you like at any of the designated stops along the route.

The Seine is a beautiful river, and touring around on a batobus offers beautiful views of Paris's landmarks and bridges.

The Batobus route includes nine strategically located stops near major attractions including places like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Jardin des Plantes the Louvre, and the Hotel de Ville.

 Boats typically run every 25-30 minutes, depending on the season and time of day.

You are able to travel between popular attractions without dealing with traffic or public transportation (which is a real plus) and on your own schedule.

Billy and Akaisha in front of Notre Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral is located on one of the natural islands in the Seine River called Île de la Cité, which is in the 4th arrondissement of Paris.

 As you might know, this cathedral suffered a major fire on April 15, 2019. The fire caused significant damage to the roof and spire, which collapsed.

When we were there on this visit, this famous building was still under repair but it reopened to the public on December 8, 2024, just in time for Christmas Mass.

Young student photographer

Paris is a photographer's dream.  

With iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe, there is always an interesting angle of light, weather, people gathering, or architecture to capture on film.  

There are also an abundance of charming streets with quaint cafes, cobblestone alleys, flower markets, and hidden courtyards.

Bridges over the Seine River with the reflections, the historic buildings and the amazing light offer may opportunities to capture compositions of Parisian life.

This young woman from Ukraine is using a vintage camera that was popular for professional photographers especially in the 1940s–1960s. I always think of Superman/Clark Kent and Lois Lane when I see this kind of camera.

Young woman modeling a red beret for sale

We stopped by this street vendor's shop to purchase an umbrella.

Having been caught in various rain storms, I wanted a short, foldable umbrella that I could take with me without much hassle.

I bought one for $5Euros.

The name of "Paris" was scribbled all over this fuchsia-colored umbrella, and as touristy as it sounds, I just loved it!

Vietnamese shop selling Pho 

As you know, the French spent time in Vietnam, and one of the best things they left behind was their cooking style.

Pho is a traditional Vietnamese soup known for its flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and typically beef or chicken. The broth is the heart of the dish, made by simmering bones, charred onions, ginger, and spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and coriander seeds for hours. It’s served with fresh garnishes such as lime, chili, bean sprouts, Thai basil, and sometimes hoisin or fish sauce, allowing diners to customize the flavor.

The cooking of the broth is typically a French technique, and all the other ingredients come from the local products of the Vietnamese region where the Pho is being made. 

 The dish likely evolved during French colonial rule (1887–1954), blending Vietnamese culinary traditions with French influences. 

Le Quartier Restaurant

Le Quartier General is a typical restaurant located in the Sorbonne area near the Pantheon and offers outdoor seating with views of some of the famous architecture of Paris.

Locals, students and tourists alike who want a meal, glass of wine or a coffee come here to enjoy the quirkiness of this restaurant.

Menu items focus on characters in Marvel Comics, and in fact, we had a Batroc Burger while we were here.

The name "Latin Quarter" originates from the Middle Ages when Latin was the common language of scholars and students. The area's history dates back to Roman times where two main roads of the Roman city intersected near where the Sorbonne now stands, making this area central to Roman Paris.

The Latin Quarter has always been a hotbed of intellectual activity, with philosophers, theologians, and scientists gathering here. People like Thomas Aquinas were influential. And during the Enlightenment, the area was known for its cafes where intellectuals like Voltaire, Rousseau, and later, Sartre, who would debate and discuss ideas that would shape modern thought.

Colombian restaurant and grocery store combined

There are several Colombian grocery stores in Paris. In fact, there is an area called "Little Bogota" due to its concentration of Colombian businesses.

These colorful tables and chairs reflect the lively, tropical vibe often associated with Colombian culture and the tropics.

You'll find products such as arepas, papa criolla, cassava flour, mayiz mote, chuno blanco or traditional guava or milk jams.

It's home away from home for Parisian Colombianos.

Greek restaurant

One early evening we were meandering around this Medieval street in the heart of the Latin Quarter when we were inundated by a tour group of around 40 people.

They were directed to a gyro place who specialized in chicken gyros.

While delicious, we wanted a traditional one, so after our meal, we went wandering some more until we came upon Souvlaki Athenien.

This little place is inexpensive and an easy to visit for a quick takeaway meal. Or you can choose to sit upstairs with a view, or downstairs and watch the action.

A family-run restaurant, Souvlaki Athenien specializes in Greek cuisine and is particularly known for its souvlaki. Their menu includes about 31 dishes, offering a variety of meats like lamb, beef, and chicken, along with sides like fries, salads, and desserts such as baklava. It gives an authentic Greek experience.

Hotel Mont-Blanc

Rue du Montorgueil is a well-known pedestrian shopping street in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement, famous for its markets, cafes, and boutiques. It's one of Paris’s oldest market streets, dating back to the Middle Ages.

This hotel is in a great location, only about a 10–15 minute walk from the Louvre, Palais Royal, and Châtelet-Les Halles, making it ideal for travelers wanting to explore central Paris.

The area is lively at night, and can be noisy due to its popularity.

Restaurants, pubs and shopping

This is Rue de la Huchette, a narrow, cobblestone pedestrian street just steps from the Seine River and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

This is an historic, bohemian, and academic district known for its universities like the Sorbonne which isn't far from here. It has many bookstores, cafes, and vibrant nightlife.

There are colorful storefronts, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops, and it’s a popular tourist destination.

This street dates back to the Middle Ages, with some buildings dating to the 14th–16th centuries. During the Renaissance, it housed printers and booksellers, contributing to the intellectual life of the Latin Quarter, named for the Latin spoken by scholars at the nearby Sorbonne.

Today, it’s known for its Parisian nightlife and Greek tavernas, creating a unique blend of French and Mediterranean feeling.

Buildings on Rue du Montorgueil

This area is an historic pedestrian market street in central Paris, known for its vibrant atmosphere, fresh produce, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants.

You'll notice the same Haussmann-style buildings with ornate facades, mansard roofs, and multiple stories. 

Rue du Montorgueil is one of Paris’s oldest market streets, again dating back to the Middle Ages, and it retains a lively, traditional market vibe. It’s pedestrian-friendly with lots of cafes and restaurants.

The Louvre Museum is only about a 15-minute walk from here.

The area is a favorite among locals for daily shopping and tourists for its authentic Parisian experience. It’s often described as a hidden gem for food lovers, with a mix of upscale and affordable options.

A Parisian covered passage

Paris is famous for its 19th-century covered passages.

This one seems to be a shortcut to elsewhere or a private access to a residential area.

I am amazed at how clean Paris is, for a huge international city.

When we traveled elsewhere though Europe, this was not always the case.

Cafe/Restaurant on first floor of a Haussmannian building

This scene is commonplace in central Paris.

The beautifully integrative Haussmannian buildings with their first class wrought iron balconies and tall windows are very attractive. The restaurant downstairs has a lively green striped awning with ivy trailers making city and natural beauty come together memorably.

Bicycles and bicycle parking racks emphasize people friendly city access.

No wonder so many people enjoy living in Paris!

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is located in the Latin Quarter.

It's a grand neoclassical structure that has this very prominent dome in the center. It was designed to resemble the Pantheon in Rome but adapted for its role in French history and culture.

You will notice the Corinthian columns in the front, and it is worth mentioning that this massive dome (83 meters high) is one of the largest in France.

The Pantheon serves as the final resting place for notable figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Marie Curie, and others.

It’s a major tourist attraction in Paris, offering panoramic views of the city from its dome. There are 206 steps that you can climb to get to the top, or take the elevator if it is not being repaired.

Tram trendy cafes

Here you see some of the small chain cafes called Tram. Next door is The White Lady (La Dame Blance) which is also a cafe or a patisserie.

With indoor and outdoor seating, these eateries are located on Rue des Martyrs, a charming, historic street in the 9th arrondissement, in the Montmartre area.

It’s a pedestrian-friendly, cobblestone street known for its vibrant mix of shops, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

One can order breakfast, brunch, and lunch, from menus featuring croissants, quiches, salads, and coffee

Rue des Martyrs dates back to the Middle Ages and was named after the Martyrs of the Catacombs, early Christian martyrs buried in the nearby catacombs of Paris.

Today, it is a foodie paradise.

Paris has something for everyone. We hope someday you will get to visit this classic, historical city.

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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