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 Cathedral in Sorrento, Italy

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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In the heart of Sorrento's historic center stands their Cathedral.

Due to religious and political tensions, the Cathedral lost its status, then regained it again.

With its simple yet elegant Romanesque architecture, there are many arches and columns, with an equally impressive interior.

Of course, there are frescos - used commonly at the time - and lots of gold gilding.

The Cathedral is dedicated to Saints Philip and James.

A plaque outside the Cathedral

This plaque is dedicated to the archbishop Joseph Civitavecchia.

There were times in history, especially during the reunification of the Two Sicilys in the 1800s, where the physical boundaries of the city of Sorrento changed.

Along with that, the status of the Cathedral changed too.

"It's a Cathedral, no it's not a Cathedral, yes it is" went on and on during this period.

What separates a Cathedral from just a "regular church" is if a Bishop or Archbishop serves there. With the land borders changing, a Bishop was there, and then there wasn't and so on.

There was political and religious discord, as to who rules what - and who gets what money.

Actually, not much different than in today's world.

Inside the Cathedral

As you can see, there was plenty of money at least to restore this Cathedral.

Beautiful marble flooring, columns and painted archways.

Several different architectural styles can be seen - Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque.

Frescos on the ceiling

Frescos were popular during the the late 13th to the mid-16th centuries.

It is a style of painting with ground pigments and water applied right into the wet plaster on the ceiling or wall.

This gives a permanence that surface painting does not and the colors don't fade or flake off.

These frescos are surrounded by gold leaf, a technique called gilding.

A side chapel

Along with frescos and gilding, a lot of intricate marble carvings and marble facings are used.

All of this artistry presents a glowing and luminous quality to the Cathedral.

A diorama of life in Ancient Judea

Handmade dioramas provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the people living in a certain era.

The above diorama shows a viable scene - with historical accuracy - with the clothing and activities that went on during a time in Ancient Judea.

Another section of the diorama

 These dioramas provide viewers with an immersive experience of what life might have been like during the time of Jesus.

If you look closely, you'll see vendors with cheese and candles hanging down, livestock for sale, period-style clothing, shoes, stairways and dirt paths.

Jesus on the cross but without the cross

I'm sure there is a story here... It's Jesus on the cross, but without the cross.

When we were in Anzio this trip, the nation was finishing up the soccer cup competition. You will see the blue and white materials of Naples soccer team at the feet of Jesus.

This was most likely a prayer for their team to win.

If you are in Sorrento, take a moment and stop into the Cathedral.

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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