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 One Way or Another Party

Chapala, Mexico

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

The year was 1993 when we were first introduced to El Gavilan by our friends Paul and Vicki Terhorst. Needless to say there have been changes throughout those decades.

Still, it is my favorite Cantina... so far.

El Gavilan - the real deal

The never level, swinging saloon doors mark both entrance ways. In years past, we witnessed young boys peering in through the missing slats for their "poppi" to signal it's time for dinner. In other words... Mama says, "get your a** home"!

Notice both sets of doors have a missing slat.

Times have changed and the once-convenient urinal that runs the length of the bar is no longer in use and they now even have a "ladies" bathroom.

El Gavilan has moved into modern times.

Some real characters!

Notice the firearms, whips, saddle, ridin' boots, and the extra bullets strapped across the chest. These are real "hombres."

As you can see... these Cantinas were a "man's bar" that cultured interesting characters.

In that regard, not much has changed.

"Miss Kitty," aka Kathy blazing through the shuttered doorway

Today, El Gavilan caters to both men and ladies, yet continues in the Mexican Cantina traditions of a local neighborhood bar. Here, everyone knows your name and the barmaids know what you drink.

Before the masses arrive

So, for all these reasons, El Gavilan was the perfect place for us to host the "One Way or Another" party.

There are two swinging doorways into the bar straight from the sidewalk and cobblestone street. The old-time urinal is under this same original counter, and is a conversation starter these days.

In the "old days" the archway where the juke box stands used to open into another room where pool tables and more chairs were available. 

The place is beginning to fill up

The plan was to hold this party before Christmas, but with "one thing or the other" we struggled to find a date that worked.

Some of our botanas or appetizers are on the bar and on the tables, being enjoyed by our guests. As you can see here, some of our friends are in rapt discussion.

All the seats are taken yet still room to walk around

The invitations went out describing the location, date and time. Friends started confirming and we knew we were on!

Success!

Friends attending are people we have known for decades from our first days of living in Chapala. Others we have met along the way, either through other travel locations or those who have read our books, newsletters and website.

We wanted something different than cantina food, yet easy to make in the limited kitchen space and facilities. Because of our restaurant experience, we are good at this challenge.

Our Menu

The menu we created was different than what would be expected in a joint like this, and it was quite tasty. Our guests were surprised and pleased with the delicious flavors. 

The hosts: Billy and Akaisha

We used to throw parties like this in Panajachel, Guatemala at Cafe Kitsch, and also in Chiangmai, Thailand. It was perfect, because we had the location, the wait staff and a full bar available. It's a good formula.

We supply the food, the bar/restaurant makes money, the wait staff make money, and we don't have to clean up!

These gatherings offer the perfect opportunity for people who have common interests to meet each other and make new friends.

It's a goldmine for connection.

Some modern day characters!

Ok, so we don't have the sombreros on nor the straps of bullets across the chest, but we are characters, nonetheless.

This was an easy going, social, and fun evening!

Come for the weather, stay for the Adventure...

Wish you could have been there!

About the Authors

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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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