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 Main Cathedral of Morelia, Michoacan

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

In the center of the historic district, the Main Cathedral of the City of Morelia is on fine display.

Day or evening, this Cathedral is enchanting and majestic.

Spectacular view from a side street

One evening, while walking in the center of town, we came upon this manicured and well-kept alleyway in front of the Cathedral. It was an amazing experience to be sauntering down between these centuries old buildings to see the church lit up so exquisitely.

The building of the Cathedral began in 1660 and took 84 years to complete. The location defined the future development of the City from then on, as everything was in reference to the Cathedral.

Day time view

Using local pink cantera stone, this Cathedral is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ.

The two 60 meter high towers dominate the skyline of the city, and are the second tallest Baroque towers in Mexico.

It is right here at the vendor tents that group tandem bicycles line up in the afternoons for a bicycle tour of the city.

Eye-grabbing and unforgettable

The lighting company which illuminated the Eiffel Tower of Paris also created this LED display. On Saturdays, at 8:45pm, there is a light show with sound and fireworks.

The historical downtown is a jewel of the Spanish Baroque period

As we walked the city at night, we noticed that people on the streets were young, vibrant and energetic. All of  this made an interesting juxtaposition with this stately ancient Cathedral.

Majestic and beautiful, inside and out

Directly behind us from the position of taking this photo, is a monumental pipe organ imported from Germany in 1905. It consists of 4,600 flutes and is the second largest in Mexico, surpassing the Cathedral of Zamora, also in Michoacan.

Here you are looking directly at the center altar, with murals painted on the ceiling. The pale blues, grays and gold make for a peaceful atmosphere.

The Transfiguration of Christ

A beautiful painted window inside the church depicting the Transfiguration of Christ.

In Christian teachings, the Transfiguration is a pivotal moment where human nature meets God, with Jesus Himself as the bridge between heaven and earth.

Don Vasco de Quiroga

This is another painted window this time depicting Don Vasco de Quiroga, the first bishop of Michoacán and great benefactor of the indigenous. Bishop Quiroga is a hero today, remembered for stopping Spanish abuse of the natives so long ago.

A close up of the main altar

Here you can see a three meter tall monstrance (a holder of the Sacred Host) made of pure silver. The monstrance allows the consecrated Host to be displayed in order to be venerated by the faithful.

View from Hotel Los Juaninos

This was our view from the rooftop bar/restaurant Los Juaninos, which is a great place to watch the sun set as the Cathedral lights up.

The buildings on the right are now the Palace of the Federal Government and the Department of Justice. Previously, they were convent buildings, housing those who served in the Cathedral.

The Colonial city of Morelia is worth seeing, with its historical significance and the great beauty of its buildings.

For more stories 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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