Billy in Panajachel, Guatemala
Returned from the beach, I sat quietly with a pour of G4 reposado premium tequila — one of our favorites — reflecting on everything. That’s when it hit me: this isn’t just about me. Yes, I’m grieving the loss of Akaisha, but the far greater truth is that she is no longer trapped in her body. She has moved on to a better place. Once that perspective settled in, I felt a heavy weight lift from my shoulders.
Akaisha and I shared an extraordinary life together — nearly five decades. We owned businesses together, traveled throughout the Western U.S. in our fifth-wheel trailer, and explored the globe for extended periods. Few couples can say that today. We squeezed every drop of joy from our time, making the most of every opportunity and learning quickly from our mistakes.
It was a beautiful run. She was the best thing that ever happened to me, and she will always be part of who I am. As they say, no one can take away the dance we danced.
Now, at 73, I find myself at a crossroads once again. Many of you have faced similar turning points in life, so perhaps some of these questions will feel familiar: Do I settle down and simply enjoy the good life here in Mexico? Do I dip my toes back into the dating scene? Or do I return permanently to the States?
The answer, at least for now, is none of the above. The spirit of adventure still burns in me, along with my endless curiosity about the art of cooking and new dishes — I just can’t seem to keep a lid on that one.
If I meet a lady who shares that same sense of adventure, values, and food curiosity, it would be wonderful to explore the world together. But I also know how rare and special Akaisha was. Finding someone like her isn’t realistic — though I’ve learned never to say never.
I’m not the “Love Boat” cruise type. I prefer the feeling of a sailing ship, even if I don’t want to own one. I go where the weather suits my clothes — shorts, shirts, and sandals. I haven’t owned a tie in decades. While I love the beach, I no longer want to live right on it. Chapala’s climate is one of the best in the world, and I always seem to return here, but that doesn’t stop me from seeking out the next “undiscovered” beach, town, or bohemian corner of the world.
Food remains one of life’s great pleasures for me. Whether it’s fine dining or authentic street food, I want to experience it all. A chef once told me to visit as many restaurants as possible and “steal with your eyes.” I still do that today — so I can recreate those dishes at home, sometimes even better than the original, and always with joy.
That’s the best way I can describe my journey: it’s a lifestyle, not a vacation. I’m endlessly curious about people, technology, other cultures, and new experiences. The learning never stops. I rarely watch TV, and when I do catch a movie, I’m usually more fascinated by the camera angles, backdrops, and scenery than the plot itself.
Everything going forward is a new reference point. I started with that short beach trip to shake off the cobwebs, and now I’m watching the weather, planning my next journey.
What about you? Where is your sense of adventure leading you these days? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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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.
Perfect Robert. Thanks for following us and living your lifestyle.
I certainly hope that you do as well. Everyday is a new adventure.