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. |
|
El Gran Hotel
Patzcuaro, Michoacan,
Mexico
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
After spending some time in the aristocratic city of
Morelia,
Mexico, we decided to visit the artisan town of Patzcuaro, just a few miles
away.
We had breakfast in our
hotel and then grabbed a taxi right outside. The first cabbie told us the
price of 400 Pesos, which was about $22USD. We politely said no, and flagged
down another driver.
This man gave us a price of 300 Pesos,
which was about $17USD before tip, so we jumped in with our gear.
El Gran Hotel
The drive to Patzcuaro was less than an hour and we enjoyed some
beautiful greenery from time to time while riding on a straight road.
Patzcuaro was founded
sometime in the 1320s. The Spanish came in the 1500s bringing their Colonial
influence, but today this town still seems like a mountain village in
Portugal or France. There are narrow streets and tiny alleyways and the
roofs of the ancient buildings are covered in red tile.
Here you see the front outdoor seating of
El Gran Hotel which looks towards the Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra, named for a
local heroine who was executed by firing squad for supporting Mexico’s
Independence movement.
On site restaurant
The restaurant in El Gran Hotel serves
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
This hotel is just a 4 minute walk to
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga which is a must-see in this small town. The park is
wired for free WiFi, and has music playing from tiny speakers lined on the
periphery of the Plaza.
This simple, minimalist hotel is housed
in a beautiful old colonial building. The furnishings and decor were created
by regional craftsmen and artisans. These workers are internationally famous
for their copper, iron, pottery, woodworking and embroidery skills.
Looking out towards the Plaza
Gertrudis Bocanegra
It was a sunny morning and unbeknownst to
us, we arrived in Patzcuaro on Mexico's Mother's Day weekend. The town was
crowded with families, tourists and lots of Moms and babies.
We decided to take a break, order some
beverages and people-watch from El Gran Hotel's outdoor cafe.
Billy's cappuccino
Billy ordered a cappuccino and it came
with a couple of cookies to munch on.
We watched the morning slip by and
enjoyed the soft sunlight at this time of day.
Our bill
Here you see my "Jugo Verde" or Green
Juice, which is a popular health drink throughout Mexico.
Before tip, our bill came to 72 Pesos or
about $4USD. This
El Gran Hotel is also a 6-minute walk from the Museo de Artes e
Industrias Populares and 7 minutes' walk from the Basilica de Nuestra
Senora de la Salud. People swear that the Virgin here performs miracles.
El Gran Hotel provides private car
service to attractions, towns and villages. If you want to purchase a
hand-crafted guitar, take a ride to Paracho.
El Gran Hotel
Portal Régules 6
Centro, 61600
Pátzcuaro, Mich.,
Mexico
Phone: +52 800 503 3443
AND +52 (434) 342 3090 y +52 (434) 342
0443
Website -
http://www.granhotelpatzcuaro.com/
Email: E-mail:
reservaciones@granhotelpatzcuaro.com
For more stories and photos of Mexico,
click here
About the Authors
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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