Yes, this is it. August 12. 2026 a total eclipse of the sun was to occur across northern Spain (Greenland and Iceland) and Patrice, David, Erica, Julian and I are here in Burgos, Spain ready to enjoy it. We started the day with a very forgettable breakfast at the hotel.
Only thing worse than the look of these eggs was the taste.
We then headed into town to see the Catedral de Burgos (the Burgos Cathedral). I remember being here about 10 years ago and being very impressed by the Cathedral. I am not sure why I was so impressed but it was lost on me this time. It was your typical cathedral with lots of pictures and statues of dead popes, priests, and other dignitaries. El Cid was there. Many know of El Cid as the legendary Spanish hero of the 11th century. Others, like me, remember him as the guy Charlton Heston played in the movie of the same name in 1961 (very cool year since it looks the same written upside down). We found lots of tourists wearing t-shirts from the current and previous eclipses. So it seems we are not the only eclipse nerds. We spoke to people from the countries of Canada, Czech Republic, Germany (3 couples), Greece, and the United States of America. The heat in downtown Burgos was brutal so we trekked back to the car and returned to the hotel
After cooling off in the room we started getting prepared for the eclipse. Our team was ready for the big moment. For those not familiar with the eclipse team here they are:
David, our team captain keeping us alerted of all the phases of the eclipse so we don’t miss any of the subtle findings that only the experts appreciate and people like me forget immediately after seeing them.Support staff. As you can see, hard at work preparing for the big moment.The matriarch of the team doing what she does best.Famous blogger Robert, doing what he does best.
At about 5:30 PM we headed to the hotel terrace because 2 people had already beat us to the deck and we were expecting a lot more. As it turned out only 2 other people and a few hotel employees joined us for an incredible experience. The view of the eclipse was spectacular and hearing David’s play by play added so much more to the event. We took very few pictures and the ones we did take do not come close to telling the story.
Erica and Julian with the total eclipse in the back.
Meet us next year in Egypt and experience it for yourself.
Last night was very special. We took an Uber to the Saenger Theater. By the way don’t take a cab here unless it’s from the airport where the fee to and from the city is a fixed rate. We’ve taken 3 cab rides here and not one taxi had a meter. It’s as if they make up the charge on arrival (With the exception of the airport rides). For instance last night we took an Uber to the theater and paid $10. Yesterday we took a cab to the same place to buy the tickets and the charge was $20.
Oh well, let’s concentrate on the happy thoughts. The show was at the Saenger theatre which was built in 1927. It has housed performances by Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Seinfeld and many others. Broadway shows have also been featured including Chicago, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, and next week Hamilton. The theater is gorgeous. Before the show we had a chance to tour around this beautiful theater. We met an usher who had been on the job for only 2 days but was born and raised in New Orleans and it was obvious that the theater had been a big part of his life. He filled us in on the history of the theatre and gave us a list of the songs and the order in which they were going to be played.
Look like we are having fun?A variety of statues adorn the walls. There is a night sky decoration on the ceiling.
Simon came onstage at 8:15 for a show that was scheduled to start at 8. I was disappointed looking at the song list because “Father and Daughter” was not included. Although not his most famous song it has been special to me since I made two music videos using the song. Each honored one of my daughters Lindsay and Erica (I also made one for David using “Let’s Hear It For the Boy”. A better choice for obvious reasons). Simon finished the show and then came back for his encore with the songs listed as “The Boxer” and “The Sounds of Silence”. He started to talk about his daughter Lulu and then much to my surprise he started playing “Father and Daughter”. By the time he got to the last line (“There could never be a father who loved his daughter more than I love you”) I was in tears. [Patrice here: The big baby was in tears just writing this sentence.]
It was a special night but the 83 year old soon to be 84 didn’t quite sound the same as years ago.
This morning I started off thinking it was time to hit the gym and get on the treadmill. I kept procrastinating until Patrice woke up and said “Let’s go to breakfast”. We took an Uber to Who Dat Coffee Cafe (2401 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117) which was recommended by our friends Alan and Becky. We shared the special of the day Oysters Benedict. I said to the server that it sounded very healthy to which he replied “They don’t call us the heart attack capital of the world for nothing.”
Oysters Benedict with Grits instead of fruit (Why try to be healthy?).Your happy travelers in front of Who Dat Coffee Cafe.
After breakfast we took a short walk to the nearby Jamnola museum. Jamnola stands for Joy Art Music New Orleans Louisiana. It was a small but fun museum with lots of creative exhibits.
I thought we were in an M.C.Escher painting. We offered an alligator some tasty Californians.
We thought we would then cruise the neighborhood but heavy rain with thunder and lightning convinced us to just chill in the museum a little longer.
Crawfish (also spelled Crayfish) making Robert EtouffeeHe changed his mind and we played a duet instead.Patrice showing off her muscles.
They had a number of costumes and accessories that people have worn at Mardi Gras celebrations including the outfit below.
A guide was asked if it weighed about 100 lbs to which she say, “No, somewhere between 95 and 105”.
Then it was off to lunch. It was still raining quite hard so a walk to burn off some calories was not going to work so another Uber ride was upon us. We decided to return to Muriel’s for another amazing meal.
Crawfish and goat cheese crepes.Blackened Redfish with some broccolini (added to make you think you are eating healthy).
I think Muriel’s might be our NOLA favorite.
Sorry, I need to stop for now. My book group meeting is about to start. Dinner will be late so I will leave you until tomorrow.
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 