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We did successfully see the total solar eclipse in Spain. With a group of about 200 others from around the world, we hiked up a bluff and set up chairs in the 100°F/38°C heat for a few hours to see the sun gradually disappear and then reappear. We all spontaneously clapped upon the sun's return; it was a relief, even though we had all made the effort to go see what we knew would be an aberration. The word "eclipse" has been in the English language for at least 650 years; the

Like thousands of others, my husband and I trekked to Zaragoza, Spain in search of clear skies within the totality of the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. This is our first total eclipse, and I've been studying what to do and how to have the best experience. Glasses? Check. Location within the totality with low chance of cloud cover? Check. Local location with unobstructed Western vista? Check. We've been in Spain for over a week now and are getting accustomed to the rhythms

Even when you know the language reasonably well, local knowledge matters! Years ago, when our kids were little, my husband and I went off on our first international getaway together, to France. We both had studied French in high school and college, but we'd never been able to use it in person anywhere, and we were excited to experience the wonders of international travel! And we also wanted to surprise our kids with some chic new Smurfs to add to their small collection of one