Andrew Rhodes, 63, from Bucks, sold spare solar eclipse glasses to holidaymakers in Menorca, making around €400. The IT sales worker had stocked up on 50 pairs before flying out to join his sons and their families at the family home on the island, which they have owned since 1971.
Shortage prompted bulk purchase
A shortage of solar specs meant Andrew feared his family and grandkids would miss out on the full solar eclipse, visible in Menorca as one of the last spots in Western Europe. He tracked down a bulk seller and drove to collect the glasses before his flight on Tuesday.
After handing out pairs to his sons, their wives, and children, he had a significant surplus. His son Sam posted on a local Facebook page that Andrew would sell the specs for €10 each from 10am in a square in Cala Torret, Binibeca, on Wednesday. They sold out in minutes, and Sam had to take the post down.
Sold out in minutes
Andrew said: "There was an Irish guy who bought some - he joked it was easier to buy crack in Menorca than eclipse sunglasses. Everyone had direct messaged and said, 'I'll take two' or 'I'll take four', and a few people messaged to say 'we're here' when I was in the square."
"There was a worry we had promised some to people and they might turn up and we'd run out, so Sam took the messages down and we sold every one. It's paid towards my holiday and it will go towards a treat meal for my kids and grandkids. I've made about €400 - my flight out here was £59 return so that's paid for."
Extra sales at airport and eclipse proposal
At Luton airport, Andrew sold three pairs to two lads heading to Menorca who had booked a sailing trip to coincide with the eclipse but had failed to get glasses. He said: "I said 'well, you might be in luck!' I sold them three there and then at the typical price they had been flying out of the door in the UK."
Andrew and his family watched the event from a promontory near Binibeca, where he took images of the solar spectacle. He said: "This is the last land in Europe where you could see the total eclipse, it was very special." At the moment of total eclipse, local lad Aleix proposed to his girlfriend of 14 years, Paula, who accepted, prompting a huge cheer. Andrew added: "I spoke to them afterwards. Everyone knew apart from Paula - and fortunately she said yes. A special moment for everyone at a special time."
