MONTPELIER — At Rabble-Rouser Chocolate and Craft Co., the line stretched nearly to the door Monday morning, as newcomers thronged State and Main streets in the sun — waiting for it to disappear in the total solar eclipse in the afternoon. They dipped in and out of businesses, and the baristas at the café dispatched drinks with the frantic efficiency of an army regiment in the heat of battle.
“I’ve got my head all crazy,” said Claudia López, 47, who said this is the busiest morning she has seen at Rabble-Rouser in her two years of working there.
The only total eclipse López has seen was in her home city of Cali, Colombia, when she was 12 years old. She said this one reminds her of all she left behind when she moved to the United States nearly five years ago.
“It’s emotional. I want to get it all on video to share it with my family back home,” she said.
She gave an apologetic smile and resumed foaming the milk, as customers streamed in at the door.
