President Obama and the First Lady visited Maude Smith and her grandson at their apartment in Columbia Parc Apartment Development in New Orleans yesterday (August 29, 2010). The entire Obama family visited New Orleans to mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
PS – later this week we’ll have a full recap of the Obama family’s trip to Martha’s Vineyard.
Everyone knew of the Obama family’s day trip to the Gulf Coast. What everyone didn’t know is if the President would take actions to prove his reassurance of the region’s safety by actually taking a dip in the Gulf waters.
The official answer is yes. Yesterday, the White House released a photo of the President and 9 year old daughter, Sasha swimming in the Panama City Beach. However, according to the Associated Press, the Obamas swam off Alligator Point, which is in Saint Andrew Bay, not the Gulf.
Regardless of how and where the swim took place, the residents, politicians, and businesses of the region are relieved and delighted. This photo represents a stamp of approval for the rest of the nation who doubted the safety of the beaches.
Other than that newsworthy moment, the family spent much of their time at their hotel. They visited Lime’s Bayside Bar & Grill where they ate a lunch of fish tacos, chicken tenders, and burgers. Later in the day, they played miniature golf. They’re expected back in Washington this evening (Sunday).
Michelle Obama marked the end of a posh and controversial Spanish vacation with lunch today with Spain’s King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia at the family’s summer home, Marivent Palace, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Mrs. Obama and Sasha arrived at tthe palace before 1:00 PM. Lunch included Andalusian-style chilled gazpacho soup, chargrilled turbot, veal escalopes with mustard, Oriental rice with sauteed mushrooms, a Mallorca-style vegetable ratatouille and sliced fruit with ice cream, accompanied by wines from the northern regions of Rueda and Rioja.
As parting gifts, the king gave Mrs. Obama seeds for the White House garden and the queen presented handicrafts typical of Mallorca.
The Obama group hopped on Air Force Two shortly after leaving the palace to head back to the U.S. (and face the media backlash that awaits).
The Spanish excursion continues for ½ of the Obama family. Today Mrs. Obama, daughter Sasha, and friends were photographed in the city of Ronda. They toured Santa Maria, a sacred church and treasured city monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Later they were seen dining for lunch at Del Escudero which is considered the second-finest restaurant in town. The baronial styled 19th century villa originally was built as a private home. Menu prices range from $13-$38.
Tonight the group is expected to attend a charity event hosted by actors Antonio Banderas and Eva Longoria.
Wearing a one-shoulder top by Jean Paul Gaultier, Mrs. Obama started her Spain vacation by strolling through the streets of Granada sightseeing and enjoying the cultural attractions.
Today she, Sasha, and company were granted a private stretch of beach in Estepona to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. As you can tell from some of the photos, it was anything but “private” with dozens of curious onlookers and security keeping watch.
Back in the states, the luxurious mother-daughter trip has been heavily criticized by the media.
To sum up all of the criticism into one critique, New York Daily News writer Andrea Tantaros compared Mrs. Obama to a “modern day Marie Antoinette” for taking such an extravagant vacation when the US is still suffering from the economic crisis.
She and her entourage are staying at the five-star Viala Padierna, one of the world’s top 30 hotels. Rates start at $400 – $2,500 per night. They reserved 60 rooms. The newspaper El Mundo reported their first dinner in Spain cost approximately $66 per head.
Not only is this vacation’s price being questioned but also the quantity of vacations the first lady has planned. According to Lynn Sweet, Mrs. Obama will have taken eight vacations by the end of the summer.
Yes, Mrs. Obama picks up the tab for all of the personal expenses but taxpayers are responsible for staff, Secret Service, and air accommodations which are by far the most expensive part of the trip.
So, what do you think about this Spanish vacation? Bad timing or well-deserved?
Former US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to appear at the Atlanta History Center on November 3, 2010 at 8:00 AM for a book signing and lecture. During the breakfast event, she’ll share stories from her new memoir, Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family.
According to the press release, the book traces Rice’s life back to growing up in Birmingham in the 1960s, during the turbulent civil rights era and how her parents’ love and support encouraged her not to set limits on what she could achieve.
Rice was the first black woman to hold the office of Secretary of State. Prior, she was the first woman to serve as National Security Advisor. She currently teaches at Stanford University.
Admission is $40 which includes coffee and light pastries and an autographed copy of the book. Reservations are required. To make a reservation or receive more information, call 404.814.4150.
Mrs. Obama, 9 year old Sasha, and family friends arrived today in Spain for a four day vacation at the luxurious Hotel Villa Padierna. The entire entourage is expected to occupy 60-70 rooms.
Both the US and Spanish government are mum on the details of any plans, but the hotel owners and local politicians of Marbella were happy to divulge any details (and will probably continue to do so) to the media.
It’s very doubtful locals will catch a glimpse of the family. The resort is surrounded by security including Spanish Civil Guards and Secret Service agents.
The 160-room, five-star resort is located in Marbella, a town favored by the rich and famous and international royalty. Rates start at $400 per night. Guests get their money’s worth – amenities and services include a swimming pool and spa, several fine dining restaurants, golf courses, and tennis courts.
Hotel co-owner Ricardo Arranz told CNN Obama chose the hotel based upon a recommendation of a friend who had visited before.
P.S. – Happy 49th birthday President Obama
Former First Daughter, Chelsea Clinton, 30, wed Marc Mezvinsky, 32, at Astor Courts, a 50-acre estate in Rhinebeck, NY on Saturday. Over 400 guests watched Chelsea walk down the aisle in a strapless gown by Vera Wang, who also was in attendance.
As a matter of fact Vera Wang was probably one of the more popular names you may have recognized from the guest list. Considering that her parents former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are internationally known and connected, no A-list celebs (i.e. Oprah Winfrey) or well-known politicians (i.e. President Obama) were even invited. The rumor of a $3 million ceremony was also squashed late last week. Cost is estimated at hundreds of thousands.
The interfaith ceremony (Chelsea’s Methodist; Marc is Jewish) was led by Rabbi James Ponet and the Reverend William Shillady.
The newlyweds met in 1993. They stayed in contact while both students at Stanford University. Their first outing as a couple was in 2005 when they attended the opening of Vegas nightclub Tao. They moved in together a short while after in New York.
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Here’s the statement the Clintons released after the ceremony:
“Today, we watched with great pride and overwhelming emotion as Chelsea and Marc wed in a beautiful ceremony at Astor Courts, surrounded by family and their close friends. We could not have asked for a more perfect day to celebrate the beginning of their life together, and we are so happy to welcome Marc into our family. On behalf of the newlyweds, we want to give special thanks to the people of Rhinebeck for welcoming us and to everyone for their well-wishes on this special day.”
The White House announced that Camille Johnston is trading in her position as Mrs. Obama’s Communications chief to join Siemens Corporation as a Vice President of Corporate Affairs. She’s the third staffer to resign following former Social Secretary Desiree Rogers and former Chief of Staff Jackie Norris.
Mrs. Obama’s statement:
“Camille has become a trusted advisor to me and to the entire East Wing. From our first day in the White House when we opened the doors and greeted visitors, she has led a communications team that has developed creative and effective strategies for the Let’s Move! campaign, our work on behalf of military families, arts and cultural events in the White House and our international agenda. Her dedication, calming presence and expertise have been invaluable. She will be missed, but we wish her all the best.”
Mrs. Johnston’s statement:
“Being invited by Mrs. Obama to be a part of her East Wing team was a privilege for which I am incredibly grateful. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve the First Lady and the President and to be a part of this historic Administration.”
The White House announced a mother-daughter vacay scheduled for August 4-8 at the Villa Padierna in Marbella. Only daughter Sasha will make the trip. Malia will be away at an undisclosed summer camp.
During the trip, the First Lady will meet with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.
The President is also skipping this trip to celebrate his 49th birthday on August 4th at the home of Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm for a fundraiser. Each guest will donate $30,000 each to the Democratic National Committee.
The First family will spend most of August vacationing. In addition to the Spain trip, they will spend a weekend in the Gulf Coast region followed by a 10-day stay at Martha’s Vineyard. Malia will miss both these trips as well due to camp. Must be one heck of a camp. I’ve never heard of a kid excited about summer camp.
