Aug 8 2010
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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).
Aug 7 2010
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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.
Images via AP.
Aug 6 2010
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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?
Images via AP.
Aug 4 2010
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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
Jul 28 2010
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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.
Jul 26 2010
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Last week, the White House announced summer vacation plans for the Obama family. First, the entire First Family will return to Martha’s Vineyard for a 10 day vacation starting August 19th. No details on where the family will stay or what activities are planned. Last summer, the family stayed at the Blue Heron Farm and the president was seen playing golf and tennis while the First Lady, Sasha, and Malia shopped and frequented restaurants.
Prior to this vacay, the family minus Malia who will be at camp, will visit Florida’s Gulf Coast the weekend of August 14th. The region’s economy which relies on tourism continues to suffer due to the BP oil spill. Both the President and First Lady have encouraged people to continue to visit the Gulf Coast’s beaches that are still open and unaffected.
Clearly they’re practicing what they preach.
Jun 21 2010
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Every adolescent girl has her fair share of celebrity crushes – Justin Bieber, Jonas Brothers, etc. However not every girl can say she has met any of them in person. Unless you’re Sasha and Malia Obama. The first daughters have been able to meet many of their favorite celebrities since moving their father was elected president.
Last week while in Los Angeles with their mother, they met twin brothers Cole and Dylan Sprouse on the set of their TV show “The Suite Life on Deck.” According to E! Online, the set visit was planned and the Secret Service scoped out the set a week prior to the visit.
May 29 2010
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The Obama family jetted from the White House on Thursday to head back to their Chicago home in Hyde Park. They’re expected back in Washington some time on Monday. No news on their plans.
Images via AP
Feb 11 2010
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Essence magazine is kicking off the first of its three-part education series, “Teaching Our Children,” with an interview with the First Couple (mostly the President). They discuss education and how they encourage First Daughters Sasha and Malia to love learning and excel academically.
Feb 9 2010
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Over the past week we’ve seen the First Lady gearing up for her latest initiative – eliminating childhood obesity. She even went as far as using her daughters, Sasha and Malia, as examples of the “overweight” children according to their BMI.
Today she officially announced the “Let’s Move” campaign to an audience of children, educators, doctors, Cabinet secretaries, and other high profile folks. A task force has been established to submit a plan to the President within 90 days that outlines strategies to reach its ultimate goal – to eliminate childhood obesity within a generation.
The “Let’s Move” Web site has more information. Read more about this story.
Tonight at 9:00 PM EST, she’ll be on the Larry King show to talk about childhood obesity and of course the first family’s first year in the White House.
Photos via AP.
