BBC: Barack Obama and his wife Michelle will visit the UK on their first official state visit in May. US presidents who have met the Queen have mostly stayed in London, but where else in the UK might the Obamas travel?
The Obamas’ planned visit to the UK in May is their second trip to the country, but the first as official guests of the British Royal Family.
Since the turn of the 20th Century, 11 American presidents have made the trip across the Atlantic. Most have stayed in London, visiting Buckingham Palace, Downing Street and other sights on the diplomatic tourist trail.
….President Obama might consider a trip to Bracknell where his half sister Auma used to live and, it is thought, his step mother Kezia still does. A short train ride from London, the commuter town might not be an obvious choice for a world leader, but Mr Obama has already made a trip to the area. Before he became president he attended his former brother-in-law’s stag do in nearby Wokingham…..
The Obama Diary 
Smart man! 😀 Can you imagine if word got out that he had stayed for the “show”?
What a big scandal that would have been I am so glad he left…..having the republicans on your throat and having your wife on your throat is too different things lmao!!
Chipaticks, I don’t know where you find these things but I surely am glad you do!!!! That was one I have never seen before and it was fun to watch! Thank You!
Sorry I misspelled – CHIPSTICKS
yup great work on this one! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Here’s another interview with Kezia Obama
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/2640079/Barack-Obamas-time-has-come-says-fathers-first-wife.html
Good morning! I just read the article and like this quote.
‘Mrs [Kezia]Obama said that her stepson would “unite the world” and be a president for more than just Americans. “We Obamas are a big family. There are all shades and I don’t even think of black or white. Young Barack understands that the world is like this.” ‘
She is correct. He does understand this and he is already uniting the world. I find it amazing HOW MANY people looking at, and listening to, this man actually SEE and are willing to admit he has a mark of greatness on him! I keep maintaining that so many people all over the world cannot be wrong in their reading of him. Apart from his obvious long term goals and his integrity, this is another reason I’m not disheartened by the naysayers. They can fight all they want, but if decent people like you and I rise to the President’s vision of the country and the world, we can bring about change. ‘YES, WE CAN.’
Auma is very special to our president. I remember in “Dreams of My Father” it became apparent that he feels very close to Auma. I am aware of their relationship and the importance they play in the intertwining of their relationship. The most recent photos of Auma and our Barack Obama were when they were off to watch Malia play soccer. He truly adores Auma. I remember in his book when he talked about holding her close and the love they felt for each other. It is so wonderful to know that our beloved president has people like her who fill gaps in his history.
In addition, Chipsticks, thank you for your fine work.
It’s difficult to know where the Obama’s might go while on the State Visit. They will (apparently) have their children with them, so I would hope they’d get to visit somewhere ‘historical’ in London.
A State Visit to UK is a ‘big thing’. There are usually only one or two such occasions each year (so you can throw that in the face of people spouting off about the Royal Wedding).
There will be lots of Pageantry and a State Banquet will be involved. The bling will be out in force 🙂
I’m going to travel over from France for the State Visit, and will be meeting up with at least one American living in UK, a Dutch ‘fan’ and perhaps some others (a sort of League of International Obots, if you will.
As we’re going to be hanging onto railings,(hopefully) compteting with thousands of other people to get a smile and/or a handshake, I’m going to be trying to think up a way to ‘grab’ Obama’s attention.
You tend to dwell on the nicer side of Obama’s Presidency, whereas I – apart from my now daily visitis here – have been focussed on doing battle with birthers and their ilk, so if you can give me any fun ideas I would be very grateful.
It has to be something ‘fun’, something light and completely portable. My first and only thought so far has been to wave around one of those little ‘Flat Stan’ pictures you have featured here. Flat Stan is, as far as I know, unknown in UK, but is very much known to the Obama family 🙂
Hi TwinX, I like the Flat Stanley idea, except I’d go for a big image. You could always fold it for travel purposes. IMO it would be unusual because it’s not something you’d expect from an adult, and it would also speak to the Obama girls if they were there. I’d also like to think it’d appeal to the lighter side of the President. A lot of what he has to deal with is so intense, this should elicit a chuckle. You could even add your Flat Stanley’s travel history to his shirt! The President-Flat Stanley story is not an extremely common one so, it’s safe to assume your sign would be in the minority. The more I think of it, the more it appeals to me. Whatever you do, I hope you have fun doing it, and I hope you get to see the President up close!
TwinX, I think too, “Flat Stanley” is a good idea. Also you might consider putting on a very large placard, you could draw very large children (Malia and Sasha & Bo) the cover of his recent children’s’ book, “Of Thee I sing, A Letter to my Daughters” and include the vivid colors that are displayed on the book.Stand on some kind of elevation and hold it above the crowds. I think he will immediately recognize your sign and he will probably get a warm feeling that you chose this method- his book- to attrack his attention. You remembering his daughters (Malia and Sasha) and the family dog would catch the attention you want. It seems he KINDA loves his daughters. He will recognize the sign immediately and thus hopefully, make eye contact with you and getting you the desired response you want. Hallelujah!!!
Cheers!
Well I got the idea from the story this blog posted so I have ‘The Obama Diary’ to thank for it. I had never heard of FS before, so if I make one up now his ‘travel history’ is going to be pretty limited!
Thanks for your good wishes. I’ll be sure to share any decent photos.
Hiya Twinx, can’t wait to see those photos and hear how it goes!
VC (and GraciousLady) You’ve tuned in to why I thought of Flat Stanley straight away.
Something fun to try and elicit that great smile.
Good morning Chipsticks, You find the best Pictures, Videos, etc. I really enjoyed the Video on Kezia. I like your style, Chipsticks, carry on my Friend 🙂
Great video Chipsticks, thanks.
It’s the first I am seeing this video … I watch a lot of President Obama’s videos and look at numerous pictures.
I am also a big fan of the President, his immediate and extended family.
Where do you find these??? 😀 😀 Honestly, Chipsticks, you sure have good research instincts! This alone would be enough to keep me ever returning to this site, not to mention the commentary! Girl, you make blog visiting a real joy (and if my family falls apart because of the time I spend on the computer, you’ll be partially to blame). [Just kidding, that won’t happen.] Have a happy Monday!
Thank you Chipsticks and Obamalia. I try to read and watch everything I can find on our beloved President. Loved the posts.
“Most have stayed in London, visiting Buckingham Palace”
The Obamas are *staying* at Buckinham Palace at the invitation of the Queen. How cool is that!
Just had to say I love this story. I am from England originally (now a US citizen) and I do think he was wise to get out of there before the act got started! I love the Pres!