Far West of Washington, Calm Before the Term

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/25/AR2008122500816.html?hpid=topnews


Far West of Washington, Calm Before the Term
Obama Family Seeks Low Profile in Hawaii

By Philip Rucker
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 26, 2008; Page A03

snip//


A few gawkers have come to the guard stand near the home, hoping to see the president-elect. Around midnight on his first night in Kailua, someone tried to swim across a canal toward the estate. "The Secret Service took a bullhorn and said, 'Do not enter!' " recalled a neighbor, Sara Howell.

Behind the wall, the Obamas are enjoying stunning seaside views from the master bedroom, heavy granite in the kitchen and detailed woodwork throughout. Tiki torches dot the manicured yard, while the recently remodeled interior features stone imported from Peru, Jerusalem and Italy, Zimel said. Decorated with a cut Christmas tree and poinsettias, the home is where the Obamas opened presents Thursday morning and were to enjoy a traditional dinner of turkey and ham.

One of Obama's high school friends in Hawaii negotiated a deal to rent the multimillion-dollar homes late this summer, Zimel said. The entire Kailua neighborhood once was the private estate of Samuel N. Castle, a sugar magnate whose Castle & Cooke company was one of the Big Five firms that dominated Hawaiian politics for decades. The Obamas' rental sits near land that used to be Castle's horse pasture and skeet ranch, neighbors said.

When Obama first walked through the house upon arrival on Saturday, "he just smiled," Zimel said. "A few times we heard a 'Wow.' "

Singer Cher was rumored to have been interested in buying the property a few years ago but never closed on a sale, Howell said. Asked if the estate is Oahu's most luxurious, she replied, "Oh, heavens, yes."

[Cha]

1. I can imagine their Views and

I'm really happy for their Christmas and New Year's time together on Oahu before getting back to business.

I can't think of a better way to refresh one's self but then I'm partial to the Hawaiian Islands.

[firedupdem]

2. I'm sure they are having a great time and I'm glad they're resting

up before the 20th. I'm also glad secret service is on top of things!

Woo Hoo for secret service!:woohoo:

[firedupdem]

3. check your link n/t

[babylonsister]

4. Whoops! Thanks, edited. nt