Obama Family Moves to Washington DC

US President-elect Barack Obama and his family will stay at at the historic Hay-Adams Hotel in DC until January 15. File Photo

US President-elect Barack Obama and his family have relocated to Washington before taking up residence at the White House on January 20, leading information agencies reported.

Michelle Obama and their two daughters are staying at the historic Hay-Adams Hotel in DC. The President-elect is expected to join them later.

The Hay-Adams Hotel, built in 1928, is one of the most prestigious hotels in Washington DC. The hotel is located on Lafayette Square across from the White House.

Hay-Adams has 145 rooms and 20 apartments with prices ranging from USD 395 to USD 6,000 a night.

The hotel is named after two well-known historical personalities, who resided in nearby estates - John Hay - personal assistant to President Lincoln and Henry Adams - writer and relative of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

A Washington legend says that the hotel is inhibited by the ghost of Henry Adams' wife, who committed suicide in 1885 after a bout of depression. Her ghost, according to the legend, appears in December, around the anniversary of her death. Witnesses report mysterious opening of doors, random turning on of clocks and radios and sobs of a woman.

The Obamas are expected to stay in one of the historic hotel's luxury suites, which cost several thousand dollars a night.

Authorities say that security has been tightened around the hotel, with parking restricted in nearby streets until 15 January, when the family will move to Blair House.

The Blair House is the official presidential guest home. It is located opposite the White House and has previously housed presidents-elect before their inauguration.

Obama's daughters - ten-year-old Malia, and her seven-year-old sister Sasha are due to start classes at the exclusive private Sidwell Friends School on Monday. The school has been attended by other children of prominent politicians, including Chelsea Clinton and the daughters of President Nixon.

In the mean time, Obama has revealed the names of the people to fill the final seats in his Cabinet. He has yet to name his intelligence chief.

California Congresswoman Hilda Solis will be Labor Secretary, and former congressman Ray LaHood - a Republican - will become Transportation Secretary. Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk will act as his Trade Representative.

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Source: novinite.com