One of the local news channels — at least the one we monitor in the office — declared today
President Barack Obama addresses U.S. Embassy employees at Villa Taverna, March 27, 2014.
“Obama Day.” Much like a weather disaster in the U.S., like “Snowmageddon” or “Arctic Blast,” Sky24 TV covered the President’s visit to Rome all day, step by step, motorcade by motorcade, meeting by meeting. Traffic was so bad there might as well have been a winter storm. Going on foot, as we do, was certainly easier.
It’s hard to imagine this type of coverage in the U.S. A visit by the Queen of England would be a big deal, but it would never get full play-by-play coverage. In the U.S., we reserve that for national disasters. Here, POTUS is a big deal and his entire agenda was seen as newsworthy.
The crowd awaits entrance to Villa Taverna. Grazie a Dio there was no rain!
The police presence was impressive. Beginning Wednesday, in preparation for an evening arrival, every Italian law enforcement group was mobilized, surrounding the Embassy as well as the Ambassador’s residence where POTUS would stay. Adding complexity, Secretary of State Kerry also came to town. The Carabinieri, Polizia di Stato, Guardia di Finanza, and the Roma Polizia Municipale were all on duty. There were probably others that went unseen.
Not surprisingly, Mr. Obama, like any visiting dignitary, was running
About 200 people gathered in the garden of VT and patiently awaited the guests of honor.
late by the end of his first appointment, which was with Papa Francesco. It struck me as I watched the extensive Italian coverage of the meeting, that arguably the two most influential men in the world were in that Vatican room together today. Each very popular in the other’s country, by the way. The American approval rating of Papa Francesco is 3-out-of-4, and Italians overall like President Obama very much.
The day progressed with Mr. Obama meeting with President Napolitano, Prime Minister Renzi, and finally a private tour of the Colosseum.
These kids are a little young to be so entranced by a mere president. The object of their attention: a movie on an iPad.
Tonight we were invited to the Ambassador’s residence, Villa Taverna, for a “meet and greet” with the President and “S” as Kerry is called. Security was beyond tight, and we were instructed to arrive by 16:30 for an 18:30 arrival of POTUS. Luckily the rain that threatened and spat throughout the day ceased about 16:00 as the event was outdoors. We were joined by a couple hundred embassy employees and family members, and after enduring a good-natured wait in line to be frisked screened, we mingled in the fabulous garden of VT to await our Commander-in-Chief. Surprisingly he was only about 15-20 minutes late!
Secretary was the opening act for POTUS. He has been in Rome a lot since becoming “S.”
Girovaga 
As always, a very informative blog. Our media could use it! I, too, being a career fed, understand the respect deserved of our President, no matter the party. I think that is why I am so disturbed when others are so disrespectful about out Leader, personally.
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Hi Carolyn.Open disrespect for the President bothers me. What people say behind closed doors is one thing, and everyone should certainly be free to disagree, but hateful commentary gets us nowhere. It was certainly a privilege to be invited to hear him speak!
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What a marvelous adventure you had this week. I was in Barcelona, Spain when Obama was elected the first time. It was amazing. Every newspaper had it on the front page. As soon as the locals knew I was from the states they wanted to talk about it. It was a bigger deal in Spain then at home.
As always, I love your blog.
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American is a big deal overseas, and it seems we are particularly popular in Europe. Europeans have a much bigger world view than Americans overall. Glad yo know you are out there reading, Diana! I miss our Femmes dinners!
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Our Philadelphia delegation was there the day before President Obama.
The ladies of our Femmes East group would like to receive your blog. A lot of them have family in Italy and are very interested in your experiences. How do I get them added to your distribution list? You can tell me on my email sacinkowski@msn.com.
Love ya. Miss ya!!!
XO
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Easy enough Sharon: have them click on the “Follow blog via email” link above, upper righthand corner.
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How lovely that the Italians love Obama. That is a lovely sentiment. I understand your excitement at being in the same room with the President — and I think it works with most if not all Presidents, just given the power and responsibility of the position. Somewhere back in the 80’s or 90’s I had the pleasure of attending a brief talk by the reigning POTUS — don’t remember which one except I faintly think it was someone I did NOT like. Even so, it is ELECTRIC to be in the same room and while the names of presidents come and go, I shall never forget that FEELING.
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Amen! I do love this president, but I have respected most of them. Grandpa taught me that it doesn’t matter who you voted for, the President is the President. It was truly a thrill to be so close. And to see Obama and Papa F together warmed my heart! On Mar 27, 2014 10:12 PM, “gooddayrome” wrote:
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