Former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, have been spotted enjoying a brief vacation in the beautiful Cyclades islands of Greece. The couple arrived in Greece on Friday incognito, traveling on a private jet, and were seen on Saturday in the picturesque fishing village of Naousa on Paros island.
It is believed that the Obamas are being hosted by their friends, Hollywood actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, who own a holiday home on the nearby island of Antiparos. Accompanied by over thirty American security agents, the Obamas dined at a gourmet fish restaurant in Naousa, Paros, occupying a secluded area of the establishment. The restaurant owner was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement, and staff were requested to put away their phones and smartwatches until the former presidential couple had left.
During their stay, the Obamas and the Hanks reportedly enjoyed mini cruises to secluded beaches on Paros, Antiparos, and nearby Ios, traveling by private boat. While only one photo has been leaked so far, shared by a Twitter user expressing annoyance at the disruption caused by their presence on Antiparos, it is clear that the couple is savoring their time on the Greek islands.
Barack Obama is expected to visit Athens later in the week to participate in the SNF Nostos Conference, organized by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. As part of the Obama Foundation Leaders program, he will engage in a keynote conversation on strengthening democratic culture and investing in the next generation of leaders with SNF Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos. The conference will serve as the culmination of the six-month program, bringing together 105 emerging change-makers from various countries and territories.
The Obama Foundation, launched in 2014, aims to inspire people to take action, empower them to make positive changes, and foster connections for collective achievements. According to The Obama Foundation’s Twitter account: “Over the next few days, Obama Leaders from all over the world will be gathering in Greece to exchange ideas, meet with President Barack Obama, and discuss creating lasting change in their communities at our Athens 2023 Leaders Convening.”
Over the next few days, #ObamaLeaders from all over the world will be gathering in Greece to exchange ideas, meet with President @BarackObama, and discuss creating lasting change in their communities at our #Athens2023 Leaders Convening.
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— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) June 17, 2023
