HAVANA (WSVN) — Less than two hours after touching down in Cuba, President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama and their daughters went on a walking tour of Old Havana, one of the first stops in a whirlwind visit that has drawn praise and criticism back home.
Just after 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, the commander in chief smiled and waved as he emerged from Air Force One alongside Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha at José Martí International Airport. He held an umbrella as he made his way down the steps to the tarmac.
Notably absent from the welcoming committee at the airport was President Raúl Castro. He was not expected to be present.
Back in Miami-Dade County, Cuban-American residents watched Obama’s arrival from Sergio’s Restaurant on Bird Road.
¿Que bolá Cuba? Just touched down here, looking forward to meeting and hearing directly from the Cuban people.
— President Obama (@POTUS44) March 20, 2016
The presidential motorcade made its way to the Melia Habana Hotel, where Obama met with U.S. Embassy staff and delivered a brief speech thanking both Americans and Cubans for their hard work.
The president and the first lady were greeted with cheers as they walked into a small room at the hotel. Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, then formally introduced the commander in chief.
Obama said he felt good to be there and indicated this is the first time a U.S. president sets foot in Cuban soil in 88 years and the first time Air Force One has landed in Cuba. He called this trip “a historic visit.”
During his speech at the Melia, Obama mentioned President Calvin Coolidge’s trip back in 1928, observing that, while it took Coolidge three days to arrive at the island nation via a battleship, it only took him three hours.
From the Melia, the Obamas headed to Old Havana for the sightseeing tour.
Obama is expected to deliver a speech an address to about 200 businesspeople in Old Havana, Tuesday. He is not scheduled to meet with Fidel Castro during his visit.
In addition to Michelle and his daughters, Obama was joined on this trip by a group of U.S. lawmakers and business leaders.
Stay tuned to WSVN 7 News and wsvn.com for updates on President Obama’s visit to Cuba.
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