Michelle's security swim for safety! Italian police officers survey Venice's historic canals as the Obama ladies tour the city
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Venice security officers were seen hard at work as they searched the city's historic canals in preparation of the arrival of Michelle Obama and her daughters.
The divers were spotted in full diving gear, holding large branches and flashlights as they searched the waters of the canals, presumably for potential threats.
As the men got on to a nearby boat, it appeared that the canals were being cleared for safety upon the arrival of the Obama ladies.
Michelle Obama, her daughters, Sasha, 14, and Malia, 16, and her mother, Marian Robinson, arrived in Venice on Friday as a continuation of their excursion through Europe.
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Italian security officers were hard at work was they swam through the Venice canals in full diving gear in preparation for Michelle Obama's arrival with her two daughters and mother
Despite the rain, the men dove into the canals in full gear, which included a wet suit, helmet, and headlamp, as they presumably looked for potential threats
The men appeared to be clearing the river for safety, as they used large flashlights and branches to search through the historic canals
The divers were accompanied by a large boat that held other Italian police officers. The divers were helped into the boat by fellow officers
An officer on the nearby boat helped the men with their gear as the took off their flippers and goggles. It appeared that the canals were being cleared for safety upon the arrival of the Obamas
The ladies kicked off their trip with sightseeing down the canals on a police boat on Friday.
On Saturday, they were joined by artist Joan J onas at the US Pavilion in Venice as they went to see the Venice Biennale.The Venice Biennale is a major contemporary art exhibition that takes place every two years in the Italian city.
Obama, however, headed to Palm Springs for the weekend, where he typically favors two private courses - the Sunnylands estate and Porcupine Creek, owned by software billionaire Larry Ellison.
As California grapples with a drought crisis, the courses in the desert oasis of Palm Springs have been criticized for their water use.
White House spokesman Eric Schultz responds that many courses have taken water mitigation steps aimed at conservation, and that Obama discussed government efforts to deal with the drought private meeting with California Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday while in San Francisco.
Back in Venice, the Obama women took to the Canals on Friday. Sasha and Malia rode in the back of a police boat with their mother as they made two stops at the Doge Palace and the San Marco Basilica.
Michelle Obama visits the United States Pavilion along with artist Joan Jonas, her mother Marian Robinson and her two young daughters, Malia and Sasha in Venice, Italy
The first lady and her family were at the United States Pavilion to see the Venice Beinnale, a major contemporary art exhibition that takes place every two years in the Italian city
Artist Joan Jonas showed the Obama family around the grounds of the United States Pavilion. As Michelle Obama and her daughters tour Europe, President Barack Obama goes on a Father's Day weekend golfing trip in Palm Springs, California
The Obama family dressed down for the day, with Michelle Obama in a sundress and Malia, 16, wearing a jean jacket over her skirt and floral top
While in Italy with her daughters, Michelle Obama is expected to speak about her 'Let's Move' initiative to combat childhood obesity
The First Lady's grandmother, Marian Robinson, joined the trio as they were followed by officers on jet skis as part of the huge security operation.
Crowds lined the waters of the Italian city to get a glimpse of the President's family, but they were protected by small windows and curtains at the rear of the vessel.
The boat was similar to the one used by George and Amal Clooney following their wedding in September, 2014. But the Obamas were far more discreet than the Hollywood star and his lawyer wife.
Earlier in the day, Michelle Obama was seen with her mouth agape as she held up one tiny frock.
Malia meanwhile enjoyed some laughs as the family served food to military members and their families, but Sasha looked less than impressed to be spending the day working the food line.
Obama also almost got caught flashing the troops as she arrived in Venice with daughters Sasha and Malia Friday.
A peak inside: US First Lady Michelle Obama (right) and her daughters Malia, Sasha and her mother Marian Shields Robinson, arrive by boat for the start of their visit to the San Marco Basilica, in Venice
Restricted view: The First family sat in the back of a police boat leading to the Dodge Palace in Venice
Surrounded: They were followed by another police boat and officers on jet skis. Michelle was set to speak about her 'Let's Move' initiative to combat child obesity
Hidden away: The two teenage girls are seen wearing sunglasses in the back of the boat as they arrive for a visit at th e San Marco (St Mark's) Basilica
Heavy security: Police block a canal and divers inspect below the water's surface ahead of the Presidential visit
Crowds lined the canals of the historic city ahead of the the arrival of Michelle Obama and her two teenage daughters
Open-top: In comparison, George and Amal Clooney's arrival in Venice after the wedding in September 2014 was slightly more lavish than that of the First Family
The first lady was stepping off the plane when a gust of wind almost caused a Marilyn Monroe moment, sending her skirt flying up.
Obama however was quick to protect herself and hold down the frock, avoiding any embarrassment.
It was not just the first lady who was surprised by the wind either, with daughter Malia also having to catch her dress as it flew up.
The two were joined by Michelle's mother and the girl's grandmother, Marian Robinson.
The family, minus President Obama, are visiting soldiers and their families stationed in Italy as part of their European trip.
They spent time with soldiers and their families at the US Army Garrison Vicenza, taking time to thank them for their service and pose for photos.
Obama was scheduled to do a book-reading with children and meet expectant mothers on the base to discuss the challenges faced by military families, particularly those that are stationed overseas.
The trip is part of Obama's Joining Forces initiative, which urges and encourages all Americans to rally around military members and their families.
Wardrobe malfunction: Michelle Obama almost had a Marilyn Monroe moment as she stepped off her plane today in Venice
Caught it: A gust of wind caused her skirt to blow up but the firs t lady was able catch the dress in time
Same problem: Malia Obama also had to catch her skirt as it blew up
Not her size: Obama later looked shocked when she held up a baby dress while meeting with expectant mothers
Not impressed: Sasha seemed less than thrilled to be serving up food with her family on Friday
Having a laugh: Malia on the other hand seemed to be having a great time as she laughed with a soldier from the base
Reading rainbow: Obama sat down and read to some of the young children on the military base
Great cause: The family, minus President Obama, are visiting soldiers and their families stationed in Italy as part of their European trip
Support: The trip is part of Obama's Joining Forces initiative, which urges all Americans to rally around military members and their families
Giving back: They spent time with soldiers and their families at the US Army Garrison Vicenza, taking time to thank them for their service and pose for photos
It has been a busy week for the family, who also spent time in London where the first lady enjoyed tea with Prince Harry and Milan where Sasha and Malia snuck off for a museum visit and a bit of shopping.
The ladies are also scheduled to make a visit to the award-winning US Pavilion at the Venice Biennale contemporary art show.
The first lady and her two daughters visited Milan's Duomo cathedral on Thursday, where an official traveling with her said they lit candles in memory of the victims of the shooting in South Carolina.
The three were seen by photographers entering the Gothic-inspired cathedral on the unannounced stop. Mrs. Obama was dressed in a black knee length dress with dark glasses, while Sasha was dressed in blue and Malia wore a white blouse with black trousers.
Obama made no comment and issued no statement.
Nine people, including the pastor, were killed overnight at a prayer meeting inside a historic black church in downtown Charleston.
Sightseeing: Obama and Malia visited the roof of the Duomo gothic cathedral in Milan, Italy, Thursday
Going out: Sasha Obama, Italian Premier Matteo Renzi, Obama, and Renzi's wife Agnese Landini arrive at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church to see The Last Supper on Wednesday
Getting to work: US First Lady Michelle Obama and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's wife Agnese Landini smile as they sit inside the United States pavilion at the Expo in Milan
Earlier on Thursday, Obama visited the Expo 2015 World's Fair in Milan, which focuses on food and nutrition.
She found kindred spirits in her campaign to promote healthy eating during visits to the U.S. and the Italian pavilions.
Obama was greeted by a video image of her husband, President Barack Obama, as she entered the U.S. pavilion, guided by U.S. student delegates to Expo from universities around the United States.
She spent some time discussing the vertical garden covering the length of pavilion, which has rotating panels of herbs and vegetables that are engineered to maximize sunlight exposure.
Mrs. Obama said the pavilion was 'awe-inspiring.'
'The most impactful part of it, obviously, is the vertical farm, the largest of its kind. And I couldn't help but think about all the issues w e face around hunger, around food deserts in our countries and places all over the world. And when you walk around this pavilion, you think the solutions are right in our grasp,' she told some 60 student delegates during a question-and-answer session at the end of the tour.
Obama was leading a presidential delegation to Expo, which included the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, John R. Phillips, star chef Mario Batali, NBA all-star Alonzo Mourning and the co-founder of sweetgreen, Nicolas Jammet.
While Obama conducted official business, her daughters Malia and Sasha took in some of the rest of the vast Expo, boarding an electric vehicle that ferried them away.
Catching up: Obama meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha for tea at 10 Downing Street Tuesday
Meeting up: Sasha (left) and Malia (right) depart after meeting their mother for tea at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday
On to the next: Obama departs from Stansted Airport, England, after a three day visit on Wednesday
Arriving: Obama and her daughters are greeted by U.S, ambassador to the UK Matthew Barzun as they arrive in England on Monday
The Expo themes dovetail with the first lady's Let's Move initiative to fight childhood obesity through diet and exercise. She told the student delegates that collective efforts have resulted in a halt to the growth in childhood obesity among America's smallest children.
'We are trying to change the dialogue, create a new norm around food and health, and our culture surrounding food. And we are starting to see some changes,' she said.
Earlier, Italian Premier Matteo Renzi's wife, Agnese Landini, took Mrs. Obama around the five-story Italian pavilion. The first ladies stopped to meet with 8-to-10-year-olds from a nearby international elementary school who showed off their video projects, which featured ideas for tackling how to feed 9 billion people by 2050.
One video advised that 'food is still good the next day. You just have to make it look different,' wh ich got a chuckle from Mrs. Obama.
'It is just so important that all of you are talking about these issues at such a young age,' Obama told the youngsters.
'You are the ones who are going to help change the world.'
Source: Michelle's security swim for safety! Italian police officers survey Venice's historic canals as the Obama ladies tour the city
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