Home alone, US President Barack Obama turned 49 on Wednesday. First lady Michelle Obama has taken their youngest daughter, Sasha, to Spain.
Their other daughter, Malia, is away at summer camp. The President hasn’t shied away from talking about his birthday, noting that his hair is getting grayer and his metabolism is slowing down.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs says that while there’s no doubt the presidency comes with enormous physical and mental strain, Mr Obama “greatly enjoys” the job.
Mr Obama is heading home to Chicago on Wednesday evening for a birthday celebration dinner with friends. He’ll spend the night in his own house in the city’s Hyde Park neighbourhood. He’ll tour a Chicago automobile plant and attend fundraisers on Thursday.