Bush heads back to Texas
AFTER eight turbulent years in office, George W. Bush has left the White House for the last time as president after a final stroll through his Oval Office and goodbyes to loyal aides.
Mr Bush said not a word in public, but hosted successor Barack Obama for a private coffee before they climbed aboard the armoured limousine they shared to the Democrat's noon inauguration as the first black US president.
Following Mr Obama's swearing in, Mr Bush departed from the Capitol grounds in a military helicopter en route home to Texas.
The outgoing leader followed the custom of leaving a note for the incoming president in the top drawer of the massive Resolute Desk - made from the timbers of the British ship of the same name - in the Oval office.
Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino declined to give details of the confidential letter, but said he focused on "the fabulous new chapter President-elect Obama is about to start, and that he wishes him the very best".
In his last hours before leaving office, Mr Bush spoke by telephone with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, national security adviser Stephen Hadley, and former White House chief of staff Andy Card, Ms Perino said.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce makes surprise Afghanistan visit
GOVERNOR-General Quentin Bryce has made a surprise visit to Australian troops in Afghanistan and has spent the night in the war-torn country.
Ms Bryce arrived in Tarin Kowt under tight security, where she met with troops to discuss operations and praise them for their efforts.
"It was a very useful, fantastic trip" for the Governor-General, who is commander in chief, a spokeswoman for Ms Bryce said.
The troops appreciated the visit and because she was able to stay overnight, she had a chance to sit down and be briefed on Australia's role, the spokeswoman said.
Next on Ms Bryce's list is a visit to Abu Dhabi, where she will deliver a speech before arriving back in Australia on Friday.
Governor-General Quentin Bryce makes surprise Afghanistan visit
GOVERNOR-General Quentin Bryce has made a surprise visit to Australian troops in Afghanistan and has spent the night in the war-torn country.
Ms Bryce arrived in Tarin Kowt under tight security, where she met with troops to discuss operations and praise them for their efforts.
"It was a very useful, fantastic trip" for the Governor-General, who is commander in chief, a spokeswoman for Ms Bryce said.
The troops appreciated the visit and because she was able to stay overnight, she had a chance to sit down and be briefed on Australia's role, the spokeswoman said.
Next on Ms Bryce's list is a visit to Abu Dhabi, where she will deliver a speech before arriving back in Australia on Friday.
