January 5, 2009 Obama 'choked up' when leaving Chicago Play video

(NECN) - President-elect Barack Obama left Chicago on Sunday for his new home -- Washington, D.C.

And while the Hay-Adams Hotel may be his home for just a few weeks, it was an emotional goodbye Obama gave to Chicago.

"I've got to tell you, I choked up a little bit leaving my house today," Obama told reporters aboard a government 757 plane typically used by vice presidents and first ladies. It was his first trip on a government aircraft since winning election Nov. 4, aides said.

And what got Obama going in Chicago? A photo album.

"Malia's friend had dropped off an album of the two of them. They've been friends since preschool. I just looked through the pages, the house was empty. It was a little tough," Obama said.

Asked if he was looking forward to arriving in Washington, Obama smiled and said yes, "although living in a hotel for two weeks? We did that for two years."

Obama landed in Washington on Sunday evening. He will be staying at the historic Hay-Adams Hotel across from the White House until the Inauguration.

His daughters Malia and Sasha will start classes at their new school on Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.