Chicago wins city-to-city Olympics matchup
I've been all across the United States, through most of Europe and even to South America.
But on my world travels somehow I've missed Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janiero.
Perhaps that's my subconscious telling me: "There's no place like home."
The International Olympic Committee this week named Chicago, Tokyo, Madrid and Rio as the four finalists for the 2016 summer games.
Going mostly on my appreciation for foreign films (mostly foreign horror films) and my obsession with both the Travel Channel and gastronomy, here's my comparison of what the four contenders have to offer:
Mountains: Snow-topped Mount Fuji looms large over Tokyo. Rio is rimmed by the iconic Corcovado mountain. If you have a really good telescope, the only thing impeding your view of Iowa from downtown Chicago is Mount Prospect.
Edge: Tokyo
Hot dogs: Competitive eating champion Kobayashi prefers to wolf down dozens of Nathan's hot dogs from New York City. My reaction to that is: "New York City?!" If that's what Japan's most prodigious hot dog eater calls cuisine, Tokyo must be a frankfurter lover's wasteland. There can be only one hot dog. Hold the ketchup.
Edge: Chicago
Weather: If you're looking for variety, Chicago is the only city that offers four seasons in one day. If you're looking to shed the parka and umbrella all at once, let's look south of the equator.
Edge: Rio
Culture: Madrid has flamenco and bullfighting. Rio has partying. Tokyo has sumo. Chicago has the Art Institute and the Shedd, the Field and Science and Industry. And every culture under the sun. Oh, and tailgating.
Edge: Chicago
Snacks: Fried pigs ears are a staple in bars in Spain. Sushi plain scares the germophobe in me. I prefer to stand in line at Garrett's popcorn anytime.
Edge: Chicago
Public art: A 130-foot-tall Jesus welcomes visitors to Rio. We have Picasso's whatchamacallit and Frank Gehry's exploding tin can, otherwise known as the Pritzker Pavilion. And the Bean.
Edge: Chicago.
Crime: Pickpocketing is rampant in Rio. It happens anywhere, anytime. Fellow travelers on a recent trip to Argentina warned me about that. Crime in Chicago is largely organized.
Edge: Madrid
Steaks: I've had Japanese kobe beef. I've had Argentine beef. Give me a USDA prime strip steak from Gibson's or Morton's any day.
Edge: Chicago
Architecture: We have the Sears Tower, John Hancock, Water Tower. OK, face it, Chicago is handicapped by The Fire. Madrid and Rio have been around for centuries. Madrid has gorgeous Baroque architecture. I think I'd get a sore neck walking around Tokyo, because unless it's a pagoda, it's at least 50 stories tall.
Edge: Madrid
Festivals: Rio has Carnival. We have Taste of Chicago AND Lollapalooza.
Edge: Rio
Beaches: Oak Street Beach v. Copacabana. Life is a beach in Rio de Janiero.
Edge: Rio.
Football: Even if you don't know the sport, you've heard of Real Madrid - the world's most popular football team. And you've probably heard of its biggest star, Rio de Janiero-born Ronaldo. But that's the wrong kind of football, and besides, we have da Bears.
Edge: Chicago