Unofficial International Olympic Committee Tours Chicago's 2016 Venues

"When an International Olympic Commission visits Chicago starting Thursday, reporters generally will be kept at arm's length. So the Tribune formed its own international panel by pulling tourists off the street and taking them for a limo ride to proposed venues.

We found them snapping pictures of the American Gothic-themed statue in Pioneer Court and at the Harris Family Hostel in the South Loop. They were from such far-flung locales as Australia, Poland and Wisconsin, and ranged in age from 18 to 61. In exchange, we promised them lunch.

It's hard for us to know how our city looks to outsiders. So here is a frank assessment from this group: If Chicago's 2016 Olympics bid were judged solely on the aesthetics of the proposed venues downtown, its bid would be formidable indeed."