An Alpha City, Clean as a Whistle

Chicago sparkles it's so clean; not a gum wrapper, not a soda can, not even a cigarette butt can be found anywhere on the streets, sidewalks or in the parks. It's truly the most emaculate and well-groomed city I've ever been in.

To get the lay of the land I ascended 94 floors in an elevator claimed to be the fastest in the United States. My ears popped twice in less than 10 seconds. The observation deck at the top of the John Hancock Center gives one of the best views you can have of Chicago, Lake Michigan and the horizon.

When the elevator doors swing open, a greeter hands you a small i-pod with headsets to listen to descriptions of the skyline and history of the "City of Broad Shoulders." October is the time to visit - there was not one tourist waiting in line, where as in the summer a visit to the top can take all day.

So much more to see, do and write about but I'm growing weak with hunger and it's way past bedtime. More to share tomorrow especially the beauty surrounding my walk-a-thon through Millenium, Grant, Lakeshore, Lincoln, Jackson and Columbus parks.