I stayed home last night.

Yes, I'm a loser. Who stays at home on a Saturday night during their nine months in Chicago?

Me, I guess.

With a stomach that was about to explode and eyes that were about to close at any second, I had no choice.

Yesterday, I spent all day at a program entitled: Global Chicago, although it really should have been called: The History of small parts of Chicago told through the perspective on An Eastern European Jew's Parents.

You see, our tour guide, a very intelligent man who is obviously very knowledgeable of the city and a historian by trade, only showed my group neighborhoods which seemed significant to him, based on places his parents had lived during his upbringing, and places he deemed important based on his personal experiences.

The day started with participants spending the first four hours of the day in a series of lecutres, some effective, some not.

After a free lunch at the student cafeteria, which was satisfactory at best, we boarded one of two busses headed for "comprehenisve tours" of Chicago's "cultural neighborhoods."

Even though the tour was far from that, it was still very interesting -- especially to an outsider who has only lived in the city for a couple of months.

I have to say, I walked away amazed by Chicago's history, culture and diversity, but yearning for the more "comprehensive tour" I was promised. Either way, the group went through many neighborhoods that I would never have thought to venture into --- especially as a white grad school kid from Minnesota, which I found was very valuable. I found that there is no reason I should be uncomfortable visiting places I'm not familiar with.

For one to define something without ever knowing it , or before he makes an effort to experience it, is hasty... or unwise -- whether it be a food, a culture or a way of thinking. I found that out about myself yesterday. I've got to get out of my comfort zone more often. I've got to start to take advantage of living in Chicago. I've got to start giving myself the opportunity to learn from other people of different cultures.

I've got to be better at keeping an open mind and a willingness to to try new things. There is so much to learn from those unlike me. I need to remember that.

The trip started in Evanston and proceeded down through the western part of Chicago, into and out of Polish, Russian, German and Korean neighborhoods.

From there, we headed down the LSD and into downtown Chicago.

Anyway, to the good stuff -- we went through Pilsen, a former Czech settlement in the late 1800s (named after Czech city Plzen)which has now converted to a Mexican area, full of Mexican markets, bakeries, clothing stores, taverns and restaurants --- all housed in buildings with Eastern European facades. Very interesting.

Next, we went through a modest, predominantly Irish neighborhood on the verge of transition called Bridgeport, also known as the home every city leader since the early 1900s, including Richard M. Daley and Richard J. Daley. Not much to see here as far as uniqueness or culture, really, but it's markedly different than most areas on the North Side, which was interesting.

Finally, after spending a majority of the day on the West Side and the South Side, we went to a pocket on the North Side called Albany Park -- the most interesting of all of Chicago.

Albany Park is about the most culturally diverse area of the world I've ever been to. You see, you've got Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, African, Jewish, Mexican, Honduran, etc. etc. etc. all in about 6 square blocks. The business district features a Mexican restaurant, next to a Jewish "Holy Land Bakery," next to an Asian clothier, next to a store selling African phone cards, next to a Chinese dry cleaner.... It's absolutely mind-boggling how all of these people, who may hate each other overseas come into Chicago, call a truce, and live next door to one another - in harmony . Amazing.

To end the evening, we were treated to a dinner gratis , courtesy of the Medill School of Journalism. I was part of a group that dined in a Turkish Restaurant in far norhtern Chicago. Interesting, and brutal on the stomach.

But, I was glad I ate there becuase I doubt I ever will want to, or get the chance to again.

Well, at the end of the day, I'm happy to report that I sacraficed watching Minnesota Football to attend this event.

It doens't sound like I missed much, and saved myself the financial and physical expense of consuming multiple beers.

Sweet Home Chicago......