If the United States are one big melting pot, then Chicago is definitely one of the spiciest flavors of the stew.

With dozens of ethnic communities, artistic villages, and entertainment districts, the City of Big Shoulders can please even the most scrutinizing pleasure-seeker. Lake Michigan also adds to the excitement, and city life seems to flock to the shore at the first hint of spring—refusing to desert it and extracting every last moment of good weather until the inevitable arrival of winter.

Chicago is definitely the forerunner in many big-city categories. It's architecture is second to none in the U.S., with influences from such big names as Wright, Louis, and Sullivan.

Its diverse array of quality foods is mind-boggling, having almost every type of ethnic dish from dolmades to pad thai—as well as the famous deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dog.

Entertainment also ranks high as the fierce music, theater, and art scenes vie for attention from the city's millions.

And with extensive train, bus, and taxi availability, transportation to a favorite bar or opera show is never far away.

I was born and raised in the city and I go back as often as possible. Some of my friends from Naperville think that I'm out of the country because I'm in Chicago so much. In fact, my fiancee and I will be moving back into the city in May 2000.

As far as my interests go, I guess you could call me a Renaissance Man. I love drawing, painting, theater, photography, and music. I am currently the lead singer/guitarist for the Chicago-based band Shampoo Effect.

I love hiking, canoeing, and just plain old adventuring anywhere. Some of my craziest climbs have been Sugarloaf Mountain (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and French Canyon (Starved Rock State Park, Illinois). Both were done without any climbing gear and I think I must have been insane. But I'd gladly do them both again in a heartbeat.

I've traveled to Canada, Brazil, Singapore, and France, as well as all over the United States. But I must say that I am pretty damn lucky to live in such a wonderful city as Chicago.

As far as boots are concerned, I've only worn Lake of the Woods and they're fine with me. I'm more of a gym shoes kinda guy though.

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Spring is here! Officially, Spring arrived back in March-although in Chicago that doesn't mean jack.

But now that the temperatures are hovering around the mid-70s, it can be safe to assume that winter is finally over, and people from the city are flocking to the glorious shores of Lake Michigan to hang out and have fun.

One of my favorite places to hang out is in the museum campus, which is comprised of the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium.

An extensive network of bike and jogging paths criss-cross their way between the buildings, and the park is surprisingly serene, being that it's in a big city. People on all sorts of wheels like bicycles and rollerblades frolic their way through the park, embraced by the very pleasant breeze that sweeps in from the lake.

Tourists flood the entrances to the museums and street performers come out to greet them. All in all, it's a very pleasant atmosphere for a lazy day.

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of those world-class museums where the building itself is a massive work of art. Looming over the entire museum campus, the Field Museum houses exhibits on archeological, geological, and ecological wonders such as Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, and rare gemstones.

New this month is the Del Corazon festival, which celebrates Mexican heritage and culture.

Museum hours are 9-5 everyday. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-17, seniors over 65, and students with valid ID. Admission is free on Wednesdays. Phone: (312) 922-9410.

The John G. Shedd Aquarium has got to be one of the most enjoyable and downright fun museums in Chicago. One can see various fishes and other marine life from around the world, and even watch a diver go down into a gigantic 90,000-gallon coral reef tank and feed such animals as sharks, sea turtles, and huge barracuda.

The Oceanarium is where the real fun is-with daily shows exhibiting beluga whales, dolphins, and other critters like sea otters and seals. Also, be sure to catch the current exhibit on seahorses-these creatures are delicately magnificent and soothing to watch.

Note: renovation has caused Galleries 1 and 2 to be closed until May 2000.

Museum hours are daily 9-5pm. Please call the aquarium as there are always weird special closing hours on certain dates. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children and seniors. There is a discount on Mondays for $6 and $5, respectively. Phone: (312) 939-2438.

The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum at the end of the campus gives the visitor an inside look at astronomy and our solar system.

However, this museum can be missed and should be low on the totem pole for must-see priorities. There isn't much going on here. Also, current renovation projects have caused some exhibits to close until October. Call for more details.

Museum hours are Mon-Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-9, and weekends 9-6. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children and seniors. Free admission on Tuesday. Phone: (312) 922-7827.

The museum campus is located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, at the intersection of Roosevelt Road and Lake Shore Drive (LSD). There is an underground passageway from the west side of LSD from Grant Park to the museum campus. To get there by the 'El' train, take the Red, Green, or Orange line into the Roosevelt stop and walk from there.