I have tried to figure out what the OP is trying to get at and I have given up. The only thing that makes me choose one place over another is my gut feeling about the area (Ivory Coast does not inflict good safe feelings). I have travelled all over and have ran in to some really great people and some people that you could deem shady. These same types of people can be found in any big city...LA, DC, NY...


If you are going to be that closed minded about travel and culture and not want to be freaked out because someone looks different and might be "bad" I agree that you should stay at home...leave these great travel destinations to the rest of us.

As for the OP saying that he is making a "once in a lifetime trip", he really isn't. Think about it...I bet he can't even go to the grocery store...