Where does one go....

....to meet and mingle with all differing sorts in SL? I often wonder what others on other sims are doing while I'm off building in my favorite sandbox or socializing on the sim where I rent. Perhaps a Linden location, or..?

The grass is always greener...

Is that a sim? Where is it, exactly?
-Ras the smartass

Look for discussion groups.

Hang around the Forum Cartel hangout and you ill meet several sorts of characters.

Madhu's cafe is also good place to immerse yourself in different cultures.

If you want something truly different, you could try Bitten and Fucked but there is not always someone there. You would be better going to The Forum and meeting people without having to get involved in a scene.


or so I have been told
<.<
>.>

That's the question I've never been able to answer. I like a moderately large gathering - say five to twelve people (or aardvarks or whatever). That way there's always something being said and I don't feel obligated to say something cogent or entertaining. I am comfortable with companionable silence in real life where you can read body language, but in SL it's more awkward.

Gatherings of the optimal number are hard to come by though. The Hangout does reach this sometimes, and parties are great for it.

Infohubs are large gatherings but are not my scene. Too many people trying to out-obnoxious each other.

It's very hard to find any sim that ever has double-digit avatars, other than classes. When you do find such a place the people are usually 'bots or griefers (as said above about infohubs and 'welcome' areas).