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As dog daze of summer sets in, the energy is beginning to rise as Burning Man nears...
Are you going? Have you been? Got any tips?
How have you been changed by it?
Have you taken your kids (small or grown)?
Care to share a story from the playa?
Are you looking for a camp to plug into?
Please chime in with your tales from Black Rock City!
I went to Burning Man in 2012 and 2013 and can offer some tips for "virgin" burners. First of all, I went alone, so had to fully embrace the notion of "radical self-reliance." The first year, I didn't know anyone at all. I drove in and camped on the outskirts of "town", near the walk-in camp area. I recommend doing this because you have a lot more room to spread out your camp and you sleep better away from all the noise, which goes on all night long! You will quickly make friends with your neighbors, if you are so inclined.
Shelter is one of the most important factors to consider. The wind, dust and sun are unforgiving. The first year I had a tent with mesh areas that did not completely zip up so the inside of my tent was covered in sand. The type of sand there is very alkaline and it can cause skin problems (do NOT walk around barefoot!). A spray bottle with vinegar water helps to wash it off your feet/legs every day. The next year I bought a Kodiak spring bar tent and that was ideal. Having some type of shade over your tent is crucial too.
Overall, the experience is unforgettable, and one that everyone should experience at least once in their life, no matter how old you are. It can get overwhelming, which is another good reason to camp in the outskirts, to take a break from the madness.
Other tips: drink plenty of water. Hangovers there are the worst! My second night there I drank too much and had to spend the entire day recovering in my hot tent, NOT fun! You're not as hungry there due to the heat. Kombucha is a great thing to have there! You can purchase drinks at the center camp, and ice, and that's it. Get your ice early every day, the line takes an hour or more, and ice is essential! To avoid an 8 hour wait to leave on Monday, I always leave at sunrise the day after the Man burns. This means you miss the Temple burn on Sunday, but one consolation is you can watch it online from the comfort of your home, which I do every year.
It changed me in the following ways: I try to smile and make eye contact with strangers on the street. I'm kinder to people. I "leave no trace" wherever I go. I ride my bike more. I have more faith in the world. I volunteer my time.I don't operate by fear. I always look on the bright side of things. I see the magic in the everyday world.
If everyone lived by the Burning Man's 10 principles, the world would be a much better place! :wink:
Kate
Quote:
Posted in reply to the post by Barry:
I have been going for 17 years and still don't know what all the hoop lah is about.
Maybe this year will be different.
Mr Wonderful