How to go to burning man by Kelly

"Burning Man changed my life. I went at age 18, on a limb, in a large group of strangers, and I returned changed, with infinite experiences. "

How I did it: In September of 2008, my friend Max and I bought Burning Man tickets after a random hint of inspiration. We are both proud, nature loving hippies, hailing from the flower-child community of Vashon Island, Washington. We bought our tickets the same week that they became available, and found something called a "Theme Camp" who was searching for members on Craigslist. My camp, Poisoned Palace, runs a karaoke bar at Burn, and we spent all year planning to create an awesome bar, activities, and camp setup. The theme camp was supportive, knowledgeable, and AMAZING, and they made my first year easier, prepared, and incredibly fun. We traveled there together, camped together, and ran the bar. I felt safe and had a wonderful trip!

Lessons & tips: *Buy your tickets EARLY! They sell out quickly and the prices rise fast.


*Go with a fun, prepared group. If you have no friends that are going, find a local theme camp to travel and work with! You don't want to end up in the desert with an unprepared group, as the heat won't take mercy on you.

*Create a complete checklist before going - remember to pack in everything you could need in 100+degree weather, dust storms, and cold nights. 

*Don't be afraid to get funky with costumes! You may think that a tutu, speedo, and mask are crazy enough for you to get noticed on the playa, but I've never seen such crazy costumes in one spot! Burners spend all year creating awesome costumes, masks, and custom bikes - so you better show some respect!

*Light up at night! There are constant streams of bicyclists at Burn, all day and all night. If you don't properly light yourself at night, you could get seriously hurt, or at least piss off some naked-midnight-bikers. Light up with headlamps, LED lights, and blinkies. But don't dispose of these on the playa!!!

*GO WILD. Hop every Art Car, visit every theme camp you see, and take time to embrace and enjoy the art and music. Attend your first rave, or spend all day flying a kite. Hop on a random vehicle and get off where it leaves you, and love and accept every single adventure that awaits you on your walk home. <3

*If you get lost, ASK FOR DIRECTIONS! Or, if you aren't in a hurry, just allow yourself to get MORE lost. You won't regret it.

Resources: Info on theme camps 


2 people found this helpful
 

Jul 03, 2010, 02:41PM PDT | 0 comments | 5 cheers


Comments:


Kelly has gotten 5 cheers on this entry.

 

43 Things Login