really would like this year to be my first year

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:13 pm

But I am having trouble figuring out how I can get there by myself. Im used to traveling by myself all over the world, but for this it seems like I would need a van and I dont have a lisence and dont know anyone who would like to go to to BM with me. HELP!
Oh and my name is Marina, cut dogs hair for a living and grew up around artists and musicians I am creative and def adventures so everyone for years have been telling me that I should go to BM and finally I decide to go and no one to go with :/

Post by **Savannah** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:27 pm

You don't have to have a van--they're nice, but the chariot for my second Burn was a simple 4 door sedan driven by a girl-friend and packed to the gills. But I understand the no-license problem, and the stress of it. Burning Man was--quite literally--my single greatest motivator to finally get my driver's license. Practicing again so far post-teens was stressful, but if I'd known how easy passing the test would be, I would've done it years ago. (Now, road-tripping the full way under my own new skills . . . that's still another kettle of fish.)

Join your regional mailing lists and there might be someone with a car looking to split gas costs.
http://regionals.burningman.com/us_nj.html

And one day there will eventually, allegedly, be a 2011 Rideshare board, but as of 5 minutes ago it was still on 2010.

http://rideshare.burningman.com

sputnik · Post by **sputnik** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 3:29 pm

Get to the airport. You can hitch a ride from there VERY easily.

Post by **Elderberry** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 4:15 pm

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

Have questions? Read this first: http://www.burningman.com/first_timers/
Everybody on eplaya is always excited to help first timers; but in sympathy for some of us old timers, please get your required reading out of the way before posting. As hard as it is to rein in the the excitement and enthusiasm, and as unbelievable as it might seem, most of your questions have already been asked and answered, if you just take a moment to read.

Now, let the adventure begin!

Sic Pup · Post by **Sic Pup** » Wed Jul 06, 2011 4:17 pm

Hi Marina, welcome.

Another option is to collect the gear you need locally and ship it in the NYC container in fact it even loads in the dirty jerz (Jersey City). Space just went on sale today, I bought a little to serve as Plan B in case I can't get all my paraphernalia in my vehicle. Of course, you'll probably need help getting the gear to the container and again on playa from the container to your camp but I'm sure you can wrangle that (groom any sled dogs?). As Sputnik suggested you can fly into Reno grab a rideshare and not have to worry about scurrying about trying to collect too much there. Do note you'll have to guesstimate your space needs at time of purchase and have everything ready to go by 8/13.

Note to mods: It's a not for profit venture.

Of course, it does involve a leap of faith in that the container will make it there ahead of you and that you will have water and provisions but the track record to date is stellar. Once the first container is full they start a second (and maybe a third?) but it's not guaranteed until it's sold out. Last year, I believe I got the email that it arrived a week before the gates opened.

If you're determined it's doable, it may not be easy but I'm sure it will be worth it if you're motivated/resourceful enough.

Good luck, hope to see you in the dust!

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 7:04 am

thanks everyone,

last night very randomly my friend who didnt know I was planning to go asked if Id like to share a van with him and his friends and of course I took up
the offer!

))) We bought our plane tickets last night.
Also before I posted my first post I did ready half the stuff on the site just havent had the chance to read everything yet.

And yes I groom all breeds, but because I am a stylist and only do finishing touches coloring and scissoring Im not sure the husky would need me I have people who work washing drying dogs cutting their nails and cleaning their ears hehe. Unless you want some design put in to your huskies coat.

Post by **Savannah** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 10:03 am

That's hilarious timing! Good for you.

If you turn out to like this thing in the desert, you'll probably plan your ride for next year when you're idling in exit (Exodus) traffic.

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 10:13 am

Hope to meet ya there

So no shower for me for a week ha?

Post by **Savannah** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 10:41 am

Shower? Up to you. You could bring a solar shower bag, a shower structure you've built out of PVC pipe, some curtains . . . and talk to your campmates about building this easy evaporation pond (works best for a small group): http://www.burningman.com/environment/r ... water.html

. . because you have to either collect your old shower water (grey water) & take it home, or evaporate it. No mud puddles allowed. Or you can use baby wipes all week. Many do. (Put a large refill-sized wipes bag inside a Ziploc zipper bag so they wont dry out, 'cause if they're in a pop-up tub? They probably will). A garden sprayer (brand new, of course) is also popular for wetting and rinsing w/ a minimum of water.

See the Q&A Tips and Tricks forum, search for "shower structure" or other keywords. Radical self-reliance is one of the 10 Principles of the event. I leave you to it.

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 7:13 pm

Awesome thank you so much!

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:38 am

marinachka11 wrote: And yes I groom all breeds, but because I am a stylist and only do finishing touches coloring and scissoring Im not sure the husky would need me I have people who work washing drying dogs cutting their nails and cleaning their ears hehe. Unless you want some design put in to your huskies coat.

Only in New Jersey!

Marina welcome to ePlaya!
I'm glad that your ride issues got solved so quickly! That is awesome!
Have fun and read lots!

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 9:19 pm

Im reading and reading, but issues being solved that fast may not always be the best way because now Im not so sure it can work out us going together.... he is a family friend and so we have known eachother for years but he is a drunk and I hardly drink and so he gets really out of hand sometimes Ive been hanging out more with him never this much and see now that it may not work... Im not sure what I will do Im just gonna hope for the best maybe someone else may wanna go with me last min or it may not work out, but I I will make it there one day haha

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 2:23 pm

Hi Marina,

So, first you're in, then you're out...gotta get some stability going for ya, Hon. This forum is loaded with all kinds of advice on how to get there, what to pack, what not to bring, how to make this and that...and so on. The thing this forum won't do for ya is establish your commitment to go...that's all you!

Commitment is the key. Heck, you're more than half way there...you bought the plane ticket! I assume you bought your BM ticket as well...major steps! If you're flying into Reno you'll find Air Playa Info right there at the passenger terminal. Go there and they'll help you score a ride to the playa. Your ride will take you shopping to pick up your water and any other camping supplies you'll need. Try to bring a small backpacking tent with you so you'll have some degree of shelter when you arrive on the playa. At the first opportunity get out a about and get friendly with a camp that seems to have their act together...got shade structure, music, maybe a kitchen, etc. You've traveled solo before and you won't have to work half as hard making friends. Bring something to share...a bag of chocolate chip cookies is good for starters! No one is going to turn their back on a friendly person as long as said friendly person is obviously self-reliant and not looking for a handout.

So, GO! It will be amazing! I wish it was my first trip so I could relive all the miracles I encountered!

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Sat Jul 09, 2011 9:38 pm

Im in if I can get there haha, you guys are great help!
I just wasn't sure how it would work stocking up someone else's car with my luggage and my food and water I like to do things on my own if possible in this case unless it works out with this friend I cannot have my own ride... I'd always prefer to help someone instead of taking someone's elses help.
I lose comfort when I feel I'm not the one helping. I def don't want to drag anyone down.
I have my fingers crossed that my friend will get himself together if not I will do everything I can to try getting there

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:49 am

marinachka11 wrote: I lose comfort when I feel I'm not the one helping. I def don't want to drag anyone down.
I have my fingers crossed that my friend will get himself together if not I will do everything I can to try getting there

I know what ya mean!!!
For me its a little more me being in control so that I know it will work out. I don't like relieing on other people.... Cause they might drop the ball. (yeah, I'm a little bit of a control freak)

My first year, I we went with a friend from high school that had been before. Turns out during college we all changed a lot, and it didn't make for a smooth ride. Specifically the car ride home.

Savannah has recently brought up a really good point about trains. Specifically Amtrak. They let ya bring a shit ton of luggage. I believe even bikes. It might take a while.... So I googled it real quick.... Yep 70 hours, Wow. OK maybe train isn't the best idea from New Jersey.
I'd have to say hit up some ride shares.
I've recently seen some folks for NY on the boards, you might be able to make something work with them.

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:11 pm

Oh no haha I have a plane ticket to Vegas or I might change it to reno... But I just hope it works out when I get there with them cause I'm not a out to stock up a strangers car with my luggage food and water lol

Post by **Savannah** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:23 pm

Many, many people fly into Reno, finish their shopping there and hitch-hike the last two hours on what is purported to be the easiest hitch-hike in the world. I can't officially recommend hitching--'cause I wouldn't, personally, unless totally stranded--but you could probably line up a rideshare ahead of time.

The rideshare board updated to 2011 either today or yesterday. It's now on 2011!
http://rideshare.burningman.com

Rideshares don't mean you have to camp with a person, in fact, the default is generally not to. And you might be able to have the same rideshare out . . . or schedule that separately.

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:14 pm

Thank you

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Tue Jul 12, 2011 7:53 am

What day are you flying in?
I have a friend that is flying in on Wednesday.

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 6:52 am

on the 29th afternooon

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 12:32 pm

The Marinachka saga continues...

... For some reason I am compelled to follow her exploits in her quest for Black Rock City....

I predict she is nominated for the "Assimilated to Burning Man the Quickest" award...which BTW w/b presented to the winner at the Meet 'N Greet at Barbie Death Camp and Wine Bistro Thursday Sept 1 at 6:00 PM. Attendance required!

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:28 pm

Haha, let me get there first alive and then we will talk about requirements lol

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 8:10 am

Only requirement is water, food, shelter
Shit, even clothes are a requirement.
"no shoes, no shirt, no pants.... No Problem- except maybe sunburn"

If it is possible, you could change your flight to Wednesday early. My sister will be making a stop at Wal-Mart to grab more raw meat. You can grab camping gear there.

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 9:39 pm

Im flying in with a few friends so cant change the flight.
Am I going to be the only one who doesn't smoke doesn't do any kind of drugs nor drinks? I hope not lol just wondering....
Well I can have a drink here and there but very rarely...
am I going to feel out of place because of this? Someone who goes there has said this to me, but I dont want to believe its true.

Post by **Eric** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 10:02 pm

marinachka11 wrote: Am I going to be the only one who doesn't smoke doesn't do any kind of drugs nor drinks? I hope not lol just wondering....
Well I can have a drink here and there but very rarely...
am I going to feel out of place because of this? Someone who goes there has said this to me, but I dont want to believe its true.

No and No. There are even clean & sober camps, "anonymous" camps if you need assistance and some of us who are party-people occasionaly like to spend time out there sober as well.

If you can go to a concert or a party without feeling "out of place", you'll be fine. The playa will alter your senses regardless of the condition your senses are in...

Post by **Savannah** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 10:02 pm

Am I going to be the only one who doesn't smoke doesn't do any kind of drugs nor drinks? I hope not lol just wondering....
Well I can have a drink here and there but very rarely...
am I going to feel out of place because of this? Someone who goes there has said this to me, but I dont want to believe its true.

That person . . . needs to pipe down.

I know dedicated Burners who don't drink, or don't drug (because it's simply Not for Them, or they have a job for the state or the armed forces and get tested frequently, or because they used to overindulge and don't wish to anymore). There are even Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and Narcotics Anonymous meetings on the playa. I've never been pressured (offered, sure). If you don't want, politely refuse. Most people accept that without further inquiry; they're just trying to be kind. If they don't want to take no for an answer (this has not happened to me) this is officially kinda creepy, and you needn't fear hurting their feelings by moving on, because they started it.

Once, I was dancing with silk flags at a rave, having been given them by a beautiful man named Xavier, whose awesome camp I had visited multiple times. Immense, fringed glow-in-the dark art, out at the very edge of everything, booming dance music. Silk flags on loan, for the curious. I was making merry with a subtle pastel rainbow pair with weighted hems, no poles or anything. He'd said "Come back at the end of the week and trade me something for some flags." So I gathered up anything of value I had, and some fireworks I had come into possession of (this was the year 2000, maybe they were still legal then--dunno, immaterial). Anyway, Xavier looked at this blanket full of motley gifts I had strewn before him in great hope, expecting him to take all of it, which was fine with me, and with exaggerated specificity of thumb and forefinger, he selected the 59 cent bag of off-brand Hot Tamales for the silk flags. It was the best thing ever. Full of joy. So anyway, I'm at Illuminaughty later (I think it was) and this beautiful fresh-faced kid came up to me in the crowd while I was really going OFF with my cherished new flags, lemme tell you--having a great time--and she said "Hey, are you on E?" and I said "No!" and She said "Me too!" . . . and we had a mini-bonding over enjoying that moment totally naturally. You don't NEED drugs there, if you don't want 'em. There's already beautiful things there. You're probably already going to be feeling good. And no one knows what you're up to, really, and most of the time they're not going to ask or care, they will just offer and you'll say, "Nope, I'm great."

Besides . . . the altitude and the dehydration-friendly atmosphere make it a bad time for a non-drinker to just start binge drinking.

Post by **Eric** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 10:18 pm

Savannah wrote:Besides . . . the altitude and the dehydration-friendly atmosphere make it a bad time for a non-drinker to just start binge drinking.

Can we make that sentence a sticky?

marinachka11 · Post by **marinachka11** » Fri Jul 15, 2011 11:35 pm

Awesome

Yeah I'm high on life 24/7 so I guess I never needed anything just some fresh air to keep me going

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sat Jul 16, 2011 7:27 pm

Your friend sounds like an idiot...

Burningman is something like the elephant beset by blind men. Because getting drunk makes things complicated, I don't really do that. And I'm in a bar camp. Anyway, it's completely possible that someone who camps in the next village over does it all drunk or high and has a completely different experience than I do, even though we go to a lot of same places and are sleeping within ten yards of each other.

Or as Gary Larson put it:

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Mon Jul 18, 2011 3:08 pm

marinachka11 wrote:Awesome
Yeah I'm high on life 24/7 so I guess I never needed anything just some fresh air to keep me going

Then you darling, will need a good quality Dust Mask! Cause the air might be fresh but its definitely dusty!

Like others have said, folks will offer only cause they are trying to share. If you politily say No Thanks it will be no big deal. Though as a guy who loves beer, and wants to share beer with everyone.
I get sorta offended when some one that is a recovering alcoholic tells me that no they do not want a beer, and says it with a tone that makes it sound like "you should have known that, and you are an evil monster for even offering!" I'm just trying to be nice, and I understand, but there is no reason to be rude.... OK rant over.

really would like this year to be my first year

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