Virgin from Belgium here!

[Hille]

Greetings, Burners!

I'm Hille, a 24-year old woman from Belgium and I plan to make it to Burning Man next year!
Burning Man has been on my mind for years, but I never really felt ready for the experience, until now.

The good girl that I am, I've been doing the recommended reading and I'm spending most of my nights online doing research.
All of this information and preparation is quite intimidating and overwhelming, especially on the practical side, but that's just motivating me more to go through with it. It will be totally worth it in the end! I'm also looking into the local Burner communities in Belgium and Holland, who have quite a few events planned in the near future. Yay!

Also, I'm doing a (solo) road trip next August in the weeks before Burning Man. The classic route, LV to LA to SF and then off to BRC. I would love to meet some of you lovely people along the way.

Going to Burning Man alone... The thought scares the shit out of me, but that's exactly what excites me about it.

I hope to see you all on the playa!

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[Drawingablank]

Welcome. Don't let the solo thing scare you too much. When you meet people on the playa it's almost like you've known them for years.

[Savannah]

Hi Hille! Welcome.

I bet you're going to be fine out there. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders.

I still get a little nervous before every Burn. There's a lot to do.

[Hille]

Ahh, thanks for the welcome, guys! And you're right, it's gonna be amazing. Actually I love doing things that scare me. Staying in my comfort zone has never been my thing

[illy dilly]

Welcome to eplaya!

Great job getting the prep work started early!

Were you already planning on doing a road trip and then decided to add Burning Man as the last leg?

[Hille]

Actually I spent a couple of months in California on an internship a few years ago. I loved it there, so it was always my plan to go back (and beyond). Burning Man has been on my mind for a couple of years too now, so I thought I might as well combine both. Twice as much preparation needed, but I think it's going to be one hell of a trip!

[illy dilly]

It absolutely sounds like it!
And, touring around for a while will give you a chance to slowly build up some of the stuff you'll need for the Burn.

Are you renting a car/truck/van for the whole adventure? Or going with a more 'public transit' approach?

[ygmir]

HI and welcome!

many of us live along your planned route, so, make sure to stop and visit.

[Hille]

I'm definitely renting a car, as it will give me a lot more freedom and less hassle. Plus, you're right, it'll give me the chance to stock up on the way.

@ ygmir: Thanks! As soon as the summer approaches, I'll post my travel schedule here on ePlaya so we can arrange some get-togethers, I would really love that!

[illy dilly]

I'm definitely renting a car, as it will give me a lot more freedom and less hassle. Plus, you're right, it'll give me the chance to stock up on the way.

I couldn't agree more.
For what its worth, I believe there are some extra restrictions and requirements for non-US citizens to rent cars in the US. Its been talked about before, I just can't find the thread.
Though, since you spent some time in CA you probably already have all those bases covered.

[barry14]

I haven't been on e-Playa in a long time. 2013 will be my 12th yr at BM. I logged in today to reintroduce myself and see that you're from Belgium. I befriended an artist from Belgium in 2010 who may currently be in Berlin with his girlfriend. We still stay in touch via Facebook. I don't want to broadcast his particulars on this forum but if you send me a private msg. I can introduce you. He should be able to get you connected to your local BM ppl. If you're looking for a safe and semi-sane place to camp when you do get to BM, Camp Burner Brown at 6:45 H would be be happy to host you.

[Hille]

Hey Barry, thanks for your post! I sent you a private message.

[gyre]

Welcome Hille!