Virgin here, going solo...

[Lina222]

Hi ePlyaa,

My name is Lina and I'm hoping to attend BM this year. Attending burning man has been on my bucket list for some time, though I’ve yet to make an effort to go. I have even passed up opportunities to tag along with acquaintances who attend year after year. The principles of BM have always resonated with me, and I’ve always been intrigued by the experiences retold by others, but it just never felt like the right time, or my time, to go. This unconventional gathering in unpredictable, harsh elements always appealed to me, as it seems like it would be wildly liberating and transformative but the thought of attending and participating has also intimidated, if not completely frightened, me. Especially since I plan on going alone. Like, what's rebar exactly? What if my tent flys away? I'm not exactly the most handy person but self-reliant I am. Radically? I’m hoping that this is the year I prove it...

With the theme being Metamorphoses, a celebration of change, I can’t think of any better way to say goodbye to the last decade of my life and enter the next one transformed by the playa and the many people who make it happen. Seriously, can it be more fitting? I'm turning 30 in October and it is a milestone for me. One that I want to celebrate personally and privately, one that I’m compelled to commemorate with introspection, forgiveness, and release. Not only do I want to face my fears, test myself and my capabilities, dance and explore, disconnect, decompress and express myself, but I’m vehemently compelled to throw the heartache and pain and bullshit of my past into the temple. I’ve carried very heavy burdens for too long, I don’t want them anymore and I’m determined to release them, at BM or elsewhere, it would just be extra special to watch it all burn into the desert sky.

[Popeye]

Welcome LIna! We are glad to have you on board, reading your post I am sure you will do well.
Read through Eplaya and you will find answers to most of your questions, then come back and ask about anything specific.
BTW this is rebar https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-x-1- ... lsrc=aw.ds cuts with a hacksaw into about 18" lengths and is used as tent stakes. Many have stopped using rebar and use lag bolts instead and yes, there is a thread for that.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to ePlaya!

[ryfi]

Hi Lina! I’m a virgin too—your introduction was an inspiring way to look at it. I’ve wantwd to go for years and only now have felt that I can take it on. Cheers! See you on the playa.

[Lina222]

Thanks everyone! I look forward to seeing you on the playa. This site is soooo helpful and informative

[eefje1111]

hi and welcome!
newbie aswell

[burner von braun]

Hi Lina222! Nice articulate introduction, I must say.

Yep, keep on reading, and learning, and becoming more involved, and you'll be just fine out there. The very first time that you prepare for the burn, and make decisions related to it, can become an exciting and memorable aspect of the overall experience. I still treasure my solo leap into the unknown! There are plenty of people here that can happily lend a suggestion or two as you go about your preparation, and perhaps steer you away from things that might not work as well as you might have thought, based on their personal experiences out there. You have plenty of time to think, and rethink how you will go about it all! Have fun with it, and let us know how things are shaping up for you!

[Lina222]

Hi Lina222! Nice articulate introduction, I must say.

Thank you very much! It's been maybe a week since I've decided that BM was how I'm going to spend my birthday and since then, I can't stop reading, watching and thinking about BM! I've mentioned it to a few friends and have 2-3 that say they want to go, split costs, set up camp together, but knowing them I feel like I would take on the role of organizer, planner, and babysitter and they'd be ill-prepared. It's still early, but I think one should be prepared months in advance and my friends are the type to "figure it out later" AKA when it's too late. As for going with experienced burners, I'm not sure how I feel tagging along with a bunch of people myself. Ultimately, I think solo is the way to go but we'll see how it all pans out.

I'm from San Jose, CA so it's not too far of a drive for me (I drive solo to Arizona every now and then) but I do think driving alone to BRC would be the most intimidating and then...things like setting up camp and a shade structure solo as well. I'm admittedly a bit of a girly girl. I can handle dirt and dust, harsh elements, and being by myself but I can't change a tire and I haven't put up a tent (Unless holding a tent pole in place while everyone else runs around counts) Anyway, I'm rambling. I do hope to get a ticket because if I do, I will most definitely figure it out.

[Elliot]

Lina, it is a pleasure to read such a coherent, thorough, and well-thought-out introduction. (Ah, I see BvB beat me to it. )

If you should want to explore the possibility of joining a small theme camp, my camp is expanding into two locations this year, and I have room for some new victi smiling faces.

Our primary gig is bicycle repair, but we also do massage, body painting, foot washing, and whatever else we find ourselves able to offer 70,000 of our closest friends.
Did I mention the Grand Piano for all to play?

Some of us have also carried painful burdens for too long, so we speak that language.

I have been "on sabbatical" from ePlaya lately, but I will see if I can jump-start the machinery now so you can PM me for more information if you wish.

[some seeing eye]

I would suggest first time burners do some camping if they have not done that. It's fun!

[Lina222]

Lina, it is a pleasure to read such a coherent, thorough, and well-thought-out introduction. (Ah, I see BvB beat me to it. )

If you should want to explore the possibility of joining a small theme camp, my camp is expanding into two locations this year, and I have room for some new victi smiling faces.

Our primary gig is bicycle repair, but we also do massage, body painting, foot washing, and whatever else we find ourselves able to offer 70,000 of our closest friends.
Did I mention the Grand Piano for all to play?

Some of us have also carried painful burdens for too long, so we speak that language.

I have been "on sabbatical" from ePlaya lately, but I will see if I can jump-start the machinery now so you can PM me for more information if you wish.

Hi Elliot,

Thank you for the warm welcome! I have thought about looking into joining a camp as well...I think contributing is the best way to get to know people and a great way feel included and truly be a part of BRC in a meaningful way. I do want to come back feeling like I was a part of something. My only hesitation is, being a virgin and all, my not being as helpful as I might need to be since I’ll be in 100% foreign environment. I was leaning towards solo so I could acclimate in my own time and setup and get used to this new and foreign place...but the idea of being a part of a camp and having something to contribute does sound appealing. I don’t know much about bikes or painting or massaging but I’m not incredibly useless...I have a great smile and I make a mean margarita and I’m a helpful person, if I can’t do something I certainly always try.

[Lina222]

I would suggest first time burners do some camping if they have not done that. It's fun!

Thank you for the suggestion. I do enjoy camping, usually I’ll drive and plan then bring the friends along for muscle. We go to a small festival in Wilseyville every year and I’m volunteering to do the camp setup for the practice!

[Elliot]

...
...
My only hesitation is, being a virgin and all, my not being as helpful as I might need to be...

Thou worryeth too much, M'Lady.
This concern of yours shows that you really do want to contribute, and that makes all the difference. Exactly what you will do... happens by itself.

... ...
I make a mean margarita ...

You are hired!
We do serve beverages. Three refrigerators, no waiting.
And we need service writers to greet customers, assign jobs to the mechanics, and generally make everything happen smoothly.

Want to get down to the basics of Burning Man? I don't think we have a Moop Meister yet.
Nor a cook -- our beloved Sweet Mama Carolyn passed away a year ago, and we lived on bark and shoe-leather thru the 2018 Burn.

We have Birgins (Burner virgins) in camp every year, and we enjoy showing them the ropes and watching them blossom. You would do just fine if you choose to join an established camp.

[Ratty]

Lins222 Welcome to ePlaya. You are on the right track.

[burner von braun]

While I think camping solo and fending for one's self in the desert is a rewarding challenge in itself Lina, and one I've greatly enjoyed, I should also mention that I consider Elliot's bicycle camp to be a top-notch camp filled with great folks who have a solid sense of what the burn is about. Being invited into that fold would be a fine direction for your first burn to take!

[Lina222]

Thank you all for the insight and encouragement, I may just have to consider a camp and take Elliot up on the offer. It does sound like a greater opportunity to contribute to BRC!

[Sham]

Thank you all for the insight and encouragement, I may just have to consider a camp and take Elliot up on the offer. It does sound like a greater opportunity to contribute to BRC!

Elliot is the BEST and an invite from him is a great honor.

[Skuzzy61]

Thank you all for the insight and encouragement, I may just have to consider a camp and take Elliot up on the offer. It does sound like a greater opportunity to contribute to BRC!

Elliot is the BEST and an invite from him is a great honor.

Quoted for truth!

[Elliot]

Lina, please check your PMs.