1st time Burner from Australia

[Mikey0525]

Hi all. I'm Mike, a first time burner for 2014 from Australia. I'm heading over and picking up a campervan on the 23rd of August from L.A and driving solo to burning man. Any tips, suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated and I'd love to hear from anyone making a similar journey or trying to get there also.

Cheers.

Mike.

[BoyScoutGirl]

Welcome to eplaya, Mike. You will find plenty of tips, advice, and suggestions already here, so keep reading

You will need a vehicle pass for the campervan.

[Mikey0525]

Thanks BoyScoutGirl. Luckily I have been able to send my ticket and vehicle pass to a friends house in America. Have you been going to burning man for a long time, or are you relatively new to it?
I've since read up on some things and it has all been very useful.

[AntiM]

Welcome! You will find all sorts of useful ideas here. We also have a bar down in Open Discussion if you're feeling social.

[Savannah]

Hi Mikey!

I hope you've read the Survival Guide a few times.

You can post an L.A. rideshare in the 2014 Share Resources thread if you want:
viewforum.php?f=365

Or get active with the "Regionals" and see if any other Australians could fly into LA and still need a ride.
http://regionals.burningman.com/

There will also be a rideshare link on the main site. You'll almost certainly be able to find someone to travel with if you want to, although there's freedom in going alone.

People can be pretty nice here if you look like you've done your reading first and have tried to find the answers. If you get stuck, google a keyword + eplaya . . . new topics are rare indeed.

Welcome.

[Mikey0525]

Thanks Savannah. I'll have a good look into all of that. I appreciate your help. Meeting a friend and his gf over there and don't want to end up a third wheel so I'll have a look into everything you have provided.
I'll owe you a drink.

Mike.

[BoyScoutGirl]

Sounds like you have ticket, vehicle pass, transportation, and shelter all in order. Sort out food and water and warm clothes and you should have the necessities covered. Don't forget to include a recovery day after the burn if your schedule allows it. The Sands hotel in Reno offers a great deal, thanks to Barbie Death Camp, and is a good place to recharge batteries before the long drive back. I would not recommend trying to drive back to LA without such a rest; both the body and mind need it after the burn.

Also, stop watching videos and looking at photo albums. You already know it is crazy, you already know you are going, so focus on logistics and try to avoid having big expectations. Let the burn surprise you.

[Jovankat]

Hey Mike, whereabouts in Australia are you from? I'm in Sydney and heading over for my second burn this year. Welcome to ePlaya!

[Mikey0525]

Hi JovanKat, I'm from Sydney too. Around Marrickville. That's awesome. I can't wait to get there. I think I'm pretty organised but know I have no idea what I'm in for as for the actual atmosphere and being there. Buy I have read a lot of the info provided here from the amazing burners who have been nice enough to help.
Anything you can tell me about your first time that will help me?

Mike

[gaminwench]

"I have no idea what I'm in for."

Perfect.
Flow with that.
Embrace it.
Be prepared,
relax,
participate in your 'now'.

[Savannah]

Hi JovanKat, I'm from Sydney too. Around Marrickville. That's awesome. I can't wait to get there. I think I'm pretty organised but know I have no idea what I'm in for as for the actual atmosphere and being there. Buy I have read a lot of the info provided here from the amazing burners who have been nice enough to help.
Anything you can tell me about your first time that will help me?

Mike

"I have no idea what I'm in for."

Perfect.
Flow with that.
Embrace it.
Be prepared,
relax,
participate in your 'now'.

Gaminwench is right.

But is you insist, this is topical.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=68669

And I will not feel sorry if this is all you encounter before your first Burn, because I had 2 months (and no ePlaya) to prepare for mine.

You'll be fine!

[Mikey0525]

Savanah and Gaminwench, thank you both for your help so far. All of this is amazing. This online community experience is a great start to something I know will be a life changer, as every journey into the unknown is. I'm very grateful and I hope I get to repay the favour to all who I am lucky enough to meet.
My next mission is to load a picture of myself on here but it seems impossible from my iPhone.

Mike.

[BearMammoth]

Hey Mike, Bear from Canberra here. In case you aren't aware, you live in the epicenter of Sydney's thriving Burner scene - there was a massive fundraiser party for Burning Seed theme camp Trash Mansion in Marrickville on Saturday. The Hive Bar in Erskinville is a regular spot for Sydney burner gatherings, too.

Seems like you're preparing well for the Playa and have your bases covered, but there's plenty of Nevada veterans around in Australia to connect with who can share tips and tricks. Come along and share a beer and some stories! Keep an eye on the Sydney Burners FB page for upcoming events: https://www.facebook.com/groups/287660834668414/

[Mikey0525]

Hey Bear, thanks mate. That's awesome. I have read something about that over the last few days. It seems I have missed it due to my work schedule. I'll have a good read of all the links you have sent me and keep an eye on that Facebook page. Thanks so much for the heads up on how close everything is. I'll definitely try to get down to the next meet.

Thanks again.

Mike.

[BearMammoth]

Welcome home, buddy! Glad you found us