Allow me to introduce myself....

[LeonardPotato]

Hello!

This will be my first burn (shocking I know) and I can't wait for it to get here. Ever since I decided to go this year I feel like the Playa has been calling me home. I think I have officially read the entire ePlaya and can't wait for more 2017 content to come through. I read in a post where someone said "if you are going to Burning Man, you are most likely leading some sort of alternative lifestyle" but I don't think that is true. I am 34, married, one kid, live in a suburb of chicago in a nice townhome, work in the corporate world and consider myself pretty ordinary. I mention that because I have wanted to go to Burning Man for several years and I am attracted to a culture that encourages expression and limits judgement. I don't think an alternative lifestyle is needed, just the ability to accept.

I have been to bonnaroo a few times but consider that dipping my toe in the water compared to Burning Man. I know this experience isn't for everybody as so far 99% of the people I have told I am going don't understand and think I am crazy. I think I have decided to stop telling people. I plan on being well prepared so nothing can ruin my time. I am traveling alone but I know I will be with 60,000 friends I haven't met yet when I arrive.

I wanted to read a lot before completing my first post. This is such a different culture to the conventional I was hoping I would not stick out like a light in the dark. After reading everything it seems like being the light is the way to go. I want to find the right place to camp with the right people so if I sound like I would fit in (by fitting in or not fitting in), let me know where to find you.

- LP

[lucky420]

Hola and hello...

Stick around, engage and you may find people/camps that will be a good fit. If not, solo badass camping can be pretty cool too, meeting neighbors, making new friends, etc.

[Sham]

Some of us who are so painfully suburbanites have been attending Burning Man for decades. As far as fitting it, my favorite activity is abandoning all my camp mates and exploring the playa on my own. You will easily meet new people and makes friends who you will consider lifelong friends.
I suggest that people dress in a way that you express yourself in the light you wish to be seen. That may be anything you imagination takes you.
Prepare by ready all the guides you can (see my signature below) and educate yourself as much as humanly possible. You will find helpful people everywhere on the playa. Should you be in need of something overlooked, you can ask a neighbor.
Best wishes on your preparation and we are looking forward to seeing you in the dust.

Sham....

[Ratty]

LeonardPotato, WELCOME to ePlaya. I laughed when you said you finished reading eplaya. It's just like that old commercial where the guy 'finishes' the internet. I could make several suggestions but this is my one for the day....wait until you get to that thing in the desert before you commit to volunteering. There is no shortage of shifts to work at the event. One week is a very short time for all the hours of preparation. Don't join a camp that will eat up your time. (Doing chores or running events at the camp). You need food, water, a place to sleep and a spot of shade. Hopefully a bike and you're good to go.

Practice asking for help, asking questions, saying yes and saying no. We'll see you at the meet & greet on Wednesday 6pm. Hug you there.

[Mountain Bobby]

Welcome!

I think I know your brother "couch".

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[Aurelia]

Welcome
You will love it because it has Global relevance
The hard part is leaving

[EGAZ]

Greetings LeonardPotato!

Your post reads like mine last year. LOL Been wanting to go for a number of years then finally said, Funk it! I'm going. And I did.

Don't be afraid of a solo burn. I liked the freedom and did make friends with other camps. I'm all but ready now for this year. Going to my regional Sagruaro Man at the end of April this year too. So welcome and have fun Prepin', its part of the journey.

[Savannah]

Hello!

This will be my first burn (shocking I know) and I can't wait for it to get here. Ever since I decided to go this year I feel like the Playa has been calling me home. I think I have officially read the entire ePlaya and can't wait for more 2017 content to come through. I read in a post where someone said "if you are going to Burning Man, you are most likely leading some sort of alternative lifestyle" but I don't think that is true. I am 34, married, one kid, live in a suburb of chicago in a nice townhome, work in the corporate world and consider myself pretty ordinary. I mention that because I have wanted to go to Burning Man for several years and I am attracted to a culture that encourages expression and limits judgement. I don't think an alternative lifestyle is needed, just the ability to accept.

That is true. You will find all sorts of people at the Burn . . . starving artists, techies, engineers, construction workers, perpetual travelers, doctors, nurses and EMTs, a few kids, retirees, dancers, DJs, graphic artists, husbands and wives (solo or together), secretaries, scientists, waitresses . . .

I have been to bonnaroo a few times but consider that dipping my toe in the water compared to Burning Man. I know this experience isn't for everybody as so far 99% of the people I have told I am going don't understand and think I am crazy. I think I have decided to stop telling people. I plan on being well prepared so nothing can ruin my time. I am traveling alone but I know I will be with 60,000 friends I haven't met yet when I arrive.

You're right--it's not for everyone and it's time to stop telling people! You don't need their validation; you know your own mind.

Careful and thorough preparation is the best thing you can do for yourself. The second best is to suspend your expectations--the only thing certain is fine, powdery dust. You might love the experience--but you might hate it. You might be a one-timer, or a Burner for life.

Welcome!

[LeonardPotato]

I can't wait till August!!
See you all out there. Let the prepping continue.

[Aurelia]

Yes you've got the fever!
And it doesn't go away.
See you on the playa!