Looking for my tribe

[MonsterManJD]

Another virgin burner, making their way to the playa, after many years of being on the fence. I’m finally at a point in my life where I’m ready. After some very transformative last few years, the plan is to make 2019 my first burn. I can not even express how excited that makes me, nor can I really say how I know it’s the right time- but I just know.

I’m an artist, and makeup Fx is my main gig, but I dabble in most mediums. I feel like I have a lot to give to and am looking forward to the opportunity to do so. A camp would be great, but it being my first year I could see going it solo/small group as a logical route as well.

I’m based in Los Angeles (on the west side) but my friends who burn do not live around here. Hoping to meet some locals through the next few months while my journey takes shape.

Here’s to making memories with you all.
Cheers- Jason

[AntiM]

Welcome Aboard.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to ePlaya!

[SugarK]

Hi Jason!! So excited to read your intro this morning...see my post here too. I also have had an ongping love affair with BM and like you, have also put it off waaay too long!! Im looking to connect with fellow LA burners in prep for my first burn 2019!!

Would love to chat!! feel free to pm me here!

much love
K

[Savannah]

Welcome, MonsterManJD!

Los Angeles Decompression might be fun for you:
http://www.ladecom.com/

As might the LA regional stuff:
https://regionals.burningman.org/region ... s-angeles/

[MonsterManJD]

Thanks so much for the welcomes!

[superpickle]

Me too dude. the prospect of finaly going makes me giddy.. and im working on my Art Bike .. so much to think about.. Welcome . this is like my 4th post here LOL can you spell N O O B cheers

[viking87]

Welcome MonsterMan. I'm also on the westside, filmmaker, and am likely going back for my 2nd burn in 2019. My hang up is whether or not I'll have a project going at the time, which I'm hoping to have wrapped before... would be tough to take a week off in the middle of prep. We'll see.

There's a big LA camp "The Mystikal Misfits" that probably take virgins. If you're still seeking a camp around ticket sale time, I'd recommend the reach out, or let me know. Our camp isn't LA-based per-se but a lot come from there (not the misfits, another). Their headcount I think is around 200-300. My first experience was with a camp of 60-ish and felt the right size for an intro... this week is a pretty wild experience.

Don't rule out the solo journey, there's plenty of space in the back of BRC to camp among fellow nomads. I will likely camp it this year but solo my third as I expect that would be a very rewarding approach to the week. It does help to have a wingman, like a significant other if you have one, though the week will surely test those bonds so prepared.

[Skuzzy61]

Welcome! 2016 was my burgin year and it was awesome! Hope yours will be too!

[BurnerBunny]

I'll probably go solo this year. If you're still looking for people to camp with closer to the burn look me up, we could form solo camp

[denpri4]

Hi and welcome!

[Skuzzy61]

I'll probably go solo this year. If you're still looking for people to camp with closer to the burn look me up, we could form solo camp

If that was directed at me, I have a camp (Camp We Got This!) and am part of Barbie Death Village. The best damn camp/village on the Playa!

[BurnerBunny]

Directed at anybody going solo really. If my friend who I'm trying to drag with me this year is in he knows some people that might already be in a camp we can join. Otherwise I'll end up out in the boonies by myself, both ways work me.

[MonsterManJD]

So many wonderful responses, will reach out with messages individually.

Everyone on here is so welcoming and freely give encouragement and point in the right direction for those of us virgins trying to make our way to the playa. Unfortunately, in real life I’ve encountered a lot of negativity from burners I have met. I’ve been told everything from I’m too old to go for the first time (I just turned 40), to being “schooled” about how I’m going about my prep the wrong way without even asking what I’m doing, to just outright rude comments about how people like me are ruining the event and culture. I get the whole Plug-and-Play aspect is utter shit, but I’m unsure why I’d be lumped in with that. I’m just a dude who feels the call of the desert and am scraping and saving to make it happen. Is it just that I’m ‘new’ and don’t have a recognizable camp in my corner? It’s disheartening, to be honest. I know it is a hard week in general, I just do not want to get there and have this sort of negative energy weigh down on me as well.

[Skuzzy61]

Too old! Pffft! I was 62 when I went to my first burn. Had a blast.

Then again, I am not one to let others get me down.

[Dr. Pyro]

Then again, I am not one to let others get me down.

Note to self: Try harder this year.

[Skuzzy61]

Then again, I am not one to let others get me down.

Note to self: Try harder this year.

No one ever got to where they are going by stopping halfway.

[son_of_mars]

I’ve been told everything from I’m too old to go for the first time (I just turned 40)

As another recently turned 40 first timer: #$%! that.

Maybe we should start camp "40 Year Old Virgin" as a response...

[MonsterManJD]

After my first Burner meetup...
I was literally shaking when I walked up to the bar. I didn’t know anyone else that was going, just that someone with a possible camp had told me they’d be there in response to a message on Reddit. I grabbed a beer and bellied up to the bar, unsure which of the few people there were also part of the group.
Fast forward 4hrs later and I have met so many wonderful people, both veterans and virgins alike. I’ve never been more sure that the playa is where I belong. The love, stories, wisdom and experience everyone shared was just incredible.
I’m still walking in the clouds after the whole experience and I’m so excited for the next chance to gather with kindred souls!

[Savannah]

How lovely! Keep going.

[MonsterManJD]

20 minutes to site crash and sold out... ouch.
But I persist! Officially on ticket look out.

[Savannah]

I'm sorry to hear it, but don't give up yet. Keep tied in to your local meetups, and be sure tell your friends/family/acquaintances you're looking. (Burners love to sell to acquaintances or friends rather than strangers--it's safer and more friendly.) Get your time off, and keep your shopping and packing lists current.

No one wants to be left holding a ticket worth $400 when they find out 1 month out or 2 weeks out that they suddenly can't go; know what I mean? If they wait too long to sell, they lose that money entirely because most people can't just go on a week's notice.