I think I did it wrong...

Lukky · Post by **Lukky** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:37 pm

This year was my first at BM and I had a blast. There was some stuff that I wished I had done, but didn't (bring a bike, participate more, etc) but all in all it was a great experience.

Now on the the heart of the matter. A lot of other people were REALLY bummed out to leave. Don't get me wrong, it sucked when it ended. Although I didn't have any strong, strong emotional connections that couldn't be broken for a year.

Now am I just a "stiff upper lip" kinda guy, did I do it wrong, or am I just a cold heartless bastard?

Zulegoona · Post by **Zulegoona** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:50 pm

after the first few hours of whiteout dust storm during the final camp breakdown I know we were all pretty ready to leave ,... Iâ€™ve met your father so itâ€™s pretty clear your not a basted, cold heartless? no your young and those special connections come along on there own schedule they didnâ€™t for you this year maybe next, maybe never weâ€™ll see. Some times these things sneak up on you when you least expect it and you find yourself longing to be back there in the dust......

course I should never give up the chance to tell a punk he did it wrong , so Hey Lukky you did it wrong now you have to come back next year and try to get it right........

Lukky · Post by **Lukky** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:56 pm

Three months from now I'm gonna have a complete and total emotional breakdown.

I'll become a wreck and get really bad playa dust withdrawals.

Thanks Zule!

VikingNomad · Post by **VikingNomad** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 9:44 pm

Did you do it wrong? No. One very cool aspect of Burning Man is that it's an evolving learning experience on every level. Every year you learn what to bring next year, what not to bring, what to do more of, and what to do less of. You won't have a deep experience every time either. Some years you have the deepest experiences just talking to a friend or sitting by yourself out on the deep playa, or seeing a sunrise. It's really different for everyone, and each year it's a different vibe as a city. As long as you have fun, and learn something whether it's something deep and moving on the playa, or just what to bring or do next year, and respect for the playa, you did it right.

Clar-i-ty · Post by **Clar-i-ty** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:28 pm

I agree. That first burn can be powerful. My first burn I had a total soul connection with someone, and was high on it for days. After the burn, I really missed her and the playa in general. I think that's why we refer to the playa as home. It's a place where we sometimes find things that make us comfortable in a way that's totally unexpected. The same comfort one would feel "at home."

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 11:15 pm

I don't know Lukky, I find that there's a relief when it's finally all over. Of course, I'm one of those people whose wiring goes easily to "Overload."

BitterDan · Post by **BitterDan** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 3:11 pm

I was relieved to get back to Reno and take a shower but even now I get all teary-eyed when I think about the playa.

I wasn't actually aware that you could do it wrong (other than coming unprepared and mooching everyone's water). Your BM experience is your BM experience. If you slept the whole week and enjoyed it then you did the right thing. If you took massive amounts of X and sat in a cuddle-puddle all week and enjoyed it then you did the right thing.

Seriously though, just reflect and keep in mind the things you will need next year to make your experience even more enjoyable.