Virgin's reaction to first visit...

hsdavis · Post by **hsdavis** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 5:57 pm

There were so many apprehensive first timers asking all sorts of great questions prior to Burning Man 2008. I am curious about what was expected vs. what was found. Was it what you expected? Better? Worse? Will you be back? Were the dust storms too much for you?

I'd love to hear about your visit to paradise!

princesspisces · Post by **princesspisces** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 6:59 pm

Everything I expected Burning Man to be, it wasn't. It was SO much better!

I didn't have any of the negative run-ins with the law that some people seem to have had. I don't do drugs either, so that could have something to do with it.
The dust storms were fine, I lost my dust mask and found myself wandering back to camp without it after the temple burn. Even though I lacked a dust mask, it was so much fun. I met up with another couple trying to find their way back we decided to make an adventure of it. We found our way back and I ended up finding more people which I dragged back to The Booby Bar with me. It was one of the best nights for sure.
I don't think I had one negative experience this year, I met many colorful and amazing people. I was amazed at all of the creativity and love that goes into every project.
Thank you to everyone who was apart of my first year!
I am already counting down to next year and brainstorming new ideas.

Dr. Pyro · Post by **Dr. Pyro** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:38 am

Maybe I'm just jaded, or maybe it's because the damn DMV wouldn't approve our mutant vehicle, but Burning Man really was better last year.

Of course, for a virgin, there are no last years.

johannes · Post by **johannes** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:05 am

i came from Belgium.. all alone, nobody i knew.. first time America

read all about BMan on the web.. decided to go, despite alot of cynicism and complains from burned out people

had the best time ever!!!.. all thanks to the wonderful people i've met and the athmosphere on the playa that brought out the best in me (and them perhaps)

hardly used drugs nor been very drunk.. just having fun, meeting people, hugging, giving, receiving, laughing and hunting after artcars like a madman in the desert.. feeling like a kid in this big playground, wondering around, helping out at Entheon Village..feeling like Mad Max in Love with the Universe

have done about 5% of what i originally planned to do on the playa..time went so freaking fast. can't wait for next year .. Haven't climbed the Man, haven't danced at Deep End; not been to Thunderdome.. been on other big parties only a couple hours in total during the week..

haven't seen any aggression, violence, bad vibes whatsoever..

had 1 shower all week, had a swolllen throat from the dust all week and fell from an RV after watching sunset halfway the week.. didn't bother me at all

conclusion, it was way better than what i expected.. it's like having sex: you can't read about it nor see pics to know what it's like.. just have to experience the real thing yourself

home sweet home

justfred · Post by **justfred** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:14 am

johannes wrote:conclusion, it was way better than what i expected.. it's like having sex: you can't read about it nor see pics to know what it's like.. just have to experience the real thing yourself

...and when you get done you feel sweaty, sticky, and dirty, exhausted and tired; you need a nap and a shower, but you can't wait to go again as soon as you recover. The toys you used need to be cleaned. And you probably can't tell your parents or the people at work all the details, but you hope some of your closest friends will understand.

On the other hand, refractory period is somewhat longer, and the chances of a single exposure causing a life-altering condition are much higher. And you hope someone got some good pictures.

ZaphodBurner · Post by **ZaphodBurner** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:26 am

johannes wrote: have done about 5% of what i originally planned to do on the playa..time went so freaking fast. can't wait for next year

Well, none of that changes with experience. You hear the stories or see the photos and go "Wait...where the hell was I?!"

Then you "okay, well, I guess I have to go back. NEXT year I'm going to..." and the whole process repeats.

-c

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:49 am

The dust storms took a lot out of me, and my back went out one day. Not my best year, but still, ANY year at Burning Man is a good year.

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:50 am

Shoulda brought a journal....

Best freaking time ever. I was super prepared though. Some things i brought and didnt even use...

I coulda used at least one more HEAVY dust storm in the middle of the week

Spinning fire at Opulent Temple....3 nights in a row.... brought back that fire spinning rush!!

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:53 am

I bring journals some years. I've yet to write on one.

I bring a camera and don't take a lot of pictures.

I bring costumes and end up wearing the comfy clothes.

I bring wigs, they stay in their bags.

I bring blinkies and use just the headlamp.

I brought a trike and other people rode it.

I bring banners to decorate camp, some years they stay in the bin.

I bring booze and don't drink much.

I wouldn't change a thing.

AmericanFremin1 · Post by **AmericanFremin1** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:18 pm

"it wuz better before you all started coming"
-surlyrottenbottom

not a virgin, but i feel like one every year. already had 10 burningman dreams.

keeps getting better/weirder/holier/mutant lovely.....

in 09 i'm bringing an artcar.
-and-
more socks
-and-
an N02 tank

mk-ultra · Post by **mk-ultra** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:49 pm

I can't claim virginity any longer (lost that last year).

Second year impression: damn it, there will never be time to see everything -- even if you've done it ten years in a row.

Second year out there and I still found myself picking my jaw up off of the ground... especially when tooling around at night. I'm no expert... but I can tell you what has worked for me:

Don't have a destination. Or expectations. Just go. Leave your camp... with or without friends, and wander. Doesn't matter which direction you go. Pick a point on the horizon and head that way. If you see something cool in the distance -- change directions. Wander, wander, wander. If something piques your interest, don't be shy. Step up, meet people and join in.

Say, "hi" to people you don't know. Sit down and talk to them. Wander with them. Leave them when you feel like diverging. Invite them home if you want. Share food. Share stories. Hug people. Ask if you need something. Give if you can give something.

Gage · Post by **Gage** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:36 pm

Love this thread!!

It was our virgin year, but we both liked the fact that one of the best compliments we were given over and over again is that no one could tell we were virgins. I'm sure it was due to bringing everything except the kitchen sink and over-preparing (thanks to all the helpful hints on ePlaya!), and I think we were virtually self-reliant, gifting frozen pineapple, tricking-out our bikes and costumes, but also with no real expectations in mind. I think being over-prepared just allowed us to adapt to each new (and random) thing/situation/event we ran into...

I too have been having playa dreams (every night, sometimes multiples in one night, up until 2 nights again), with the playfulness, beauty and freedom to explore... truly explore. Isn't that what we miss most from our childhood? To have access to uncharted or unexperienced things?

Planning for next year started on the drive down the 395 on Sunday... Do's and Don't for 09, taking sewing classes to make our own clothing and customize some playalicious el-wire outfits, camp layout ideas, shade re-design, etc...

We did break a bungee cord on the way home and lost a fan, 3-drawer shelving unit, a potty we brought, and a nice blue tarp. Like I said, we overpacked... lol If any of these things were found, please enjoy, since they were obviously jumping ship and hitching a ride back to BRC...

Toolmaker · Post by **Toolmaker** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 3:50 am

hsdavis wrote:There were so many apprehensive first timers asking all sorts of great questions prior to Burning Man 2008. I am curious about what was expected vs. what was found. Was it what you expected? Better? Worse? Will you be back? Were the dust storms too much for you?

I'd love to hear about your visit to paradise!

Generally what I expected happened except a few things. I was hopin for more art.. seemed a lil light compared to last year. I also expected to be able to sleep next to my duffel without worry, this did not happen throughout the 9 days. I found out I can handle more than I did last year with heat and dust and found some ways of doin stuff outside of the box. Overall its was good but not better than last year. I will likely make it back somehow. I loved the duststorms... w/o them I might have been found bein smuggled in as an "illegal alien" per the theme and my "performance art". You can never have too much dust IMO.

I am a virgin every year.

Intubater69 · Post by **Intubater69** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:18 am

It was waayyyy more then I expected. Couldnt explain it to non-burners before, sure as hell cant now, to many surreal images flitting about in my melon

Knew what to expect, just not how I'd do when reality set in. Did fine, dealt with the dust storms by sticking my thumb over my open beer

Wanted to NOT be a burden on my fellow exp. burners so came equipped for a month on the playa, would still be there if we werent shoo-ed away

Running around neked out there, my neighbor asked how many previous burns I'd been to, told her this was my first, and she was

and said I didnt seem like the typical virgin.

I'm so in, baby

skibear · Post by **skibear** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:31 am

GageNdG wrote:
We did break a ... and lost a fan, 3-drawer .. unit, a potty we brought,

ROFL Called getting your shit together and forgetting
where you put it !!

Boijoy · Post by **Boijoy** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 3:38 pm

3 drawer shelving unit?? you DID overpack.. hahahahaha

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 7:42 pm

Boijoy wrote:3 drawer shelving unit?? you DID overpack.. hahahahaha

Yeah, I've always been able to get by with two.

Gage · Post by **Gage** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:08 pm

Boijoy wrote:3 drawer shelving unit?? you DID overpack.. hahahahaha

We also had a 7-drawer shelving unit, which made it home. We were in a 2-room, 6 person tent, so we had room for a lot (including a queen size pillow-top mattress - made 5 hours of sleep feel like 9)...

You might think it's overpacking, but you wouldn't believe how easy it was to find small things, on the fly. All tucked away neatly in a plastic shelving unit that kept things in order and dust free (for the most part). We had everything in ziplock baggies anyways...

Things on the list fO shO in 09:

Switching from 2-room tent to Costco Carport, with custom, breathable walls, rugs, and a large tarp to cover the carport and extend out
Small clothing rack - 4' high by 4' wide
Hanging pocket organizer for all the little things (instead of drawers. Takes up less space)
More lawn chairs
More dry ice (packed properly too)
2 Kick-ass white outfits
More pre-made El-wire outfits
Less time spent on El-wire for bikes
More traveling cups - fun, BIGGER ones
Everything needed to put a volleyball game together
Get on setup crew to get in early this year
More solo nights out, without looking at the w/w/w/w guide first
Meet 100+ people I don't know

Did I miss anything?

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:43 pm

somtimes, I just gotta say:
WTF........

chinacatsunflower · Post by **chinacatsunflower** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:44 pm

This was my first burn, and it's hard to say whether it "met my expectations" --I tried to come without any, but of course that is impossible with all the reading, pictures, and stories from my friends who have gone previously. I also have a pretty vivid imagination, so of course I had a picture in my head of what the playa would be like.

Perhaps I can summerize:

The weather was not as bad as I had imagined it would be (apparently we were blessed this year with great weather), the people more welcoming and friendly, the scale and stark beauty of the playa--nothing could have prepared me for that--especially the night sky...holy shit. Even with all the crazy lights and lazers and whatnot the stars were some of the best I have ever seen, as well as the sunrises and sunsets...

It's funny, now that I am back, I can see a little bit of Burning Man everywhere I go. There is so much spontaneous beauty in the world...the burn acted as sort of a highlighter and brought all of that beauty to the front of my consciousness. I've tried to bring as much back as possible--gifting, leaving no trace wherever I go, radical self-relience and expression. I smile at strangers while walking down the street, and offer help wherever I can.

Needless to say I will be coming back, and hopefully this year will be even better!

Can't wait!

chinacat

AmericanFremin1 · Post by **AmericanFremin1** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:07 pm

and a pool
and a blow up castle
then i'll come and hang
but under cover, for i will lose my street cred with DPW if seen with the 'portable wardrobe class' (not that there's anything wrong with your burn plans, bring your entire house, but realize that perhaps certain 'experiences' will evade you when bringing too much default world mentality and stuff to the playa....)

chinacatsunflower · Post by **chinacatsunflower** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:13 am

Hah, AmericanFremin1, I couldn't agree more with your sentiment. I brought with me only what I was allowed the check/carry-on with me on my flight, plus food, water, and beer (plus other recreational substances), and a shade structure all of which I aquired in Santa Cruz, and found that I had more than enough. I hadn't planned to set up some crazy camp and tried to spend as little time at my own camp as possible. When I was in my neighborhood, i.e. during the hottest parts of the day, I tried my best to hang out at my neighbor's camps and do as much socializing as possible.

For this year, I expect my camp to be larger, at least twice the size by my best estimate. I want to finish the mongolian-style yurt I was not able to bring this year, and I am thinking of even planning a theme camp. My goal is to have a registered camp closer to the center of action, so even when I am at my site there will be more things going on. I want to resist buying things as much as possible, while building everything I can myself and also to bring as much art as I can. I have already enlisted the help of some local artists who have offered to gift me pieces to take with me on my trip. Maybe I can even drag some of them along with me...time will tell, I suppose.

Car ports and geodesic domes are great--they are easy to transport and erect. Personally, I would rather build something myself from wood and canvas, but my dad is a carpenter so I guess I have that gene. To each his own...it sounds like all of you fellow (former) virgins had a great time and will each continue to contribute in your own way.

Consider this, however: if you brought items that were never used, wouldn't be best if you had never brought them? At the very least, the added weight will take away from your mileage, not to mention precious cargo space. This year, my priority will be placed on art and other creative thingies, with a minimum of creature comforts. Survival before services, right? Oh, and I'm definately doing hammocks--it is the most efficient, comfortable sleeping arrangement, much more practical than a mattress. I have them on my boat (and some of my neighbors had them)and they are wonderful.

Oh, and this is a total side note, but I remember this being mentioned in the cheers and jeers thread: I have been having crazy Burning Man dreams, almost every night since my return. This thing has really opened up a creative side of me that I havn't tapped for many, many years...it's like being a child again, and I love it!

Man, this turned out to be a much longer post than I had expected at first...what can I say, I can't remember the last time I have been this inspired to create something.

Looking forward to hearing and seeing all of your ideas. Can't wait to burn together next year..

chinacat

Das Bus · Post by **Das Bus** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 7:01 am

This was my eighth year, and all I can say is WOW!!!

We were out there for 13 days (the longest ever), didn't get out all that much, but it didn't matter. We had such a great group of families in Kidsville this year. So many people were quick to step up when something needed to be done, whether it was pounding rebar, greeting camps, picking up MOOP or just making sure the Mayor had beer; it was fucking awesome!

The only downside is that we all live so far away from each other that it will be a year before I can see them again!!!!!

AmericanFremin1 · Post by **AmericanFremin1** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:43 am

YES! china cat! way to 'get it'.

us burners who come in on plane hav some disadvantages, but it keeps us honest. did you camp with friends or alone?

yurt is the way to go. make them with wood and canvas. (i helped build one made of compressed cardboard.)

a friend i camped with is planning a trip to the Gobi this spring. in the Gobi is the 2nd largest playa (BRP is #1). the people of the Gobi live very plushly, and they can teach us about how to live righteously in the desert.

AmericanFremin1 · Post by **AmericanFremin1** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:47 am

oh, and china cat, the dreams. they don't tell you 'bout them in the survival guide.....8)

Intubater69 · Post by **Intubater69** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 8:33 am

Das Bus wrote:This was my eighth year, and all I can say is WOW!!!

We were out there for 13 days (the longest ever), didn't get out all that much, but it didn't matter. We had such a great group of families in Kidsville this year. So many people were quick to step up when something needed to be done, whether it was pounding rebar, greeting camps, picking up MOOP or just making sure the Mayor had beer; it was fucking awesome!

The only downside is that we all live so far away from each other that it will be a year before I can see them again!!!!!

Helps to have ur birthday coordinated with the burn, eh Mayor?

jackmack · Post by **jackmack** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 11:04 am

were any of you "virgins" actually single? Did you meet someone new and "hook up" burning man romance? Did you get laid? did you want to? Why/ why not?

johannes · Post by **johannes** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:39 pm

hhmm..thats some personal stuff really, but I can tell you this:
never let your significant other go to burning man alone

I had a pretty good relationship at home (living together 3years) but couldn't afford to take her with me..
I did not look for anything, nor made any efforts to hook up with someone..but in the end I made out with 2 girls..and I will be going on a holiday to a foreign country with one of them in two weeks (she lives in USA, I live in Belgium..we meet in south-america, she has a bfriend too) and we'll c how it goes from there. (my girl knows about it and is not having the greatest time of her life, but we wouldn't stay forever anyway coz I already wanted to move outta Europe for a long time and she does not)

bottomline: if you have fun and can 'be yourself', the playa is the easiest place in the galaxy to hook up with a goddess..
(this is not the case for every horny guy I met there though..cannot tell the secret, unless someone gives me lots o green bills and a green card :)

jackmack · Post by **jackmack** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:44 pm

..i wish i had your game johannes...

never let your significant other go to burning man alone

...everyone should go to burning man alone!

I can't tell you how many people I've seen break up or get divorced because of burning man and I'm happy to see it happen!

People realize that there is so much more to life than jesus and the loser they married. fuck monogamy. people should be free always & first. free love & condoms for all! and fuck the rave camps!

Fire_Moose · Post by **Fire_Moose** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:45 pm

I started going out with this girl about 4 months before BM and told her that i didn't really want a girlfriend because i was going to be going to BM and didnt want any default attatchments. We agreed to "break up" for burning man.

I went out there not looking for anything. Didnt try to get laid....i have the worst game to begin with, i didnt have a chance of getting laid at BM...

Then i started haning out with someone in camp...we got closer and kissed, fooled around etc.

I told my gf what happened when i got back, like we said we would do, and she got all mad and upset.....we're opver it now...i think....and the BM girl is mad because i chose my gf over her....hmmm

Virgin's reaction to first visit...

Virgin's reaction to first visit...

My first year.

Re: Virgin's reaction to first visit...