Hiya from London.
This is my fifth Burn, and here's my two-pennies-worth:
Have you looked at
http://www.greentortoise.com - a lot of Europeans use it as their first intro to BM as it takes away a lot of the hassle of shipping stuff over.
Forget Gerlach for supplies.
If you're thinking of buying your camping equipment in Reno, then it's pretty-well picked clean by the start of BM. Plus, most stores require you to have a US-based credit card to use their 'Buy and Collect' service.
Shops in Reno are fairly spread around and not walkable, but there is a decent bus service through the town.
My first two burns involved me bringing over a cheap sacrificial tent (35'ish UKP from Argos, or similar). It should last you through the event. Donate it to Good Will (that's a charity shop in Britspeak) afterwards. Get some sand-stakes (stakes about 1 foot long and an inch wide), they're pretty cheap in the UK. Someone will lend you a hammer or mallet.
Sleeping bag (2/3 season) - yes.
Foam Mat or similar - yes.
Fleece (and/or waterproof) - yes (get's v. cold at night)
Spare shoes/trainers (NOT sandals): yes (if it rains, you'll need the extra pair)
Socks - try for a fresh pair per day.
Sun-block, hat, goggles, mask, after-sun - yes
Food - you'll need it, but not during the day. Salty snacks are great.
Water - read the advice and heed it.
Blinky light things so you don't get run down by art-cars and bicyclists.
And batteries for the blinky-light things.
Oh, and then select some costumes.
Some people pay the extra for business class, just to get the extra baggage allowance.
Look up the
euroburner and
playadust web sites: there are events on and off during the year (sorry, but a lot of them in London), plus Nowhere - the regional event held in Spain in June.
Oh, and don't forget the travel insurance. BM can injure you in all sorts of ways.
Lastly, I had never planned for any trip as much as I did for my first burn, and it went really well because of it. But don't get too anxious if you've missed something - the Playa will (hopefully) Provide, just don't automatically assume it will.
Your budget will be more than you imagine, but your sense of having done it will mean you'll be happy to pay the price.
And when you get to Black Rock City, look me up in Quixotes Caberet Club & Bar where you'll find a group of plucky Brits serving cold beer, cocktails and acts from the playa.
Martin
TheBurningFish wrote:Hello Burning Man community.
I'm planning and preparing to go with some friends and family to my first burn in 2010. I live in Scotland, so I have to travel a bit, which is fine in itself. The problem is bringing things like tents, water, and all sorts of stuff.
Can anyone give me some tips on what to do? Can I get ahold of everything I need in Gerlach? What about transport from the airport to BRC?
Thanks in advance. I suppose this thread would be useful for anyone suffering similair problems.
