Information needed

[Aimz]

I saw something about Burning Man a few years ago on a TV program here in the UK called Around the World in 80 raves, which featured a gorup of english people travel across America, which featured them stopping off at Burning Man. I found the whole thing amazing, it looked fantastic. The program's recently been repeated, and so has again captured my interest.

Anyway, i'm travelling to Vietnam to do some volunteering at the start of next year, and thought that Burnign Man 05 would be the perfect end to the year before I start Uni. The only problem is that my mates have nothing in common with me as far as the whole spiritual, travelling thing goes and so probably wouldn't be up for doing this. I'm sure this is what ive been looking for, i've always wanted something where i'll meet like-minded people where I can really let myself go. I've never done anything like this before.

(So for all the rambling so far but..) I need to know a few things.

Firstly, would it be possible to go on my own and settle in once I get there? I'm quite shy, and so would it be difficult for me to get welcomed by a gorup of people there? Also, as i'm female, (no disrespect to you all) would it be safe me going on my own? Or is the whole lone traveller thing out of thr question?

If it would be ok to travel on my own, as i'm travelling to on my own and never been to the US before, would I be able to find it easily? Trying to find soemthing in the middle of a dessert in foreign land seems pretty daunting...

I'm a bit confused by how the whole thing works. I've read the site, but do you just join a camp and stay there for the time? Do they welcome you in and provide you with the entertainment?

Stupid question but..Would I have to go naked to feel part of the whole thing? On the program I watched and on a lot of stuff i've read, it all seems to be about boobs and sex... Would I be a total misfit if I didn't get involved with this aspect of things?

I'm 18, will be 19 if I went next year.. are they stict on drinking laws? I know that som parts of america have an age limit of 21, if it is this are they strict or anything?

Any other information would be good. Sorry i've got so little understanding about it...which is the exact reason i've started to find out about it early. Also any exoperiences from UK Burners would be useful as the whole thing seems pretty impossible at the moment.

Cheers all..and sorry for all the rambling.

[Silver 2]

Firstly, would it be possible to go on my own and settle in once I get there? I'm quite shy, and so would it be difficult for me to get welcomed by a gorup of people there? Also, as i'm female, (no disrespect to you all) would it be safe me going on my own? Or is the whole lone traveller thing out of thr question?

If it would be ok to travel on my own, as i'm travelling to on my own and never been to the US before, would I be able to find it easily? Trying to find soemthing in the middle of a dessert in foreign land seems pretty daunting...

I'm a bit confused by how the whole thing works. I've read the site, but do you just join a camp and stay there for the time? Do they welcome you in and provide you with the entertainment?

Stupid question but..Would I have to go naked to feel part of the whole thing? On the program I watched and on a lot of stuff i've read, it all seems to be about boobs and sex... Would I be a total misfit if I didn't get involved with this aspect of things?

I'm 18, will be 19 if I went next year.. are they stict on drinking laws? I know that som parts of america have an age limit of 21, if it is this are they strict or anything?

First off, go back and go through the older posts in 'Questions and Advice' most of your questions will be answered there. That said, I'll throw out some quick responses that might give you a general idea of what you are looking at.

Lots of people go alone, camp in the 'open' areas and never join any particular group or they simply bond with those camped near them. Theme camps abound and many are looking for new members, look through the list of theme camps and contact the one(s) that interest you.

Young and female, well I am old an male so I cannot speak from personal experience but I would say that BRC is a very safe place. If someone bothers you say so, if you say so loud enough people will come to your aid.

Finding the place; if you can read a map you should have no problem. Coming in from Viet Nam you would probably land in San Fransico or Oakland. I would probably hop to Sacramento or Reno by plane and go from there. The bigger problem for you is transport. Renting a car in the US when you are under 25 is generally a problem, one solution is to check out the Black Rock Hostel, this wonderful man sets up rides for people from Reno/Sparks.

How it works; you can camp alone or with a theme camp, your choice. You do not stay in one place, you wander around. You have also missed one of the BIG points of Burning Man; you are not entertained, you ARE the entertainment. Participate, be weird, help out, sing, dance, wear strange clothes.

Nudity, do what you will no one will care -- look for a thread entitled Boobies.

Drinking; the legal drinking age in the US is 21. Burning Man is a gift economy, since no one is selling the stuff no one will ask your age. Now if you look about 12 there might be a problem.

One last thing; logistics, you MUST bring or arrange for your own shelter, food and water. This is not something where you just show up. Look for a section entitled 'Lists' or something of that sort. It will give you an idea of what you need to bring.

[Silver 2]

Firstly, would it be possible to go on my own and settle in once I get there? I'm quite shy, and so would it be difficult for me to get welcomed by a gorup of people there? Also, as i'm female, (no disrespect to you all) would it be safe me going on my own? Or is the whole lone traveller thing out of thr question?

If it would be ok to travel on my own, as i'm travelling to on my own and never been to the US before, would I be able to find it easily? Trying to find soemthing in the middle of a dessert in foreign land seems pretty daunting...

I'm a bit confused by how the whole thing works. I've read the site, but do you just join a camp and stay there for the time? Do they welcome you in and provide you with the entertainment?

Stupid question but..Would I have to go naked to feel part of the whole thing? On the program I watched and on a lot of stuff i've read, it all seems to be about boobs and sex... Would I be a total misfit if I didn't get involved with this aspect of things?

I'm 18, will be 19 if I went next year.. are they stict on drinking laws? I know that som parts of america have an age limit of 21, if it is this are they strict or anything?

First off, go back and go through the older posts in 'Questions and Advice' most of your questions will be answered there. That said, I'll throw out some quick responses that might give you a general idea of what you are looking at.

Lots of people go alone, camp in the 'open' areas and never join any particular group or they simply bond with those camped near them. Theme camps abound and many are looking for new members, look through the list of theme camps and contact the one(s) that interest you.

Young and female, well I am old an male so I cannot speak from personal experience but I would say that BRC is a very safe place. If someone bothers you say so, if you say so loud enough people will come to your aid.

Finding the place; if you can read a map you should have no problem. Coming in from Viet Nam you would probably land in San Fransico or Oakland. I would probably hop to Sacramento or Reno by plane and go from there. The bigger problem for you is transport. Renting a car in the US when you are under 25 is generally a problem, one solution is to check out the Black Rock Hostel, this wonderful man sets up rides for people from Reno/Sparks.

How it works; you can camp alone or with a theme camp, your choice. You do not stay in one place, you wander around. You have also missed one of the BIG points of Burning Man; you are not entertained, you ARE the entertainment. Participate, be weird, help out, sing, dance, wear strange clothes.

Nudity, do what you will no one will care -- look for a thread entitled Boobies.

Drinking; the legal drinking age in the US is 21. Burning Man is a gift economy, since no one is selling the stuff no one will ask your age. Now if you look about 12 there might be a problem.

One last thing; logistics, you MUST bring or arrange for your own shelter, food and water. This is not something where you just show up. Look for a section entitled 'Lists' or something of that sort. It will give you an idea of what you need to bring.

[Bob]

ie, it's an art festival held in a primitive camp site with toilets provided, buying a ticket is required, participation in art-type activities and/or theme camps is encouraged, but joining specific camps or groups isn't required.

[robbidobbs]

Firstly, would it be possible to go on my own....

would I be able to find it easily?

do you just join a camp and stay there for the time? Do they welcome you in and provide you with the entertainment?

Would I have to go naked to feel part of the whole thing?

I'm 18, will be 19 if I went next year.. are they stict on drinking laws?

1) Yes, I went alone in 99, 2000, 2003, and I'm female.
2) Yes, check the BM website for driving directions.
3) You can ask to join an existing camp once there, or make arrangements ahead of time to join one. They are not there to entertain YOU, you are there to entertain EVERYONE.
4) No, nakedness is an option. Wear what makes you happy.
5) Nobody is "carding" if that's what you're asking. However, the official word is that BM abides by the laws of the State of Nevada and the US Govn't. The rest is up to you.

Read the Survival Guide.

[_tears_]

I went my first year when i was 16. I did have a "guardian" but in all honesty i was out on my own a lot and i was VERY safe. I have yet to have something happen to me. There is a strong since of community and friendship out there.

[missmann]

one solution is to check out the Black Rock Hostel, this wonderful man sets up rides for people from Reno/Sparks.

Here's the link:

http://www.trinamedina.com/hostel

[Release Me]

Or rather...http://www.blackrockburnerhostel.com/

[Release Me]

Or rather...http://www.blackrockburnerhostel.com/

[hageymon]

Hey, Charity and Aaron, nice plugs. Charity, meet Aaron, one of my former high-school students. Bright lad, future millionaire. Aaron, meet Charity, a Hottie (and great cook) you'll find here, with hundreds more...

[Release Me]

Wow, a hottie and a great cook? They still make those?

[missmann]

well, its hot in the kitchen...