What did they say...

[greenthumb85]

When I tell people, most of the time they want to know all about it! I think I have unknowingly gotten a lot of new people interested just by talking about my experiences! My parents didn't know what to think when I went my first year, they are very conservative people, but their neighbors son had been going for 4 or 5 years, so that eased their concerns... Then they watched some of the live feeds on the BM web sight and when I got home, they asked if they could come next year! But I doubt they ever will... And I don't really know if I would want to run into them when I am naked anyways!

I can understand not telling some employers, but I guess it just depends on where you work. A lot of people know nothing about the event, they just think it's nothing but naked hippies and druggies running around the desert like a bunch of crazy people, so I am happy to let them know that that is only a part of the event... ok, maybe half of the event, but still, there is a lot more to it then drugs sex and public nudity! I choose what to tell who, some people I just tell about the art or the free bars, others I just try to explain the gift economy and the way the city operates, and then some people I have no problem telling that I am going to eat a fist full of mushrooms and run around the desert in my birthday suit!

It just depends on who you are talking to, but I see no problem telling my family

[Raven9940]

The first friend I told made a face and said "I can't picture you dirty or not showering for a week."

[FaeTora]

I told my older sister today and she was luke warm about it. I told her what my belief of what BM was and why I wanted to go. I also asked that she let me send her the videos and pictures that were shown to me that helped me to understand what it was. And even that I would be taking someone home and the significance of the Temple and burning the effigy. I then explained that some people see it as a party in the desert but thats not why I was going. It'd be a little pointless to just go for that when I live in a large city with more than enough places each night to get and do anything you want.

She was very silent and then said she hadn't heard of it before and that she was happy I was letting him go but that we'd talk more about it later (she was driving to an appointment when I called and this conversation came up).

I know it was a little outthere for her in some aspects. Of the three of us girls, I'm the talkative one but I never really do anything that anyone might classify as crazy or outrageous. I tend to lead a simple life and I like it simple for the most part. I also think that because I couldn't immediately show her any pictures and what-have-you's, that it makes BM harder to fully explain. On top of that, I think she's a little scared for me too to be honest. It's just us girls left as far as our immediate family in concerned. I think it might be easier once I'm back and she can tell I'm ok or at least have more time to talk to her and show her the beauty of BRC.

Wish me luck!

[TobeWilde]

...my ex said, "What? That big camping thing on the edge of nothing? Sure thing - I'll keep the kids. You go and enjoy. You...sure... you... want to DO that???"

My friends said, "Aw man, I am so fn jealous! I want to go too! Take me!" C'mon I said. No takers yet.

My kids pored over the pics, posts and playa and said (ages 23, 16 and 14), "When can I go???" (actually the 16 yr old rolled her eyes and said 'ewwwww' under her breath, but she is more like me than she realizes - odds are she'll be the first out of the gate when it is her time to fly.)

I told my employer I needed to take my vacation that week with no explanation. He's a "good ole boy from the South"..."god fearin'" etc. He would undoubtedly believe I would come into contact with "no good" (his most common comment about anything he knows nothing about...which is ALOT).

I'm thinking I'll get a few comments about my tan when I return, sans tan lines

[swampdog]

FaeTora - congrats on telling big sis. As far as physical safety it's about as safe a group of 50,000 people as you could find to camp with. Caveats apply - don't be stupid (like get out of control on drink or drugs), control what you drink (there are real cases of people's drinks getting dosed, although I suspect it's not a very big number), and be prepared for the harsh conditions. In the very rare chance that things do get dicey with someone it's pretty likely you'll have plenty of people in shouting distance who would willingly come to your defense.

[bm_cricket]

My mother always calls if Flaming Man. She seems convinced it's actually Big Gay Alls Big Gay Theme Park.

It's become something of a running joke with my college department...

But generally people just shake their heads, laugh, and let me do what I want to.

[FaeTora]

I think it will be fairly safe. My older and younger sis and I are the end of our immediate family (we don't have any parents anymore) so she gets a little nerous even when I flew up to see her the first time. She's just a nervous person.

Flaming Man... ooh Pride theme... hehehe

[gyre]

"You're going again?"


"But you've already been there."

[gyre]

I told my employer I needed to take my vacation that week with no explanation. He's a "good ole boy from the South"..."god fearin'" etc. He would undoubtedly believe I would come into contact with "no good" (his most common comment about anything he knows nothing about...which is ALOT).

I'm thinking I'll get a few comments about my tan when I return, sans tan lines

If it comes up, tell him about the drive-by shooting gallery and Big Fire.

And he might appreciate the temple.

[shroom]

I have told some people, the ones I think will understand what Burning man is. I've have gotten reactions of 'cool', 'I'm so jealous', 'you're going to have a heat stroke in the desert' and 'oh, the naked hippie thing'.

I haven't told my mom yet, I'll tell her right before I go. Even though I'm in my 30's, she will not understand and tell me not to go every time I see her.

This will be my first burn and I'm excited. My 13 year old wants to go and I plan on bringing her next year.

[theCryptofishist]

Okay, here's big giant buzzkill again.

You didn't talk to your sister while she was driving, I hope.

[Fire_Moose]

i fucking HATE when people cell and drive. I can usually pick them out on the freeway too. steer clear of those assmunches