Hello and Welcome... What's your name? Tell me about You...

[Savannah]

You can call me Misha. I am 27 years old and have been wanting to go to BM for 10 years. The first year I decided to go, I imagined my future self going in 2011. (11 being a number which seems to follow me around) This year I had a Europe trip planned, which was cancelled and I already had the time booked off. A couple of my friends were already planning to go, I got my ticket a few days before they sold out. Phfeeew!

4 Vrigin Burners - Equal degrees of awesome. Coming from Toronto, Ontario.

We will be at 8:30 and Birthday.. Near the Chooch. We are calling our little fam "ColorSutra"

Here is why:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Colorsutra

Body paint will happen. Alot.

Also, we've got 2 photographers here, who are always down for gorilla photo shoots.. :p

Come play with us!!

(eeeeeeeee -Super excited! My dreams are full of dust.. )

See you soon xo

Hi Misha! Welcome to the board. Here's some great advice about border crossings from Melodiousdirge, who sums it up well:

As said above, don't screw around. Don't say you're going to burning man unless you're directly asked. Wear clean clothes, take your sunglasses/hat off, Have all your ID and be prepared to answer the questions they ask you. Try to pack your car in such a way that it can all be pulled out and put back in relatively easily (Read: Suitcases and bins, don't just throw all your shit in a heap). Expect to have them ask you to pull over while they thoroughly yard all your crap out and look through it. This doesn't usually happen, but if you're prepared for it, it will be less of an irritation.

Oh and needless to say, don't try to bring any substances with you - American border patrol does not take such things lightly and you could wind up with a serious legal hassle for something as minor as a roach in your ashtray.

[alkalinenerd]

Hello all,
I feel like a doof for not starting here first, but here I am. My name is Joshua, 28 years old and this will be my 5th year. I live on my family's ranch in the mountains of Paicines, California where we grow hay, livestock (sorry vegans) and harvest our own eggs, herbs and some vegetables. My favorite things are cooking, magic tricks, hockey and Burning Man. I'm such a mess when it comes to planning and packing for anything, i'm lucky I got absorbed into a good camp a few years back and my unofficial Olympia Washington Fandango brothers got my back. Living in the hills and working in a kitchen makes me rather introverted for 51 weeks a year, then I show up to BRC and try to interact with everyone I can. Last year I bartended while the man and temple burned, it was so amazing meeting random people and hearing their stories.. and slowly breaking out of my shell. Hope to see you all on the playa and if i'm sober enough I might even perform some magic for you.

[lada]

My name is Lada.I am a Russian Jewish artsit living in Toronto, Canada . I would like to come to Burning man but I have no ticket. My web site is http//:www.sorridente.org
I would like to come to Burning man because I hear that there are many unusual artists there, because I would love to see the desert and because I hear that people come there with the spirit of sharing and being very friendly.
I also have a few very complicated projects which are very difficcult to do because they will not generate money. Namely, I would like to organize fshion show where models will be women who have been denied their femininity.They will rage from homeless girls to battered wifes to super intellectual professional career women who can not allow themselves to be females.
Usually fashion is associated with overly sexy dresses, but I believe that a costume can be modest and beautiful at the same time, giving pleasure to people (see example on my web site of a homeless girl with mental issues posing in my dresses: http://www.sorridente.org/LEA.html.)
Myself, I make clothing from recycled materials.I usually collect old things which other people don't want , cut it up and then something very nice comes of it. I can not sell it because it takes a lot of time to do each garnment, so the prices would have to be outrageous, so I just wear it myself. But I would love to teach others, especially disoccupied people to do it-there is no cost involved and it is peaceful, relaxing, makes one happy to look good.But for the time being I have no space, no right connections, and no job mysleff!!!So I hope to meet someone at the Burning Man who would help me organise this event.

Thanks for your time, and I hope to see you there!

[theCryptofishist]

Lada
Your art project, as described, doesn't sound like it will fit in Black Rock City (how homeless women would get tickets, usw, is not an easily answered question.) And, well, the women of BRC tend to be as feminine as they choose to be. Which doesn't mean that you wouldn't find a way to do something interesting, once you'd been there. Try for next year, and don't bring art your first time out. Logistics are something else in the desert.

[sarahbird23]

Greetings! My name is Sarah Bird! I'm so grateful the stars have finally aligned so that I may attend my 1st Burning Man! This has been on my "life list" half my life, but being a teacher, I couldn't miss the 1st week of school to attend BM. This year I'm a nanny, and got the time off. Hooray!! I know this experience will be life-changing for me, and I can hardly wait!

I've lived in San Francisco 3 years, after 6 years on the island of Kauai. I love working with young children, writing, and playing guitar. I'm a singer-songwriter. (I'm bringing an old "beater" guitar to the playa, perhaps I'll play a song for you (or with you)! : ) I also love camping, hiking, scuba diving, skydiving, surfing, biking, swimming, and traveling. I just got back from a trip to Croatia - what a gorgeous country it is, a chain of islands on the Adriatic Sea. Life has been good to me, and this year has been particularly ripe for new travel adventures. I have a feeling Burning Man may be the pinnacle of the entire year!

I wish you all a fantastic playa experience!

"Plunge boldly into the thick of life." -Goethe

[Leopardo]

Leopardo/Jared here,
first time burner with Flower Camp out at 10:00 and I. Would love to meet other folks from the Mass./New England to decompress with post playa : )
Excited for this one, it's been a long time coming...

[TygerCub]

Hello friends I haven't met yet! I'm a "40 Year Old Virgin"-Burner that can't wait to make it out to the playa next year. Since early this year when I first learned about the event, I've been fascinated by the art and openness of the group. Black Rock City is a long way from where I live on the east coast! The trip and planning is really rather daunting. I figure it will be a 3 week Journey there and back again. But hopefully like the hobbit that inspired me as a kid, I'll learn a bit about myself and find strength of character that I didn't know I possessed.

I look forward to meeting fellow spirits both online and in the desert.

[Kimicat]

Hello lovely people of the dust! )'(

Can you believe that it's almost that time of year again?

I look forward to my 3rd year on the playa - come say hello and stay for some live music and a drink at the Golden Cafe, part of the French Quarter Village (7:30 and A).

By the way, is anyone in the Bay Area looking for a ride to the playa and back? I can take 1 carpool buddy with me. Seeing as how http://rideshare.burningman.com/ is currently down, I thought I'd post the offer here as well.

See you on the playa!
Kimicat

[trilobyte]

Welcome to ePlaya everybody! Looking forward to seeing you out there, either this year or next.

lada, Crypto's got a point - your project sounds fascinating but would have quite a few logistical hurdles to overcome. While I wish you luck getting a ticket sorted out (over on the Tickets board, please), it sounds as if now might be the time to start your planning for next year's event. Regardless, take a few minutes to check out the different sections of the site, they hopefully will prove an invaluable resource in pulling everything together.

[princassnikki]

Hello!
My name is Nikki. This will be my first year on playa. I am with M*A*S*H* 4207th. I like beer, cookies, pie, cooking bacon, food, hula hoops, working at festivals, beer, fire, VISO, social interaction, nerds, The Doctor, books, shiny things, bright things, live things, dead things, edible things, and things with potential for being shiny, bright, pretty, useful, or edible.

[Savannah]

Hi Nikki! Sounds like you picked an excellent spot to camp. Welcome to the board.

[HarryK]

Evening all,

Thanks for the info guys, will definitely get on sorting out tickets. Peace an love everybody

Afternoon all,

My names Harry and I'm 25 and from UK. Caught whispers of this event from a friend of a friend and thought I'd check it out, defo want to come down for 2012!! Few questions though if anyone can help out, is it wise to come alone? I was planning on making it a solo mission and seeing how I got on. Secondly what exactly goes on music wise, is it a bit like a huge festival or is it more like a "if you wanna rock out and mash up feel free but there's enough to get on with if that's not your scene" kind of affair? And how long does the whole thing last? I'm already looking to book the time off work for 2012 and was wondering if it'd be worthwhile booking enough time off to check out Vegas aswell?

Cheers all and happy burnin for this year you lucky guys an girlies! I am sooooo jealous!

Hey Harry!

The Burn always ends on the American "Labor Day" holiday (beginning a week before, on 12:01am the previous Monday). So Burning Man 2012 will likely begin on Monday August 27th, & end Monday September 3rd. Double check that on the Burning Man website after this year's Burn, & for the love of God, buy your 2012 ticket as soon as you can. Ticket first! You can always sell it, quite obviously.

Going alone to the Burn can be fabulous--camping with others is optional if you can set up & solidly stake a tent & some shade by yourself. You'll have neighbors & friends anyway. However, you can meet other UK Burners by going to the main site, clicking on "Regionals" at the top, then on the map, & adding yourself to the mailing lists. It's very smart to meet other local burners, share stories & strategies, etc.

And there's PLENTY to do at Burning Man, it's not like an outdoor concert with one focus or one mainstage; it's a real city with lots to do. Astonishing art, little cafés, bars, dance/yoga classes, indescribable events, things to ride on, workshops, dance clubs, etc.

Make sure you read this, especially including the Survival Guide: http://www.burningman.com/first_timers/

[robthered]

Hey everyone, my name is Rob. I just got a job in Vegas and am driving out to Burning Man from Augusta, Ga to celebrate!!! I HAVE ROOM FOR 1-2 PEOPLE!!! Let me know if you need a ride. I can pickup along the way too....My departure time is flexible as well. But act quick, I want to fill up and plan my route.

[Savannah]

Hi Rob!

Post your offer on
http://rideshare.burningman.com

You could also join the Georgia email lists and see if anyone is suddenly caught without a ride.
http://regionals.burningman.com/us_ga_atl.html

Here's a very helpful thread about sharing an RV with strangers: Exp. RVers: Suggestions for House rules for renting an RV

http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?p=622764

Have a great Burn!

[thee monster winnie]

Hello, thee monster winnie aka Winnie here,
First burn although I have almost been three times, Yes actual tickets in hand.
I am in an R.V. that belongs to a camp and barring any politics will be around
4:00 and espanade. I'm a chef, bartender, writer that wants to change the world
through great television... imagine that. I used to want to be a psychologist until
I realised that most people fight really hard for their limitations. I come to burning
man with a desire to see how an instant city creates itself and how people behave...
and to have a lot of fun, lose myself and to burn away those parts that no longer serve
any purpose.
See ya on the playa
Winnie

[Shara Shay]

ciao...I am Shara Shay and a 2nd time burner
I AM anxiously counting down the days, hours, minutes, seconds, milliseconds, nanoseconds...I don't know what's after that !!!

[euthlogo]

Hey all!

My name is Euthymios Logothetis and I am a DJ/VJ and a student of Psychology, Marketing and Interdisciplinary Studies who is starting his burning man bound trajectory right now.

I have aspirations to create a theme camp, create artwork for the playa, DJ Sunrise on the Playa and touch people's souls.

This community seems like a great place to start learning about what the next years have in store for me. As of now I intend for my first burn to be 2012.


I look forward to making all of your acquaintance!

[Coda]

Greeting. We are Interstellar Transmissions from Austin, TX. This will be our first burning man trip as a band, but we look forward to sharing our gift with all our fellow burners! Check out the tunes and look for us on the playa!

FB- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Interstel ... 8091127385

Youtube-

-My name is Will, I play the keys for the band. This will be my first ever Burning Man experience. Im immensely excited to see this community and partake in the collective effort for chaos and Love! Find me and let me know what your think of my band and anything els! Im always looking to collaborate with other musicians. Holla!

FB- http://www.facebook.com/williamjerome

MUCH LOVE
See ya on the playa!

[Mschivous]

Hello I am Monique. I go by Mo. I am unable to go to Burning Man this year. I will next year no question.

I first heard about Burning man in 2007. I've always said one year I will go. Next year for sure. I am unable to go to school this year because the cost went up. I am starting to wonder if the degree is worth it. It is too short notice to go this year.

I have been working on gifts since 2008 and I can't wait to go home for the first time.

[Sham]

Hello I am Monique. I go by Mo. I am unable to go to Burning Man this year. I will next year no question.

I first heard about Burning man in 2007. I've always said one year I will go. Next year for sure. I am unable to go to school this year because the cost went up. I am starting to wonder if the degree is worth it. It is too short notice to go this year.

I have been working on gifts since 2008 and I can't wait to go home for the first time.

Before I welcome you, let me say in RED, that "The Degree IS Worth it"!

Yes, it might just be a little short notice for this year but you have plenty of time to start reading and getting ready for 2012. It will take all that time to get prepared and do it right. It will be a little quiet here, but stick around and join in when things pick back up.

See you in 2012.

[Mschivous]

Hello I am Monique. I go by Mo. I am unable to go to Burning Man this year. I will next year no question.

I first heard about Burning man in 2007. I've always said one year I will go. Next year for sure. I am unable to go to school this year because the cost went up. I am starting to wonder if the degree is worth it. It is too short notice to go this year.

I have been working on gifts since 2008 and I can't wait to go home for the first time.

Before I welcome you, let me say in RED, that "The Degree IS Worth it"!

Yes, it might just be a little short notice for this year but you have plenty of time to start reading and getting ready for 2012. It will take all that time to get prepared and do it right. It will be a little quiet here, but stick around and join in when things pick back up.

See you in 2012.

Thankyou. I also have a project in the works. I need as many of your old keys that you have. Just come by my camp and I will stick them right onto the installation. I have also been working on gifts since 2008 so I have those to gift out randomly. I truly can't wait until next year.

[antoine calvino]

Hi,
I am a french guy leaving Las Vegas on Monday to Burning Man in a car, coming back when it's finished. Looking to share in gas expenses (150 dollars to ride there and come back). Happy people and good music welcome
First time on eplay, I'm trying to post this message for half an hour.
I hope it will reach someone here !
Cheers
Antoine

[zebus0]

I'm Zebus, I got told about Burning Man by a friend, I haven't had the ability really to ever go because it is during the first week of school, but I'm graduating this May and I'm determined to go next year, even if I have to alone. Noobness. Engage.

[EastcoastEd]

Ok here we go, I've already been posting a few replies on some of the threads so I figured it was time to introduce myself. No better time to do this then when the event kicks off right?! (did we get the 6pm. opening or are we waiting for the 12am. opening??). My name is Ted Blackwell, live in St. Augustine FL. , and employed as a fireman in Jacksonville.

Known about BM for a couple of years, and have saturated myself here in the web sight for a few months now. would love to attend, but I have the same problems as so many others; kids, logistics, and distance (2749 miles one way), and the fact that this event isn't held during the summer months. I used to live in Durango CO. and fell in love with the spirit of the west and the attitude of the people; and the mix of mountians and the high desert. Been planning a road trip back out there so this may include BM/BRC as well.

I'm not an artist or a performer but would love to participate and share the gift of giving. The "leave no trace" concept is an amazing law to live by and should be enforced on a much larger scale throughout this country/world. My wife (Bonnie) and I camp quite often and have our "system" down, on top of the fact that here in FL. it's 98 degrees with 90% humidity ; desert camping shouldn't be too much of a stretch, except for creating shade and dealing with the wind/tarp issue. It's just a matter of getting there.

After the burn I plan on contacting some regional contacts to attend any such events here in the southeast. Hope to make some good contacts here, and learn and share great info. as well. Best of times to all.

[uropatwin]

Hello, I am Kelly a.k.a. uropatwin

A: I'm a Bay Area artist, semi-retired now residing in the south western desert.
I've been preparing to participate in the 2012 Burning Man Experience my whole life.
Being one of the many founding Bay area electronic musicians from as far back as the 70's i.e. (D.D. Downer & the Science Project, Nothing Sacred, Level 7, VOF, The Patty Duke Show, Faith Industry, KPCmusic Corp., & UROPATW!N.) I feel the overpower need to be apart of the 2012 experience!

Q: why?
Because of health issues I've been struggling the last ten years to just rise from my sickbed and create. For any artist, to stop creating is tantamount to one ceasing to breath life giving air. I feel that my life is coming full circle, and that circle begins and ends at the 2012 Burning Man Experience were I call out to all those whom I've collaborated with in the past years, to join me. That we may once again create together, as a group and as the individual. That this time be documented on film to be filed and pasted on to the generations. This, in it's self has been my motivation, to write new ambient landscapes in sound to be performed as UROPATW!N, to the reformation of Faith Industry's organic industrial dance. This to include the joining of past members and anyone wanting to participate? I call out to everyone and anyone wanting to perform/participate and help me to realize the reality! This includes "you" our past lighting techs, musicians/performers, video techs etc, etc...

For all the hype surrounding 2012 signaling the end of the world signposts, I like to look at it from the perspective of time as circular not linear. 2012 ushers in the age of rebirth, of reason. Possibly a mass awareness of love and understanding? and this is my soul inspiration in being apart of the 2012 Burning Man Experience.

The guidelines are quite extensive and I've yet to read through everything. I'm guessing that I can organize a camp or join an established theme camp? I would like to associate this performance art around a theme of Rebirth. If anyone has any ideas please contact me... I can only hope that I may be permitted to secure a place in the city of dreams in 2012?

Thank you for your welcome, and I look forward to conversing with you in the future!
Kelly P. Chambers
[email protected]

[gypsy68]

EastcoastEd & Uropatwin: Welcome.

[Brande Lee]

Hello, my name is Brande and I have been wanting to go to Burning Man for a while now. I just saw the ustream webcast just a min. ago and I made a decision. I am going to Burning Man next year as a 30th birthday present to myself! =) I LOVE to do aerial dance and it would be so cool to have and perform with an aerial arts camp. Anyone interested?? Or can I join one that has already prepared to group up? I know it's early in the game, but I want to be prepared! =) Thanks! I can't wait!

Brande

[johnnygreeneyes]

Hi
I live in Wales, part of the UK and have been fascinated on and off by the Burning Man for years. As I approach my 51st year and my two boys are growing up, I now want to experience Burning Man in the years to come but it is quite a daunting prospect from my safe secure life in wet Wales.I am a teacher and healer and have a strong love of nature and art and literature. I write and spend as much of my time as I can outdoors in the woods and on the beach, with my family and my dog. I love music and film - I love European cinema as well as Hollywood blockbusters and love MC Escher, Rene Magritte, Picasso and Dali, Marc Chagall and Tom Waits, Faithless,lots of female singers and also Miles Davis and John Coltrane. I love Charlie Mingus too.I collect tattoos and have a full sleeve of MC Escher's Liberation. I dont drink or smoke - years sober/clean and I am sugar intolerant.
I would love to experience Burning Man before I get too old to do it justice!

[chica63]

Hi! Im Kelly. I heard about Burning Man years ago from some friends in Colorado but never really looked too much into it. Too busy, too many blinders on.

2 1/2 years ago I was watching Current TV and their BM documentary on my sisters gigantic 52" TV. I was complete transfixed. Half way through the program I realized I was 'crying'. Not actively crying but at some point tears just started flowing out of my eyes. I felt like I had found something my soul had been looking for. Maybe that sounds corny.. maybe not.. but it is what it is.

Since that day I knew I had to make the trip to Burning Man. This year was suppose to be my year but plans, friends and money all kind of flaked out on me.. it's all good, things happen. But after watching the ustream for a second year Im more determined than ever to make it out to the Playa in 2012. I will be going. Im 1600 miles away, have no idea how I'll get there but Im sure that will all come together. Maybe I'll joing a theme camp, maybe I'll just pack up and go by myself. Who knows. lol

Hope to meet many of you on the playa! 2012 or bust!

[Milayna]

Kelly, I can very much relate to your experience. It's been 10 years (my senior year of high school!) since I first heard of Burning Man, and way back then I made it a personal life goal to attend the event at some point in my life. Well, my chance has finally presented itself. I just recently moved to Los Angeles from the east coast, and for the first time in my adult life I have a job with extreme flexibility. So, FINALLY, I will be heading to the playa in 2012. I plan on camping solo my first year because I want to make a solid attempt at radical self reliance, and also because I want the freedom to experience the burn in whatever way I feel at the time.

So hello to all, and I look forward to meeting you on the playa next year!