and I made all my plans as if that was was how it had to be. In the meantime I found eplaya, started participating let me repeat: PARTICIPATING instead of my usual "lurk and learn" thing and, made friends. Well worth it. Best of both worlds.
This year I'm camping with that same theme camp (still in Hushville) 
Glad it worked for you!Milayna wrote:...I signed up to camp in ... a village, because it seemed like at least being in a neighborhood type of setting would make it easier to meet people. I was right!! ...
I am going to keep track of this, Cliff.... especially since I know grape drank may be involved <3jcliff wrote:Don't be worried about going solo....alot of us started that way. I went solo my first year and didn't know anyone who had ever been. I went as part of a village my first year and I'm really grateful that I did. I think being a part of established camp helps to grease the wheels on making connections.
Something that helped me out in my first year was going to scheduled events that I read about in the what when where guide that they give you at the Greeter's Station. I went to a lock-picking class, made a sock monkey, a trophey that I gifted to someone. I went to a camp that had you make a pizza for yourself and then one to gift to a random person (AWESOME!) I went to a yoga class, which I had never done (and haven't since.) I went on a scavenger hunt/art tour which was great fun. White-trash breakfast was a morning activity that took me out with a group of folks for a whole day of bar crawling. It's been a couple years since I've gone to any activities, but making this list has inspired me to get out there again this year. It's a great way to meet new people.
Hmm...mmm....consider yourself recruited. I think we would have many takers within our ranks.9ah wrote:I am going to keep track of this, Cliff.... especially since I know grape drank may be involved <3jcliff wrote:Don't be worried about going solo....alot of us started that way. I went solo my first year and didn't know anyone who had ever been. I went as part of a village my first year and I'm really grateful that I did. I think being a part of established camp helps to grease the wheels on making connections.
Something that helped me out in my first year was going to scheduled events that I read about in the what when where guide that they give you at the Greeter's Station. I went to a lock-picking class, made a sock monkey, a trophey that I gifted to someone. I went to a camp that had you make a pizza for yourself and then one to gift to a random person (AWESOME!) I went to a yoga class, which I had never done (and haven't since.) I went on a scavenger hunt/art tour which was great fun. White-trash breakfast was a morning activity that took me out with a group of folks for a whole day of bar crawling. It's been a couple years since I've gone to any activities, but making this list has inspired me to get out there again this year. It's a great way to meet new people.
I disagree with this statement, it took a lot of heavy persuading to bring me to burningman. People have been telling me I belong there since the mid 90's. My first year was 04 and now I'm there most years. My thought was always why pay money to go to a hippie drug festival in the dessert and have your couch be limited to five miles per hour. when I'm camping for free in a nearby dessert and can run the couch at 96 mph! After I had been there once I realized there was a lot more then just a big party. I know of other who have had the same misconceptions, so it helps to explain it in a way that makes sence to the person you are trying to convince.Savannah wrote:
Note: Anyone you really have to persuade is likely to have a $&%# time out there. (Mind you, some friends only need to hear what you're doing to leap at the chance.)
). I'm rather surprised, but my friends are simply not into it. I'm hoping to join a village, but am also considering the walk-in area. Any feedback on the pros and cons of walk-in camping vs village would be welcome. Cath, you may want to start a thread specific to walk-in vs village camping or revive one that you find apropos...Cath wrote:I will most likely also be going alone this year (it will also my first Burn
Kat- I was wondering where you camped when you were there solo on your first year?
Walk-in Camping is a bit physically removed from the action. It's good for people who like their own counsel. You should be handy with rebar and a hammer. You won't be totally alone, but the camping is not very dense out there.Cath wrote:I will most likely also be going alone this year (it will also my first Burn
Kat- I was wondering where you camped when you were there solo on your first year?
I think volunteering is also a potentially very rewarding way to get the opportunity to meet people and also a nice way to give back to the community too- give compliments left and right, it puts me in a social mood. just make sure they are sincere.
- Hey, awesome hat.
- Love those boots
- cool outfit
- etc. of course assuming you do like their hat, boots, outfit
say it like you mean it, because you do.
If you're confidence is improving and shyness going away, try giving high fives, or hugs. Personally I'd *love* a hug from you! Could also try gifting something that you brought/made. Saying "Hello" to the person walking/standing next to you, or good morning to your neighbors are also good ways to combat shyness. If someone doesn't seem to receive your compliment/hug/gift - don't take it personally - they may not be ready for it, are having a bad day. who knows. As long as you're being sincere and genuine - that's all you can do.
For those who are looking for ways to get over shyness back in the default world. check out Toastmasters and/or an Improv class in your city. Lots of fun, and great and shedding shyness. There may even be an improv class or two on playa
! I'm going to a regional event next week, "Burningman for Beginners" in PDX. No doubt, I will come away with still more ideas 
