First Burn-L.A. Native

[beerock28]

Hi everyone!

I'll be attending my first burning man event this year. Kinda scared (haha). I've heard good things about the event and I'm interested to see for myself what's all the hoopla is about. I've met some Burners and I thought they were pretty cool. I hope I have a good time there amongst everyone. my question is were any of you burners scared or nervous your first time going there? Is that feeling even normal? I have a really close friend who's setting me up so that things will go smoothly for me going financially(I'm a starving student), and socially since I don't know what to expect.

[TT120]

Hello and welcome!

You'll probably survive just fine but you should read the survival guide here: http://survival.burningman.com/ a few times.
It's basically a week long camping trip in a harsh desert environment. But it can also be the best adventure you've ever had.

[Elderberry]

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!

[trilobyte]

Hello and welcome, and of course it's something a lot of people experience. All of us were new to the event at least once - it's a big trip in an extreme environment. But do the basic research (Survivor's Guide, First Timer's Guide, checking out the boards) and ask a few questions, and you'll most likely survive.

[Savannah]

Hi everyone!

I'll be attending my first burning man event this year. Kinda scared (haha). I've heard good things about the event and I'm interested to see for myself what's all the hoopla is about. I've met some Burners and I thought they were pretty cool. I hope I have a good time there amongst everyone. my question is were any of you burners scared or nervous your first time going there? Is that feeling even normal? I have a really close friend who's setting me up so that things will go smoothly for me going financially(I'm a starving student), and socially since I don't know what to expect.

Hell yes, it's normal to be nervous. I was really scared before my first Burn. I knew how to camp, had a good attitude, and didn't have ludicrously high standards of comfort (a tent is good enough for me) . . . but I was traveling with 18 strangers--and one acquaintance--from work. That was very stressful for me, and I was teary-eyed all the way to the drop-off point. I was more shy then. I've improved a bit.

I still get a BIT nervous before every Burn, 'cause anything can happen.

If you're shy, read this.

Tips for Shy People at Burning Man
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=45094

If it's other things you're worried about, check around a bit, and if you can't find it with google keyword + eplaya, ask.

[Ratty]

Hey, It's good to be alittle scared. I still get pangs of apprehension while I'm preparing and when I finally set out. That's kind of weird since it's the place I most want to be. I camp alone and am WAY over prepared.


Better than the act, better than the memory, 'The apprehension'. (The Simpsons)