hello, firsty here--- camp/ rideshare

zaxophraex · Post by **zaxophraex** » Wed May 04, 2011 11:56 am

Hey all- 23 "artist?", male, gay--------- Living in Portland OR

Looking for a rideshare/ camp joining opportunity to Burning Man this year, I'm a virgin as they say

, but I have extensive camping, carpentry and design experience.

I'm looking to stay the whole week and perhaps some time for set up before hand. I'm totes willing to help out on gas and other supplies, I've got some great stories to share, some rinky dinky tunes to play, and some picture drawing ability for rememberance and joyful gazing upon.

I'm also looking to volunteer or colab on some art or performance. I've got a bunch of kinetic sculptures im building and would love to add them to a greater piece or help build something together. Also I'm wanting to help with stage design/setup and camp design/setup if possible.

Last but not least - I'm a pretty darn good comfort food cooker- My enchiladas will give you warm fuzzies

thanks for reading my lifes story apparently,
please contact me here or my email---

[email protected]

Thanks
Eric

Post by **Savannah** » Wed May 04, 2011 12:54 pm

Hi zaxophraex!

* The rideshare.burningman.com link will be updated to 2011 soon. So watch that space.

* Make some regional contacts in Oregon, meet other Burners early and often. Once people know you and trust you and see you build, they more likely they are to ride with you, etc.

http://regionals.burningman.com/us_or.html

* Check the 2011 Theme Camps forum. Email specific camps your introduction, and why you're a good fit for them specifically. They don't usually comb the "Introduce Yourself" forum, so you'll want to go to them. You wont want to base your decision based on who's going early & who isn't, because if it's a bad fit you will not enjoy your experience. Theme camps require either work or dues and usually both, so make sure it's a concept you like.

* Early arrival passes are pretty limited. Most camps save them for experienced Burners, simply because they don't know how well any virgin is going to function out there physically or emotionally, and if they can only get (for example) 5 people in, they generally want it to be 5 experienced people. The fear: giving a pass to someone who seems great but disappears after arrival, never to lift a finger. (It's not unheard of.) You sound capable and handy, but there's nothing like knowing for sure. Getting involved on a pre-burn build in your area will help.

You probably know this, but a theme camp is not mandatory, and it's of greater importance to take care of yourself and be a good citizen your first time out. See the 10 Principles on the main site if you haven't.

Good luck!

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Thu May 05, 2011 10:02 am

Welcome zaxophraex!
You should be able find any and all the information you're looking for, and if you can't find it ask. But please try find the info first.

savannah wrote:it's of greater importance to take care of yourself and be a good citizen your first time out.

Take what Savannah said as gold! I'd recommend spending you first year enjoying your self and seeing what Playa is like.
I had a bad case of culture shock the first few days of my first year. Its so different than the default world. Don't over extend your self your first year!

Good luck! You're gonna love it!

zaxophraex · Post by **zaxophraex** » Thu May 05, 2011 10:11 am

thanks so much- i took your advice and looked into some regional events, found not only a great group to ride down wtih but also camp with that requires no dues or anything aside from some gas and supplies- water and such- im already feeling much more confident about the trip- been reading lots of material from burners and the association and the advice you posted is pretty much the top o' the barrell- and i think you are right on with the relaxed first year- i dont want to overextend myself and have a million obligations- the point for me at least is to be free to experience all the wonderful art and people...

thanks so much savannah and the other replies- exk

Post by **Savannah** » Thu May 05, 2011 10:16 am

You work fast, zaxo! Seriously, that's the fastest I've ever seen anyone find a camp and choose a path.

I'm relieved you're going to take it easy your first year. It'll still be a challenge, and if you get the urge to be extremely productive, your campmates or neighbors will appreciate your verve.

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Fri May 06, 2011 9:11 am

zaxophraex wrote: i dont want to overextend myself and have a million obligations- the point for me at least is to be free to experience all the wonderful art and people...

Hell yeah! You've got the right idea- and with that mind set should enjoy the hell out of it!

Post by **Elderberry** » Fri May 06, 2011 1:35 pm

Hey there, welcome to eplaya!