Advanced Gifting: Adopt a BM Virgin (Or Be Adopted)!

[MyDearFriend]

Bwahahahahahaha dude if you find any burgins in Virginia no doubt they will sit in rapturous awe admiring your dusty Suburban and your stylish hand-woven sarongs... I get no respect.

[burn_da_mind]

Hi All,

My group consists of four virgin burners (3 guys and my girlfriend). We are located out in New England, but will be heading to BM from outside of San Francisco. I think we could mainly use email discussions regarding the elements, shelter, clothing, food and water preparation, not getting arrested, etc.

I'd like to think we're a group of very open-minded, entertaining, social, polite, and friendly individuals. Please PM or respond if anyone is interested in showing us the ropes!

We wouldn't need to camp with our illustrious adoptee (I read some of the horror stories on the comments section of the original article) and wouldn't want anyone to think we expect that. Let me know if anyone is interested!

See you guys at home.

[Dr Harry]

Don't quite understand if there is a matching system here, but any burgins may feel free to contact me for any reason (other than for tickets - can't help ya there).

4yr vet, I live in Park City, Utah, but have internet connection and a phone - I speak English, Spanish, French, and RedNeck. I'm doing earlyentrance/lateexit with GlitterCamp/CosmicRecess

Dr Harry (The Red Menace)
chezharry68@gmail.com

[Nanahuatl]

Im up for being adopted!

I'm a 21 australian male coming from the top of the world all the way down to you guys!

Im planning on flying into LA about two weeks or so beforehand, then bus my way to san fran, then to reno at which point I'll be preparing for the festival for a few days, then makeing my way to the playa.

PS, anyone want to sell me a somewhat functional bike from reno onwards?

[Savannah]

Reno Bike Project
http://www.renobikeproject.com
Reno Bike Project is your one stop shop for all your Playa Bicycle needs. We carry a large selection of bikes for the burn as well as lights, baskets, racks and more. Reno Bike Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Reno a better town for cyclist, so all your support goes right back into the community.
renobikeproject (at) gmail (dot) com

Source: http://www.burningman.com/preparation/r ... s2011.html

Reno has lots of bike resources, but that's one. It's good to reserve one in advance, if feasible.

Don't forget a spare bike tube (usually $3-4) if you have the chance. They are often forgotten, and quite cheap for how useful they are if yours pops. They also make a good gift.

[AntiM]

Ah the pop pop pop of neglected or over-inflated bike tires on Monday morning....

[isauro12]

Hello to all of you beautiful and enlightened people I come to you after hearing about this thread a few days ago in Burning Flipside (Texas Regional Burn). My cousin and I have 2 regional burns behind us and are Burning Man Virgins with tickets, we are flying from Mexico City, and as you guys can imagine it is very difficult to build + maintain a camp with what you can fit on a carry on suitcase (we fly on stand by so we can only take 1 bag each), we are stocking up on supplies, camping equipment and water once we fly into the US.

We will love to join any of you guys to help, hug, love, love love, and enjoy. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL THIS SUMMER ,,,,, soooooooo excited!

[Dr Harry]

Hi, isauro

I managed to lose your email - I'd love to help you however I can

[flair742]

Hello! I am a 22 year old San Diegan who would love to be adopted! I received a Low Income Ticket, but am faced with the task of planning and executing my first trip to Burning Man entirely on my own I would love for someone in the state of California or nearby areas to let me pick your brain, and tell me I can pull off Burning Man! I would also love advice on theme camps, I have heard they are a good way to get involved during the event?

One Love

Flair

[Savannah]

Hey Flair! Theme camps are totally optional, but yes, one way of being involved. Typically there is a fee and you work a little, in exchange they provide you with some infrastructure and immediate social ties. But if you can stake a tent and shade like a boss, a camp is not a must, 'cause you'll have neighbors no matter what you do, and people are pretty friendly on the playa.

Check out some theme camps here:
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewforum.php?f=283

When you find one whose ideas resonate with you, write them a good letter saying so and lead with your strong points.

You can also check out regional groups, though theme camps often have people from-all-over in them; it's not required to camp with a group you've met or that is based near you.

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

Don't forget to read the Survival Guide linked below. Survival is recommended. Welcome to the board.

[lalunastardust]

31 year old female from Jacksonville, FL is up for adoption. Free to a good, loving home <3

[MoBo]

I feel I should share my experience:

In 2010 I was unable to make it HOME. The weekend before the gates were to open I was on a flight from Amsterdam to SFO. I was surprised that there were at least a dozen people that I was able to easily identify on my flight that were surely bound for the playa. This got me thinking. As a burner from California who can drive to the playa I have it easy. I can bring a ton of stuff from home that I'll need to survive and participate in that thing in the desert, and then bring it all back to my default "home" to store it til next year.
What about those people coming from another Continent? Unless they have friends here they will need to buy nearly everything they'll need after arriving. Not much chance that a tent or bike or cooler will make it back home with them, what with the luggage restrictions on airlines these days.

So for 2011, I googled "euro burner" and found a board and mailing list (playadust) which catered to Europeans interested in Burning Man.

I posted the following message in April 2011:

We are a couple of California Burners. We would like to extend the following offer to a Euro first timer...

If you or someone you know is thinking about going to BRC for the first time and finding the logistics a little daunting, we hope the following may tip the scales in favor of going.

We will...
Pick you up from San Francisco Airport or Reno Airport
Drive you and your stuff to the Playa
Provide you with the following gear
Tent
Sleeping Bag(s)
Camping Chair(s)
One (Possibly two) crappy bicycle(s)
Camp Stove

Pretty much all the basics for a first Burn.
You would still need to purchase a ticket to the event, and make your way to Northern Cal. We have a large truck that seats 4 somewhat comfortably and we look on this as a gifting opportunity. We will stop off on the way so you can stock up on water, food and such.

We are still sorting out our details (It is possible we will get with a Theme Camp with a large community Generator, so you may have 110v AC as well). Currently it is our plan to leave Santa Clara, California on Sunday Morning and stay on-playa thru Monday.

If this sounds like it would work for you, or if you have any questions, please drop us a line.

-Mobo

Surprisingly we got several responses from veterans saying they thought the post was cool, but no responses for a few weeks (except from a very cool sounding couple form the UK who were returning burners - but we were specifically looking for a virgin(s) since they would be facing the chalanges of Playa for the first time).

Then all at once we got three virgin responders. I intended to go with the first qualified response rather than hold a popularity contest and so we went with the first one. We began to correspond and answer questions and firm up our plans. It was quite a thrill to pull up to the meeting spot in the bay area and finally be face to face with our new friend. The long drive was made shorter as we had so much to talk about.

I cannot overstate what a treat it was to watch the entire Silicon Village camp come together to welcome and totally befriend our adoptee. He is now a returning member of our small tribe. I have read the horror stories of Sparkle Ponies and LE magnets that were adopted by others and want to make it clear that it is possible to have a PERFECT adopt a virgin experience.

Were we a little nervous? Sure. But also excited. And in the end It was all worth it. I will probably repeat the whole thing in 2013. Maybe select a different Continent this time.

-MoBo

[Savannah]

Kickass first post. Welcome to the board.

[MoBo]

Thanks Savanah!

Sorry it took so long to post and I wish I had gotten that message in to the original http://blog.burningman.com/2012/03/part ... an-virgin/ posting.

[KrystalRose]

Hello All
My love and I are so excited to burn for the first time this year, and are so so grateful we were able to get tickets. We have no idea what to expect, but we are buzzing with tales of happy madness and blistering heat. We would love to be adopted! We currently live in North Hollywood, CA and we are both 21. I am a film student at cal arts, and I cannot wait to create beyond my imagination and capture the soul of burning man through gorgeous impromptu concepts. My husband is a musician and cannot wait to be inspired as well. We are a couple of a very happy 5 years and promise nothing but good vibes and eclectic energy.

We are more than happy to help erect or bring life to any of the dreams you have for this burn! We can't wait to dance through la playa with you all

All Our love and Gratitude,

Krystal Rose and Preston

[Gr8purple1]

Virgin burner here - 64 years young and ready to experience everything I can! I am signed up to be in Hushville and camping alone (well, so far in my camp - I know that I will not be alone with 60,000 fellow burners) - anyway - I could definitely use pointers - I have been avidly reading this blog and have so many things going on about what to bring, what to wear, how to camp, but really need advice with BEING at BM. I have questions that would make me blush if I were to ask them face to face, but would really like to know the answers to.

Someone who is comfortable with radical inclusion and radical self expression could probably give me more advice that I could probably want.

For example (not one of my blushing questions) I am an early riser normally. I know BM runs late into the night, but if I get up at 6 am and wander around and enjoy the activities at that time of the day - how do I sleep in the afternoon. Do I go crash in some camps shade structure (is that frowned upon) or retire to my ghastly hot tent, or sleep under a shade created at my camp outside? If I can't take the noise at night when I am trying to sleep (and ear plugs aren't helping), can I head out into the playa and sleep on the playa?

Is it too hippy to gift tie dye t-shirts?

I want to participate (and I know I'll be included - it is one of the 10 principles) but I have this trepidation that I'll be the one and only old fart that everyone points at and says, "Did you see that guy!" So I don't want to be thinking - I should do this - and then after a day or so figure out - hmmm shouldn't have been doing that.

Anyone get what I am saying? If so, I could use some help!

Thanks!

[Drawingablank]

Is it too hippy to gift tie dye t-shirts?

Lots of folks love tie dye.

I want to participate (and I know I'll be included - it is one of the 10 principles) but I have this trepidation that I'll be the one and only old fart that everyone points at and says, "Did you see that guy!" So I don't want to be thinking - I should do this - and then after a day or so figure out - hmmm shouldn't have been doing that.

Our first day I was sitting around our shade structure when a woman who appeared to be in her late 60's walked by in a housedress, carrying a handbag, and looking around like she was lost. I joked to my wife that she was looking for the casino. Turns out her and her husband were some of the coolest folks we met all week. There is no "right" way to burn or dress. Be yourself and everything will work out fine.

[Savannah]

Virgin burner here - 64 years young and ready to experience everything I can! I am signed up to be in Hushville and camping alone (well, so far in my camp - I know that I will not be alone with 60,000 fellow burners) - anyway - I could definitely use pointers - I have been avidly reading this blog and have so many things going on about what to bring, what to wear, how to camp, but really need advice with BEING at BM. I have questions that would make me blush if I were to ask them face to face, but would really like to know the answers to.

Someone who is comfortable with radical inclusion and radical self expression could probably give me more advice that I could probably want.

For example (not one of my blushing questions) I am an early riser normally. I know BM runs late into the night, but if I get up at 6 am and wander around and enjoy the activities at that time of the day - how do I sleep in the afternoon. Do I go crash in some camps shade structure (is that frowned upon) or retire to my ghastly hot tent, or sleep under a shade created at my camp outside? If I can't take the noise at night when I am trying to sleep (and ear plugs aren't helping), can I head out into the playa and sleep on the playa?

If your body wants you up at 6am, go to bed accordingly. Carry a timepiece to help you, if needed. It'll be cool enough to sleep in a tent by 6 or 7pm. (Sometimes I set an alarm clock, and take a "disco nap"). Sunrise is a few minutes after 6am. Technically, it's sometimes cool enough to sleep until almost 8:00am in a tent, but 7:15am is more average for me.

I do not shade my tent (the shade is small & I don't want to hog all the space under it with a tent just so I can buy an hour of sleep). Many folks have larger shades or different needs & DO shade their tents. (Instead, I keep my tent and shade very close, and escape into my shade in the mornings.) You'll have to determine what's best for you.

Bring a variety of ear plugs. Some folks like foam. I love silicone (I rip one in half to make two, my ears are small). Test them off-playa. I also like sleeping masks. Not too tight. Domed eyeshades exist, but I just get one with a semi-loose strap. Even a dark sock will work.

Note: You might find yourself cursing the booming techno, totally infuriated, and then falling into a deep, dense sleep and waking to what sounds like the exact same music . . . 9 hours later.

To get slightly less noise, pick a camping spot on the middle or outer streets and avoid setting up near massive camps with enormous speakers and stages. Talk to your neighbors before you set up. Find out if they have an unmuted generator they plan to run all night long. Avoid being super close to porta-potties if you sleep light; the doors slam all night. Looks like you're with Hushville, though? If you're registered there, that should help.

Do not sleep on the open playa, you'll get hit by a bike or an artcar, almost guaranteed.

You can try napping in the shade at Center Camp, which belongs to everyone. It's a bit noisy there, but there's shade. It's not really nap central. If you nap anywhere else, you'll want to ask first. The answer would totally vary. It's sort of like how in the real world if you nap in a large college library you probably won't get booted out, but if you try it in a restaurant, or without asking, on your neighbor's porch . . .

Is it too hippy to gift tie dye t-shirts?

No, but I prefer tank tops. And don't gift everyone, it's impossible. Gift because you feel moved to, or because you shared a nice moment.

I want to participate (and I know I'll be included - it is one of the 10 principles) but I have this trepidation that I'll be the one and only old fart that everyone points at and says, "Did you see that guy!" So I don't want to be thinking - I should do this - and then after a day or so figure out - hmmm shouldn't have been doing that.

Worry most about taking care of your physical needs, like being able to stake your tent and shade firmly with rebar, covering any mesh in your tent and zipping your tent tight when you leave, covering your rebar tops, and bringing comforts for yourself. The worst faux pas out there isn't being uncool or "old" (there's quite an age range out there) . . . the worst is being willfully unprepared and/or expecting others to take care of you. If you do your best and fail, people will almost certainly lend a hand, but if you bust your butt in the first place, it probably won't be an issue.

[spanglecat]

I'd love to be adopted!

I'm Charlie, 31, from London UK. I've been hoping to come to the burn for about 7/8 years now, and even got as far as buying tickets for last year's, but my then-partner inconsiderately (!) went and proposed so all our spare money went into the wedding instead

[MaeveZmobie]

Meowwww :3

Id like to be adopted. I live on the WV-VA BORDER but in WV

Adopt me and I shall fullfill all your desires (nothing pervert it was just a joke) please adopt me?


p.s i cant wait to give out Kandi and make tons of friends <3

[theCryptofishist]

p. s. You'll make friends even if you don't pass out anything!

[jerroc]

Kandi was so 90s... Think of a gift as something you share not give. Be creative.

I'm not sure if the "adoption" thing happed for 2012. I have not seen anyone post their experiences.

I am considering an advanced orphan camp for 2013. It's undecided still but you can check back later in 2013 for updates. There are other orphan camps to check out as well. It's kinda of an adoption option.

[CatProximity]

Man, I could totally handle being adopted this year. I'm pretty much ok on everything except for getting to the playa from the airport, and back to the airport from the Playa. Other than that my only real concerns are joining up with people for exploring and camaraderie.

[FIGJAM]

Follow someone till they feed you, then you are their's.

[theCryptofishist]

Follow someone till they feed you, then you they are their's. yours.

There, fixed it for you. WE are talking cats after all.

[FIGJAM]

I prance corrected.

[Savannah]

Man, I could totally handle being adopted this year. I'm pretty much ok on everything except for getting to the playa from the airport, and back to the airport from the Playa. Other than that my only real concerns are joining up with people for exploring and camaraderie.

There's a Sudden Camp forming as we speak in the 2013 Theme Camps forum right now. Hotel Rug Camp!
http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic. ... 23&t=65680

Other than their stubborn insistence on risking the use of EZ-Ups, they seem pretty cool.

[Lonesomebri]

Okay gang, I've adopted a virgin! I've adopted a young lady who was in the peace corp, so I'm hoping she will be tolerable of the primitive conditions that await her. She needed a ticket and ride and clue, I needed two willing hands belonging to someone ignant enough to be my lackey. She agreed to my conditions and became a part of Camp Threat. I'm thinking her playa name might be something like "innocent victim".

The new burner promises to bring plenty of stuffed dinosaurs...
When I asked her about eating restrictions she said none, she ate whole unprocessed foods...bananas...avocados...
Though she did say that she might end up eating a cup o soup during the week.

I may be taking one for the team here in this adoption.....

[theCryptofishist]

Hm. You can send her to that carrot/fruit stand thing in the French Quarter.


Where's the German Quarter? The Russian Quarter? The Empty Quarter? Why is it always the french, anyway?

[FIGJAM]

IV!!!