General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIm going to BurningMan!
Thanks to Burning Wish, a charitable part of BMan, that provides the experience to cancer victims like me.
On Monday, I hadn't given it another thought, and now I am scrounging, packing, building, testing and prepping to spend 10 days in the desert.
Since Monday night, I've joined a camp, acquired a ride, met some campmates and immersed myself in BMan culture, and all things burn.
There's a lot to know. So much sensory over load. The art, which is going to be amazing, the camps, all themed and with a purpose to enhance everyone's trip, the rules (of which there are many) and everything else I can possibly cram into my brain.
15 most anticipated art projects for 2018
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-burning-man-artists-15-years-anticipated-artworks
This is a bucket list item for me. I've lost 5 friends this year that Ive had over 50 years. Im terminal. My ex-wife died as well as two other women I had a history with. And then there's Rebecca. My great friend who took her life a couple of months ago. I've posted here, but not in a while, about her and her story of abuse by her husband. I just couldn't help her.(she refused to leave him) My cancer situation didn't help with her problems either. I moved a long ways, so I didn't see her or interact as much as I wanted.
They say that the Temple helps get past that and I need to get past that. I've got a lot of guilt over that as well as a bit of survivors guilt over my friends. I wonder how come Im still around, and why. I look forward to the Temple burn most of all.
Varaddem
(432 posts)From a fellow wonder what Im still doing here. May you find peace! Of course you might be that bright light thats not willing to go out yet. Your trial may lead others to answers.
Solly Mack
(90,769 posts)But mostly - have the time of your life!
ghostsinthemachine
(3,569 posts)And BMan is a photogs paradise. The costumes, the art. The stark weather conditions, sunrise, sunsets, mutant vehicles all make for incredible subjects. There are a lot of, reasonable, rules for photogs of all kinds. Permissions to photo anyone, passes if you are going to publish etc.
I hope I don't offend...or kill my battery and cant charge it.
lunasun
(21,646 posts)Texasgal
(17,045 posts)I am turning 50 this year and my birthday wish is to attend Burning Man!
Have fun and post pics! I am so excited and happy for you!
ghostsinthemachine
(3,569 posts)So you dont have to cram before you go. I know you wont be there this year but be sure to click my links, watch the live stream, etc, so you are ready.
Its been a 'ot to process. A whole lot. I wish I had time like everyone else to prep. Mist start prepping for next year the second they start unloading from this year.
JoeOtterbein
(7,702 posts)there is a fire in the belly!
ghostsinthemachine
(3,569 posts)Sure that I can dance,
Just a Saint of Circumstance....
JoeOtterbein
(7,702 posts)have a chance,
at any kind of,
dear held stance
and play it as long as it lasts.
(aka: have tons of fun bro!)
ghostsinthemachine
(3,569 posts)GregGilman
(12 posts)Everyone should do Burning Man at least once. You'll love it. And yes, the Temple can be an amazing, healing place.
FYI: I'll be there too -- with the "Burning Band" at 6:45/Esplanade. Come say hi!
See you on the playa,
Greg
ghostsinthemachine
(3,569 posts)Kindergarten Camp. 6:30 and HAL.
Blecht
(3,803 posts)You're gonna hsve a great time!
BadGimp
(4,015 posts)NBachers
(17,119 posts)You will bring each of them with you.
Hekate
(90,714 posts)Stay hydrated, though! It really is in the desert.
DFW
(54,403 posts)A report from a first-timer will be especially interesting. I am hoping for a big, long, photo-filled post when you get back!
RiverStone
(7,228 posts)Former Burner - magical YES!!! and prepare for the elements. The playa can be very HOT and it's easy to dehydrate as it's easy to get distracted.
Have a great time!!!
spanone
(135,844 posts)ghostsinthemachine
(3,569 posts)Amazing, I cannot begin to say. I have so much set up now, mutant vehicle rides, a camp (they all fill up in January) that is making me feel as if Ive camped there forever. People reaching out offering this or that I may need. Really amazing, my heart is bursting with love right now.
ghostsinthemachine
(3,569 posts)https://journal.burningman.org/2018/07/black-rock-city/building-brc/temple-galaxia-is-headed-to-playa-one-triangle-at-a-time/
(I'm reminded of the Seinfeld episode where George buys art with Triangles).
Temple Galaxia is going to be incredible. I love sacred geometry.
The official website of Temple Galaxia https://templegalaxia.org/
The Burning Man Temple is one of the most significant places held annually at the Burning Man festival, a portal for healing, sharing emotional experiences, creating profound connections with ones own self and others and then watching it all burst into flames on the last day.
The temple is a special place, one for the community to pray, heal and release grief. It is a place for us to cry, together, over our losses, whether it is a loved one or your old self. The temple helps you reflect on these emotions and connects you to every one else in their sorrows and their hopes.
ghostsinthemachine
(3,569 posts)PSA: Sad to say, the increased police activity along the road to Burning Man this year is NOT a rumor. Its the worst Ive ever seen it, by far. Here's the latest:
Heads up, burners, the insane legal crackdown is being pushed from DC so not likely to stop anytime soon since its about politics and not the typical money grab for local law enforcement. Also it's expanded from Nixon/Fernley to include gate road, which currently has a speed limit of 10mph so keep it slow or get pulled over. Make sure your tags are current, everything visible is working, your bikes don't obscure your license plate, even heard of one guy getting pulled over for driving too close to one side of the road.The dogs are leading almost all stops so if they smell anything at all that's a search by cops who are currently being even more intense fascist puppets than usual, they are saying it's a substance crackdown so watch your ass. Also there's no indication that it will lessen during the event week. If you get a ticket from this be sure to let the BM org know, last time the feds went monkey shit like this the volunteer lawyers for the org took every ticket all the way to court and cost the feds a ridiculous amount of money in legal fees. That federal agency doesn't do this kind of intense punitive ticketing anymore on this scale but these are different feds so it will have to happen all over again. That alternative route through Cedarville that doesn't go through tribal land is a better route since the excuse is reducing drug traffic through tribal land. Also not all the cars are marked
And remember: despite cannabis now being legal in NV, it is still ILLEGAL on federal land. Which includes the Black Rock Desert (where Burning Man takes place) and tribal land
like the town of Nixon. It is also illegal to transport cannabis from CA into NV (or vice versa) even though it is legal in both states.
ghostsinthemachine
(3,569 posts)Any suggestions on stashing certain things?
https://www.rgj.com/story/life/arts/burning-man/2018/08/20/reno-burning-man-2018-traffic-stop-tribal-land/1042447002/
Im stage 4 cancer and no way can I go without my meds, and that includes cannabis.
ghostsinthemachine
(3,569 posts)To new arrivals today. Worst they've ever seen it they say. I loaded up most of my stuff today and am ready, dust or not. We leave Tuesday night and arrive Wed early AM.
Can you imagine the line of cars waiting to get in right now, all stymied by the weather?