The most staggering revelation I had was that many of my preconceived judgments based on stereotypes were way wrong. We camped with people that I would not normally connect with in the default. Some of these people I think have the potential to be strong, lifelong friends
There’s more in common Than there is a difference.
People go on and on about Tech, Bros and sparkle ponies, but scenarios like this, allow those of us, with the best intentions to shine. I hope this year’s Takeaway is more about the strength of unity than anything else
were the kind and caring people more kind and more caring than the people in your community who spend their time and resources in bettering the community? did they shine and/or were their intentions better than volunteers in your community?
This is what it’s all about. Grew up in the festival scene, met my wife on the dancefloor, in daily contact with friends I’ve had for decades from those days.
Not everyone can travel to another country for ‘away from home’ experiences but they are vital to a growing mind.
Festivals like this one are an analogue for that. You meet people you wouldn’t necessarily meet and you rely on one another for safety, entertainment and connection.
Taking those lessons back to city life is natural and a part of why these events are important experiences for many people.
Just curious- did you check the weather report before you went into the desert and did you check it again when you arrived at your destination as is basic practice when going to any desert location?
Not original commenter, but, I was able to look at the Apple Weather forecast right before I napped at 2pm Friday. The forecast then pretty much said showers for a few hours that day, but definitely was nowhere close to the amount of rain that actually fell. The weather there can be unpredictable.
A crew of people is there for a whole month before the event starts, and it pretty much always rains at least once that month, and we read about them having to stop work, shelter, and avoid medical emergencies. This year, Tropical Storm Hilary passed through a week before the event start, and the community as a whole was keeping a keen eye on it.
You may have seen the word ‘playa’ in reference to the event grounds. In the general English context, ‘playa’ means ‘dry lake’. The entire event is literally held in a dry lake. If you want many square miles of ground that can sometimes be asphalt-like, you go to a dry lake. And for the land speed records, it also happens to be super flat. It’s the accumulated standing water that does that.
It’s widely known to most attendees how impassable Black Rock Desert is when it rains. My camp and all the camps around us had food and water for at least a few extra days, and we had more than adequate morale the entire weekend. This year, I personally brought at least 2 weeks worth of kilocalories, and packed 3 raincoats. I handed out 2 of the raincoats to campmates pronto.
If you look at the back of the event’s paper ticket, and then the official survival guide, for this year, and years prior, they mention rainstorms, and what to do in such a scenario.
What a wonderful experience.
I loved every minute of the week.
So many genuinely kind and caring people.
The most staggering revelation I had was that many of my preconceived judgments based on stereotypes were way wrong. We camped with people that I would not normally connect with in the default. Some of these people I think have the potential to be strong, lifelong friends
There’s more in common Than there is a difference.
People go on and on about Tech, Bros and sparkle ponies, but scenarios like this, allow those of us, with the best intentions to shine. I hope this year’s Takeaway is more about the strength of unity than anything else
Have you seen a real sparkle pony?
Tf is a sparkle pony
https://onthebeatingtravel.com/what-is-a-sparkle-pony-at-burning-man/
I believe it’s an influencer
Yes. There are many
were the kind and caring people more kind and more caring than the people in your community who spend their time and resources in bettering the community? did they shine and/or were their intentions better than volunteers in your community?
To me yes.
I believe environment opens people up in a way not found commonly outside of the event.
It’s also a selection bias situation. Those that go are more inclined to bring open maybe.
I grew as a person, made friends, and shared feelings with strangers openly.
10/10 experience.
This is what it’s all about. Grew up in the festival scene, met my wife on the dancefloor, in daily contact with friends I’ve had for decades from those days.
Not everyone can travel to another country for ‘away from home’ experiences but they are vital to a growing mind.
Festivals like this one are an analogue for that. You meet people you wouldn’t necessarily meet and you rely on one another for safety, entertainment and connection.
Taking those lessons back to city life is natural and a part of why these events are important experiences for many people.
So happy you had a 10/10.
One love.
Just curious- did you check the weather report before you went into the desert and did you check it again when you arrived at your destination as is basic practice when going to any desert location?
Not original commenter, but, I was able to look at the Apple Weather forecast right before I napped at 2pm Friday. The forecast then pretty much said showers for a few hours that day, but definitely was nowhere close to the amount of rain that actually fell. The weather there can be unpredictable.
I took a photo of the forecast on Thu to show campmates, this is what it looked like then: https://sincere-zenith-02b.notion.site/Forecast-Photo-88c591169ea74fd7961136a7f4409a63. Friday was the day with the heaviest rain.
A crew of people is there for a whole month before the event starts, and it pretty much always rains at least once that month, and we read about them having to stop work, shelter, and avoid medical emergencies. This year, Tropical Storm Hilary passed through a week before the event start, and the community as a whole was keeping a keen eye on it.
You may have seen the word ‘playa’ in reference to the event grounds. In the general English context, ‘playa’ means ‘dry lake’. The entire event is literally held in a dry lake. If you want many square miles of ground that can sometimes be asphalt-like, you go to a dry lake. And for the land speed records, it also happens to be super flat. It’s the accumulated standing water that does that.
It’s widely known to most attendees how impassable Black Rock Desert is when it rains. My camp and all the camps around us had food and water for at least a few extra days, and we had more than adequate morale the entire weekend. This year, I personally brought at least 2 weeks worth of kilocalories, and packed 3 raincoats. I handed out 2 of the raincoats to campmates pronto.
If you look at the back of the event’s paper ticket, and then the official survival guide, for this year, and years prior, they mention rainstorms, and what to do in such a scenario.