Burning Man 2009 - A First-Timer's Experience

Preparation and Survival in Black Rock City

Sep 14, 2009

For anyone heading to Burning Man for the first time, his or her head is likely filled with wild stories and images from friends, the media and even strangers

But once in the Nevada desert location—in the temporary metropolis of Black Rock City, with its attendant dust storms ("whiteouts"), heat, and dehydration—the first-time visitor might find the wild party aspects aren't always uppermost in mind. Sure, coming across a lesson in wielding a cat o' nine tails or an impromptu display of pole-dancing can be fun. However, they're soon forgotten when a dust storm hits or one's personal water supply runs dry.

Yet "Burners", as frequent visitors call themselves, have risen to the environment's challenge. Some people seem to relish taking on the desert with unlikely delicacies. For instance, a sushi chef flew in from Japan and, on his way to Burning Man, picked up fresh fish from San Francisco to make his rolls. Another camp offered Vietnamese iced coffee, while a crew of Montrealers sold poutine every night at midnight.

Of course, bringing one's own supplies is encouraged—power bars, for a quick protein fix, are recommended. But those who are in the right place at the right time (and it should be noted, one the $300 entry ticke is paid for, everything is free, part of the gifting culture of the playa) might come across anything from a crepe to pancakes to grilled cheese sandwiches.

What to wear? Well, mandatory survival gear focuses mainly on the head and feet. Goggles and some kind of face mask, even a bandana, are de rigueur to protect against the dust. It's best to wear good walking/hiking shoes; sandals are tempting, but exposing one's tender tootsies to the harsh alkaline of the desert results in dryness and cracking.

For the rest of a Burner's outfit, anything goes. Many Burners, both men and women, take the city's self-proclaimed agenda of "radical self-expression" to mean "wear as little as possible." But if the visitor to Black Rock forgets his or her tutu or furry gorilla vest at home, a new outfit is just around the corner—camps like Mutation Station offer a full change of outfit in exchange for parading the new togs on its runway.

At Burning Man, in fact, the overwhelming creativity of the outfits becomes overwhelming to the point where nothing is shocking by the fourth or fifth day, not even someone showing up in full Iron Man regalia.

People on the playa are giving. But no one wants to be that person who is always asking for the precious life-giving fluid. And we're not talking about cheap vodka. In fact cheap vodka is more plentiful than water.

Water is the most important survival tool, and all experienced Burners know to come with more than seems enough. The savvy Burner never leaves camp without a supply. They know that every time they leave their camp they are heading for an adventure, one that might not end for hours. Or days.

Each year, Burning Man takes on a different theme. In 2008 it was American Dream; this year, Evolution. Next year promises to be even more spectacular though because of its theme. What could be more apt, considering the nature of this temporary city, than the theme of Metropolis?

The copyright of the article Burning Man 2009 - A First-Timer's Experience in Nevada Travel is owned by Shawn Conner. Permission to republish Burning Man 2009 - A First-Timer's Experience in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.