I’ve been going for 14 years, on and off lately, since 1997. I’d go every year if I could, but I have a kid now, and a job that costs me money if I take a vacation, and my base expenses are about $1000 for the week, outside of ticket price.
I go because I like to serve the community — I’m a volunteer — and because I continue to have interesting, thought-provoking, memorable experiences with people and situations and artworks and nature.
I’ve learned how to get through the dust storms, how to sleep for a week in a tent with music blaring on all sides, how to live without a shower for several days, how to poop in a porto, how much food to bring, what costumes I like, where I like to camp and who I like to camp with.
The event keeps changing, though more slowly than some people would have you believe. One of the favorite things I go for is sitting down next to a stranger and getting to know them, getting to understand what makes them tick. I’m not much for the nightlife — I usually work nights, or go to sleep early, though now and then I go for a nighttime wander and sometimes I even dance a little. I prefer the days and the evenings, riding my bike for a week, getting all my clothes filthy, forgetting about “the default world” for a little while, taking some interesting pictures.
I enjoy participating in creating an artwork, if I can. I enjoy the drive up, and the drive back (if I get enough sleep somewhere in there and the exit line isn’t too horrific). It’s a hell of a lot of experiences rolled into a week.
My basic day: I sleep in a canvas tent, well-covered with Aluminet or under a shade structure. I tend to sleep till 9 or 10. I throw together some breakfast, have a quick ride around to see what’s changed overnight, maybe take some photos. I volunteer afternoons, so I go in at half twelve and do that for six to eight hours — sometimes a double, till midnight. I listen to radios or walk the playa getting to know people.
In the evening I grab something to eat, then walk around till I get tired, then walk around some more, then dance, then sit and watch fire, then climb something, then walk some more, then lie on my back and listen to the music and stare up at the stars, wonder how I ended up at the trash fence, chat up some more strangers, find out I’ve ended up back at camp. Have another snack, loosen my boots, lie down just for a second — then repeat.
Every day is a new adventure.