Name: Owl (off-playa Holger)

Age: 40

Where do you call home? Berlin, Germany, Old Europe

Burn before? '08 with Green Tortoise (but next-most visited camp was PP)

Why Burning Man?
Read 2006 about Burning Man, was instantly addicted, but without hope to get there from Germany. Summer 2007 my family and I decided to ignore buying houses or something else and instead to start fulfilling some of our dreams. One of mine was a roundtrip through California (since 10 years) in 2008 with my wife, my little daughter and my older son. It's hit me like a flash that I found an ideal combination to get to Burning Man after the family tour. That was a great trip and we also met very nice friends.

But then came Burning Man, and I call it the most intensive week since a long time. First I thought it's about adventure, but in fact it's all about community. Being part of a community and being accepted as a part of a community. Acting as a part of a community and giving to others in the community. In combination with the landscape, the art and other unusual situations its been as addictive as I supposed... :-) And I've the feeling the my change just has started. There is a lot more freedom, peace and contact in me which I've yet to discover.

My life:
I'm working as a software developer. Lived all my live in the middle of western Berlin. Developed some strange hobbies like throwing paper air planes, doing meditations, playing improv theater. Did some video art projects some years ago.

Burning Man Advice?
It's your choice to stay the same person or to change while at Burning Man. I stayed much more myself as I hoped for. But change will come some day.

Being naked requires a lot of sunscreen and work. Use a bike with a good suspension system. Use vinegar often (got fucking playa feet). Use some shade (a tarp) above your tent (or wake up sweating after 3 hours sleep). Do photos of yourself. Artery tours have to be booked in advance. Take a lot of water with you while walking on the playa. A quarter of a gallon might not be enough for a long walk (buy a camelback or similar).

Contact: playaowl (at) gmx.de

Hugs
Owl