Jim and I made it home in one piece from Central America. I only left little chunks of myself in half the bug population. Terrifying!

Coming back to CouchSurfing BaseCamp has been an interesting adjustment. We were only traveling for 6 weeks, but that’s long enough to forget how chaotic life can be around here. Living with 30 roommates is busy enough, but then when you throw in their friends and the unexpected guest it can often double the population here.

The best part about coming back to BaseCamp is our new kitchen manager, Shirley. She is an incredible cook and has run many restaurants in her life. My only fear is that I am going to blow up like a balloon. Last night we had BBQ pork ribs, baked beans, homemade potato salad and coleslaw. Shirley makes almost everything from scratch and it all tastes amazing. I guess I’ll actually have to start working out now.

Which brings me to some not so pleasant news that I came home to. One of my roommates took my bicycle while I was gone and didn’t lock it properly and it was stolen. I am super bummed because biking is a great way to get around our neighborhood and city. The bicycle was a gift that one of my friends gave me right when I moved to the bay area. It was a vintage Raleigh road bike that was in need of repair so I have been taking it to a bicycle coop called the Bike Kitchen where I have been working on it. When I first got it, it wasn’t even rideable, but I have put many hours into it to be able to use it.

Events like this are the most frustrating aspect of living in a communal environment. In this case my roommate thought it was a communal bike when she took it, but there have been many times when people will borrow my things without asking and return them in worse condition. Jim and I are part of a small minority who have cars in the city and when we all ride somewhere together I can’t remember the last time one of our roommates offered us gas money. I hate feeling bitter and jaded about things like this, but I am tired of being taken advantage of by people.

Luckily I don’t have time to dwell on some of the downers because I will be going to Burning Man in a couple days! Jim left yesterday to go help set up our camp, American Steal, and took all of my things with him. I am done packing and have nothing left to do to prepare and feel great! Well, actually, I need to clean my apartment because it looks like a faux fur monster was massacred. We have been crafting up to the last second to make things like fur cuffs, boot covers and the like.

This is my first year at Burning Man and I am not sure what to expect. I have been going to many of Burner city events like decompression and Pink Mammoth fundraisers throughout the year, but I’m sure the real thing is totally different.

This year the theme is Evolution which is interesting because for the first time ever, there will be a cell tower out there. There is a camp specifically designated to helping Burners install an iPhone app that allows them to see a map of the playa, all the camps, and all the different events that are happening. Since I have never been, I’m not sure how this will affect the whole vibe of the playa. In the past it has been a lot about community isolation, random experiences and down right survival. Will being able to use cell phones change the whole dynamic?

I’ll make sure to post lots of pictures when I get back!