Black Rock City 2012

Welcome home. Again. This was my second year at Burning Man and I couldn’t have been more excited to return to Black Rock City. Making the journey all the way to northern Nevada is no easy feat, but for many people, they spend all year planning and daydreaming about this one week. “But the tickets are so expensive… and it’s only for admission…” Yes, this is true, but once you pass through the gates, you get this overwhelming feeling of belonging that you cannot shake. Imagine arriving into a foreign city where you are greeted by smiling, welcoming faces from people who are just as thrilled to be alive as you are. Oh and they want to hear your story, feed you, or give you a ride around on their awesome motorized swing. Well, that’s Burning Man.

This year many “Birgins”, Burning Man’s virgin goers, got the chance to experience this place including a number of close friends. My advice to them and to anyone planning to come next year is to go out of your way to be patient, helpful and kind even when some situations will infringe upon your comfort zones. So what if the shirt-cocker wants to give you a hug and you weren’t planning on getting that close. Go ahead, your limits will be pushed whether you want or not. The key here is respect and honesty to keep a level playing field. This is your burn, but it is also everyone else’s. Keep that in mind when you make personal decisions, since you’re often in a group of friends that will pull in many different directions, or want to partake in a variety of events and do it all on their own time frame.  If you are willing to adapt and make some concessions, you’ll find that even the low points of this week will quickly be on the up and up.

Low points you ask? Why yes, not all of Burning Man is glorious. There’s the infamous dust. Which seeps into everything. Right now it’s all over my car, which didn’t even make the journey. Also, you’re likely to become sleep deprived, dehydrated and moody—probably caused from the former. My first year I heard “You can’t see everything”, and once you’re on playa time you get it. You’re here, no more worries, simply enjoy your time, leave the stress for the default world and make the most of your week.

Many thanks to all the wonderful people who put so much hard work and love into this temporary city. See you next year! 

Tucson's Hidden Foods

Tucson's Hidden Foods

The charm of Tucson comes from its individuality. If one wanted to visit cookie cutter, all they’d need to do is drive an hour and forty-five minutes north to the land of the apartment complex. Tucsonan's favorite spots say a lot about them. They’re often a little off the beaten path, may not have the freshest coat of paint and that’s what people love about them. As for food places, you’ll find that the best spots are stashed just out of sight.
La Cocina - The serving sizes may not justify the meal price, but the food is still quality and the energy of live music on their outdoor stage is perfect. Especially when that summer nighttime breeze hits you. 

Where can I find it? Just a short stumble to Court Avenue downtown and you’ll find the sign. (Don’t get fooled by El Charro’s line, it’s just another block south) Open everyday with a late night grill.  

Zemam’s Ethiopian - What’s not to love? B.Y.O.B. and you pay a small corking fee and you’re guaranteed to leave full and happy. You tend to feel as though you’re in their living room as the service staff is friendly but quiet. 

Where can I find it? Right on the side of the road on Broadway. You’ve driven by it a thousand times. Closed on Monday.

Cafe a la C’Art - Tucked downtown adjacent from the Tucson Museum of Art is this small gem. The patio is big enough to accommodate those who come during the crowds since inside holds only a few sets of tables and chairs. I recommend dessert. But then again, I always recommend dessert.  
Where can I find it? Downtown, find Washington Street and you’ll get to their parking lot. It’s not straightforward, but you can always park at the Museum of Art and ask around. Open except for dinner on Sunday.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Cafe Poca Cosa, Sushi Garden and No Anchovies, and usually my suggestions for visitors include these. But in this case, the effort you take to hunt down these obscure spots rewards you with the chance to really meet Tucson. These places exist to give a little more character to the city I’ve grown to love.