12 reasons life in McMurdo reminds me of Burning Man:
- For the most part people come here, because they really want to come here. A lot of times the trip involves serious multi-year planning. But sometimes is sort of happens to people, they never planned it through, but the stars aligned, and here they are. In any case there is this weird sense of belonging in a place where people don’t really belong.
- "Leave no trace" is taken seriously. People do sort out their trash, pick up after themselves and each other and respect the environment they are in.
- At the same time (unfortunately) people burn fuel like crazy - a lot of extra lights/heat is out there to provide comfort beyond the reasonable minimum.
- It is really-really dry here. You have to apply lotion throughout the day. And hydrate! Everyone is carrying a water bottle everywhere you go.
- The sun will burn you out if you don't put enough sunblock on exposed skin. Sunglasses/goggles/special eyewear are a must.
- After a couple of minutes of walking around the “city” your shoes change color to the color of the dirt. They will stay that way for the rest of your time here, whether you try to fight it or not.
- Weather can change quickly and visibility can go from "all clear" to "barely can see my own hand" in no time. It is a good practice to leave your camp prepared, have extra clothes/goggles, carry water and food with you.
- People dragged structures through really long distances to make sure this place is cozy/homey/workable. When you stop and think how much effort it took, you're just amazed. Pool table and bowling alley? Seriously?
- You get to experience a lot of new things - something you don't usually even dream of, not to mention plan to experience.
- You never know what amazing talents/skills a person you meet will have. People open up in a totally different way here. A lot of times you don't know anything about a person in a “real” life, but you somehow manage to connect in a totally unconventional way.
- The concept of time is very different here. One of my greatest struggles was to accept that planning something is totally useless. Plans change all the time. Weather happens, delays happen. You just have to accept that it is beyond your control.
- There is a lot of soul searching happening in this place.
