My coworker Chuck was also going, so the two of us got ready after work on Friday and headed out to get dinner and drinks in Jeongja (where we would be picked up) at The Harp (an Irish bar) before the bus would be picking us up. It just so happened that it was Independence Day that day, so The Harp had beer pong set up and we played a few close games.
We all gathered in Jeongja at 11pm well stocked with Soju and tonic for the ride down to Cheongpo Island. To date, that was the most fun a bus ride has ever been. No one stayed in their seats, everyone was standing, mingling, playing games, sharing drinks, just overall really a great atmosphere. A funny moment from the ride down was that we had to make an emergency bathroom break on the side of the highway. There was some bushes along the side but after being terrified by the spiders everywhere, this led to a line of girls squatting along the side of the highway. Definitely an odd sight for anyone driving past.
Martin, Naomi, Mel and I
We arrived on the island between 2-3am. Emmalee had arrived earlier so we connected and she brought us to the spot where she had put up her tent. After everything was set up, we went down to the beach where there was a DJ playing and people dancing around a bonfire. We stayed awake all night long and watched the sunrise. It was really cool because Emmalee and I ran into Blessing, whom we met at last year's burn, so it was cool to reconnect.
Tent City (taken in the morning by Scott or Tina?)
Tatiana, myself, Mel and Maynah
Hula hooping while giving Scott a high five
I did finally take a nap around 9am and spent the rest of the day checking out the different camps set up. Two of my favourite ones were the Relaxation Tent and Rooted Camp. At the relaxation tent you could get face paint done, your tarot cards read or just simply sleep and relax on the masses of pillows and blankets they had. I took a nap here later in the day as well. Rooted Camp put on a series of Yoga Classes throughout the weekend but did something special at their camp as well. They had everyone write their motto or what you want to leave behind in the world on scratch paper (black paper, and you write on it with a stick that scratches away the black to leave a mutli-coloured backdrop) which they would then create a book later on with. After doing this, they took your picture with a polaroid camera and you attached your picture to the fabric tree they created. There was also a Bucaneers camp that did scavenger hunts, a camp that cooked bacon for everyone all weekend, another camp that was spaced themed that put mini trampolines into the ground.
Mel and I napping in the relaxation tent
Rooted Camp!
Emmalee and I doing the scavenger hunt and we can't find the token
Found the token!
I didn't eat much during the day but by the time "dinner" rolled around, I was craving the ramen I brought and did not want anything else. But there was one problem, I had no way to make hot water. But Tatiana and Maynah had asked a guy earlier to help them out with opening bottles and they figured he could boil water for me. So we found him and he was kind enough to do it! We sat down with him as he boiled the water and later were joined by two of his friends. So many incredible stories, him and his friend have been all over and have experienced the coolest things. That is one thing that I love about Korea Burn, the truly incredible people that you meet. He even made us coffee which tasted like the best thing in the world in that moment. So wherever you are - Thank you Eli!
By the time evening came, I realized how burnt I had got despite it being cloudy all day long. (I know, I know, you can still get burnt.) So I was on a desperate hunt for pants in order to be covered up for the rest of the day and for Sunday. Of everyone I knew, the only person who had pants was Greg. I literally went up to him, he was wearing pants, asked if I could have his pants and he got up changed and handed them over due to my need. Could you be kinder? Honestly, he was a lifesaver - thank you Greg!! Had I not had those pants I would have gotten burnt even worse - and it was already worse than I thought. (Fast forward to Monday and Tuesday when my whole face became swollen due to my burns.)
That night they had an incredible fire show and burned the Burning Man - incredible.
I loved this year's Korea Burn. I cannot say which year was better because both were different and both were great. This year's overall vibe - in my opinion - was focussed more on relaxation, whereas I found last year there was a lot more to do and experience. Like I said, both years were different but equally awesome. I am so glad to have been able to go, share the experience with new friends and share the experience with Emmalee again at our second Korea Burn together!
Other highlights:
Our second Korea Burn together!
Got to hang out with Glenn (pictured) and Luke again who we met at last year's burn
Another cool camp, you were supposed to write something you wanted to let go of on wooden pieces and put them up in the installation.
Awesome performers who made life size puppets that they later walked around in
<3
