It's 10am, Sunday June 14...Day 4 of Bonnaroo. I can say with full confidence, although I have enjoyed every moment of the nation's largest music festival (with attendance reaching 80-90,000 people!) I am totally ready to rejoin civilization.
We are tired, dirty and thoroughly exhausted. The internet here is too slow so I can't upload pics right now. The plan is to pack up and head back today so part of our 12-13 hour drive doesn't fall in the middle of the night. Here's a quick recap of what I've learned and who I saw while I was here:
Drew said it best on day one: When you're hungry - eat (even if it's a funnel cake...every...day....) when you're thirsty - drink and when you're tired - take a nap (even if it's under a tree in the middle of the festival grounds.)
Grab your fave swimsuit, comfy sun dress (or shorts and a T if you're a boy,) a sweet pair of shades, sunscreen and covered shoes, and you're pretty much set for the day. Or 3 straight days.
Yes, 90% of the people here are altering their state of mind. At least everyone is super nice and friendly!
Toilet paper is an absolute must. You need a roll at all times. The porta potties are a whole other experience in themselves. I'll spare you the details and just say...don't look in the hole!!!
Make friends with your neighbors from the get-go. When you're inches apart from thousands of people it's pretty hard to be anti-social.
Utilize "guest/VIP" perks as much as possible. I don't know how people handle the regular camping. It's literally miles of tents. Guest camping was right behind a stage, had it's own better-than-average porta potties (which are still pretty gross) and a shower (which is also pretty gross but I did surprise myself and take one shower.) There was also a food area where the lines were much shorter and the food was better quality, complete with air conditioning, hammocks, massages, and it's right next to the press conference tent.
Your only chance for sleep are ear plugs. That and being thoroughly exhausted from attending shows and standing in the sweltering heat and walking miles a day.
Your EZ-Up tent is your only sanctuary. Cherish it.
Bring lots of ice or you will be forced to walk "the walk of death" to buy ice. I thought I was going to die on that journey...
Love your alarm clock. It will wake you up before shows after one of your frequent naps. How else are you going to make it to Paul Oakenfold at 5 am (which we did) or MGMT at 2 am? (Both of which we did, glow sticks and all.)
The bands I saw (and will give more details on once we're back) was: Jimmy Buffet, Toubab Krewe, Booker T and the Drive-By-Truckers (plus we saw an acoustic set by the lead singer who's name escapes me right now...) TV on the Radio, Raphael Saadiq, I heard the Yeah Yeahs while I was sleeping under a tree, Ben Harper, Nine Inch Nails, The Mars Volta, The Decembrists, Of Montreal, Heartless Bastards, Beastie Boys, and we accidentally slept through The Boss (sorry, Bruce Springsteen.)
Well now it's back to packing. Overall I'd say this was awesome, I became one with music and nature and I would totally do it again. More tomorrow.
--posted by Emily Thousand
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