If you will be sharing a ride, please meet the folks you'll be riding with at a local coffee shop, make sure you feel comfortable traveling a long distance with them, and establish the ground rules. If you are coming via bus, plane or train, try to connect up with a ride from your destination before you get there. If you are planning on hitchhiking, please travel with a buddy, only bum rides during the day and if you get a bad feeling from a ride, PLEASE don't take it. There will always be another one.
*Always* say no to requests for search, no matter what they tell you. It is not illegal for cops to lie to you, and they often will do so to get your consent to search. "You might as well give us permission, because if you do not, we will go get a warrant and you will be here for hours." This is a bluff. Don't fall for it. Their time is much more valuable than yours. Click here to educate yourself.
If they insist on searching over your objections, don't prevent them physically in anyway - but continue to repeat "I do not consent." Ask for names and badge numbers, write down time, place, and what happened in detail. Every little thing matters in a court of law, even the things that don't mean much to you or me. If you can, take pictures, videos, and/or tape recordings.
Also, if they ask you if you have contraband, and tell you that if you have just a little bit and give it to them that they will not search you, tell them no. Never, never, never incriminate yourself. That means don't consent to anything, don't give them anything but your license, registration, and proof of insurance, don't admit to anything.
When approaching the Gathering site, remember that you're coming as friends in somebody else's back yard. Treat the local folks with the courtesy, respect and concern that they deserve as members of the Family of Humankind. Be Loving and Kind. Don't be rude, steal, trash the town, disturb the Peace, or try to "shock" people. Be mindful of others' sensitivities. Remember the original Golden Rule when dealing with BOTH Babylon AND Rainbow: Treat Others the Way you want to be treated!
Please, make your journey a safe one. Don't be under the influence while driving.
Let's all get home safely.
Karin, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I had been wanting to go to a gathering since I first heard about them in the 1980s, but was never able to. I finally made it to my first gathering last summer at the Montana gathering. My family and I followed your blog all of last spring and summer leading up to the gathering. All of the information you posted was so helpful. I hoped I would get a chance to meet you and tell you "thank you" for your blog, but we had to leave after three days because my son got very sick. Even though our stay was short, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I met so many beautiful people who were so full of love and kindness.
ReplyDeleteI did meet someone at the information tent who I thought was you. When I asked her if she was Karin who had the blog, she said she was the other Karen, but that she knew you.
I'm planning to attend the gathering this year again and can't wait to see my Rainbow family. I keep checking your blog to see if a location has been selected. I am always saddened when I read about some of the negative experiences some people have had at the gatherings. Thankfully, I experienced nothing but peace and light and love.
Hello Karin, you have shared a very nice tips. Everyone must know these before going out for any social gathering or formal business meeting. Thanks a lot for sharing. Your article may save somebody's day.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Arnold Brame