Off to the burn again!!!

[Andrew]

I'm just under 4 hours away from embarking on my second trip to the Burning Man festival in Nevada. It's a little bit of everything: survival, art, party, camping, spiritual - some guys even set up a platform for floor hockey last year. For the curious, here are a couple of good articles. The main BM site is also a great resource. Whatever you hear or read about it, however, your expectations are guaranteed to be greatly surpassed. It's just that cool.

I'll be back in 10 or so days: weary, dusty, and all geared up for pre-season.


www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/g/a/2002/09/04/notes090402.DTL

www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/09/02/MN37254.DTL

[Andrew]

I've been back for about 10 days now, and am finally adjusting to the normal world. It's really a hard experience to put into words. Prior to my first trip I'd heard much about Burning Man, and seen many pictures - none of which could adequatly prepare me for the event. When mentioning Burning Man, to people who haven't been, I get a variety of responses: "Isn't that like some hippy orgy rave or something?"; "I heard it's some crazy peyote trip in the desert"; "isn't that where people walk around naked for a week?". My answer is that if you're looking for those things, you'll probably find them, as Burning Man is what you make of it - but ultimately you have to go to find out.

On a basic level, it's a camping trip in the desert. This year I camped with 30 people (most of which were from Victoria). Much of my enjoyment, over the eight days, was bonding with this group: many of whom I barely knew. It was comforting to know that there'd always be someone hanging out at the camp if I needed respite from the sensory overload encompassing the festival. It's no ordinary camping trip, however, as the daytime heat, nightime cold, and persistent dust storms are harsh constants. Adding to that is that everyone must supply their own food, water, and shelter for the duration of the festival - as there is nothing for sale, and no in/out privileges.

Those who are up for such conditions are rewarded, as I honestly believe that anyone would find something to their liking. The 30,000 residents of "Black Rock City" put an amazing amount of effort into sharing with one another. While anti-consumerism is a prevalent theme of the event, everyone is eager to contribute in some way. There was a camp of fishermen, from California, that drove in a truck containing 3,000 lbs of fresh Tuna, on ice. For the duration of the week they prepared and served the fish in every way imaginable. While they were readily accepting booze, or any other donations, they had no expectation of anything in return of their generosity. Tuna camp epitomises the spirit of Burning Man: 30000 people there to express themselves, and share in whatever way they're most comfortable: food, art, music, massage, teaching, meditation, spirituality. I could go on for hours describing the amazing contributions of Burning Man's participants, but I won't. If you're curious, just go. All the stories in the world won't accurately portray the festival - and my stories will prepare you for a completely different experience than what you'll encounter.

My contribution to Burning Man was music. I brought my guitar, and played songs for people. As I'd walk down the city streets I'd be invited into camps to play them a song - or I'd wander into random camps and play for them. I was always welcomed, and offered drinks, or other gifts, as I met interesting new people. Other than that, I slept as little as I could, and saw, and experienced as much as I could. I drank, danced, spun fire staff, rode on art cars, relaxed, and did whatever else struck me as interesting at the time.

When I spoke of re-adjusting to normal life, it's also hard to describe. The feeling of community and respect at Burning Man is difficult to leave behind. That's not to say that there aren't great people back home, or that such ideals would last if Burning Man were a city year round. It was just a shock, however, as every bathroom I used, on the way home was more foul than any porta potty I saw all week at the burn. The 24 hour trip home was a difficult journey: trying to stay alert while driving through the night after such a physically and mentally exhausting experience. Upon finally hitting th I5, after a night of driving we stopped for breakfast, still 10+ hours from home. I had to restrain myself from bursting into tears as I sat in a diner, far from home, covered in dust, thinking of the strange summer camp I'd left behind, and the 21 year old woman who died in a tragic accident (the first death in the festival's history). For all of the wonderful sights and people, Burning Man is definitely a draining experience. Coming home and returning to work is tough, but it's well worth the trip. I've had two great years, at the Nevada festival, and will surely return - as for next year, I'm not quite sure.