Oh my goodness, I still can’t believe that I went to Burning Man AND actually loved it! I was lucky enough to have a friend this year procure a ticket for me and talk me into going. I had about a thousand reasons in my head why I shouldn’t go and wouldn’t like it, but fortunately decided to risk it. I was rewarded with meeting and spending time with some of the most amazing, kind, creative, hard-working people.
These were my campmates, the Emerge-N-See IV In-Tents Care Unit. We took care of the lost, dehydrated, dusty, and under-partied individuals that wandered by our camp. I acted mainly as the barmacist, mainly because I can’t act.
We even delivered a little beer baby.
When I got there and started setting up my tent, four other people rushed in to help me set it up and hammer in rebar in about two minutes. Then I was gifted socks, costumes, and a bike to borrow for the week.
The first day I sort of roamed/rode around in amazement at everything around me. I can’t imagine the effort people put into setting up these intricate camps and works of art in the desert. It felt like a beautiful carnival on steroids, but never once felt over-crowded with people. Sometimes I couldn’t walk 30 seconds to the bathroom without someone insisting I stop for a drink or snack. People were playing antique pianos, spinning fire, serving free drinks, smiling at strangers, hugging, cooking mass meals, conversing intensely, volunteering, teaching classes, dancing on art cars, exploring the playa, and generally having an amazing time. I spent most of my time with some lovely friends from my camp, and also enjoyed photo field-trips on my own.
The dust hit pretty hard for a few days, and then we had a cold front later in the week. Everyone keeps saying it was some of the craziest weather they’d experienced there but it was pretty much what I had prepared myself for.
This gem saved my life. Someone had arranged to bring a bike for me to use but it didn’t quite fit, this one was perfect for the week!
One of my favorite art cars, so funny.
The lights and stars made for a long-exposure photoshoot pretty much every night.
Morning bacon!
Cold Spaghettios out of the back of a Uhaul never tasted so good.
Caught in a white-out.
The Temple.
At the Burning of the Man : )
The Temple burn.
Inside my tent <3
I could probably keep posting more photos (I will on Facebook) but I think I’ll stop here for now. It was such a wonderfully fun experience and I’m so glad I went. I definitely want to go back again next year. I’m trying to convince my family to join. I wish Martin could have been there but he’s in Iceland for work (I get to visit soon!). My only regret is that I didn’t see more of the amazingness that is around every corner at Burning Man. I’m lucky to have been present <3