Between the Covers – Burning Man!

By Torch

You will find yourself saying things like: “So I was Dancing with this jelly fish when…” or “Dang my forehead twinkle light went out! Good thing I brought my light-saber!” “Which way to the human carcass wash?”  or “Porn and eggs, Right On!”

Burning Man is the ultimate hardcore party in the United States. The reason it is hardcore is that you live in an environment of dry hot desert, dust storms, cold nights, and endless fun and adventure. Burning the likeness of a man in effigy became the culmination of a weeklong event that was capped for the first time in 2011 at 50,000 people. That makes one huge party in the Nevada desert. Black Rock City, the name of the site of Burning Man, grows from dust to the third largest city in the state of Nevada. When it is done, not a trace is left behind, not a feather or fluff, just footprints.

It is the gathering beyond description. If you think you know what it is all about but haven’t gone then you are mistaken. Burners, the term of pride and endearment used to describe the folks who go to Burning Man, will tell you that the experience is different for everyone. Is it about Art? Yes. Is it about Music? Yes. Is it about sex, or drugs or crazy costumes? It could be; it can be about whatever you make it. After the first few hours you won’t even notice that half the people are butt naked.

The first time you go you are considered a virgin. Once you’ve gone, you will consider Burning Man your home and the live outside Burning Man becomes known as the default world.  The rest of the year you will plan and dream and save your money and vacation time just to go back.

One woman said, “If my husband wants to dress up like a cheerleader and walk around the desert for a week doing nothing but drinking vodka and eating Pop Tarts, then good for him!”

“Burning Man renewed my faith in humanity, the creativity, the love, the open arms that will hug your dusty, stinky self and let you know how wonderful you are.” (Rocket)

“I am your basic computer geek in this world but at Burning Man, I am a Thunderdome God!” (Ferret)

A first time 2011 burner named Krash described it as “A world underwater where there were all these little pods of different universes where people had their own way of dressing and their own languages and all were getting along harmoniously and you could move in and out of each other’s universe.”

“It may be the only place one earth where you can get into a bicycle accident with someone and come out of it with a hug.” (Luna Quack)

Most burners will tell you if you’re really curious then you just have to go. If you’re not curious then don’t.  If you’re psyched to try it then hit the to main website www.burningman.com and you can find information for first time burners that will help you prepare.  There is a large local Burning Man community, who throw parties, make art, and tend to live a bit off the map. You can hook up with them and dip your toes in the pool of avant-garde fun.

Warning: The dust doesn’t come off, and the experience will change your life.

Category: The Post