Going to Burning Man for me was a profound experience of personal growth and an introduction to a community of like minded individuals. I was more a consumer at the time (forgetting all my food the first year) and since then it's evolved. Becoming an experience which I help build and maintain the experience through volunteering, gifting, and emotional/physical support of other citizens.
I could share a plethora of stories from this year, but they wouldn't really hold the attention of the reader. The average story from Burning Man meanders without plot and excludes subtext which stuggles to bring the non-citizen any kind of understanding. Though I'd like to highlight a couple of them which I'll remember this year.
The "Trash Fence 1/2 Marathon" Hosted by SIZE DOESN'T MATTER Camp. Which was more like an 11-mile fun run around the trash fence. There couldn't have been more than 10 runners with 4 supporting bicyclists. It was the least competitive race I've ever been a part of. It was more of an exploration of the perimeter than anything else and it was awesome. The conversation was great and That is until 9 o'clock rolled around and the heat became a little too much for my pale complexion. I've always wanted to do the famous 50K run and had even signed up to complete it this year, but besides bragging rights and pride I don't really want to crush my body in the middle of the week. Ala this guy ->
Secondly was getting to share the experience with my childhood friend Brian. Who was one of our token "Virgins" this year at Camp Name Negotiable. He had his "Welcome to the Playa" moment not long after the event officially started Sunday afternoon. After we dropped by a Soda and Water bar on the east side of BRC we rode by a Burner who started to heckle Brian. I asked him to be kind because Brian was a Virgin. To which he replied "If he's a Virgin he'll need to spin the wheel!" pointing to a pin wheel title "Virgin Wheel of Destiny" covered with all sorts of playa related feats. "Picking up Moop", "Kissing a Stranger", "Getting Naked and Doing a Loop Around the Block". He then started right into an explanation of how the wheel had the best ball bearing on all the playa and how a guy like Brian could expect 17-18 revolutions at a minimum. Did I mention this guy was dressed in a one piece women's designer swimsuit a true master heckler in his element #realrecognizereal. Brian went on to give the wheel a spin, obviously less than what was expected which garnered more friendly banter. Finally landing on making a "playa angel". A "playa angel" for those who aren't in the know is the BRC equivalent to a snow angel where the participant lays on the ground arms and legs extended motioning all in harmony then standing up to reveal an "angel" in the dust. Brian looked for an area more devoid of dust towards the camp to which our director replied "No no no, you want the full experience!" gesturing to a spot out in the street with about 3 inches of playa on top of the hard pack. At this point, there was a small crowd gawking and enjoying at the event cheering our Virgin on. Brian moved to the spot and started gingerly swaying arms and feet back and forth to which he was critiqued mercilessly by our heckling guide. Finally getting up and receiving a round of applause by all in attendance. Sincere hugs and gifts were roundly exchanged between all who stopped to join in on the fun.
Another year, another rousing success. And so the countdown begins to 2018, only X days until the man burns!
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