I am afraid that my writing skills, or lack there of, won't be able to convey the amazing time that we had at Burning Man last week, but try to follow along any way.

Burning Man was like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my entire life… and I hope to go back year after year! I don’t even know where to begin… but that was one insane road trip.

I first heard about Burning Man a few years ago and I saif to myself "No thanks - a bunch of hippies smoking payote in the hot desert doesn't sound like fun at all". But the more I heard about it, it certainly sounded interesting, but it still didn’t exactly sound like “my scene”. In fact, once I told people that know me that I was going this year… they were like, “really?”. I figured if nothing else, I'd be able to get some cool photos to crazy people and happenings.

This year’s adventure all started when my friend Keats brought it up, and mentioned that a lot of her neighbors go every year. In fact, most of the people in her entire neighborhood go, and she wanted to check it out, but was a little scared to go alone. I told her I’d love to go “one of these days” and then we just decided to go for it once we found out Marisa was up for the adventure too.

So, we rented an RV, loaded it up with groceries and wet wipes, and then drove up last Sunday night, and arrive Monday afternoon. We only were there for a couple of days, and I feel we only saw about 10% of what was up there, but my overall impression that is just a big party in the middle of the desert similar to Mardi Gras, but even more crazy. The people watching was insane. Better than Hollywood, Manhattan and Vegas combined. I didn't actually participate in too many activities, and I was going just to check it out this time. I took some photos, but not as many as I had originally planned. I did get into the chill out, deconstruction mode towards the end. I was without my cell phone for 4 days and only had a few minutes of internet access per day which was kinda making me crazy... I didn't really how dependent I am on being connected. In fact, the had place in the village that held wedding ceremonies where anyone could marry anyone or ANYTHING. I briefly considered marrying my iPhone, but then chickened out due to my fear of commitment (since I am sure I'll upgrade to the new model as soon as it becomes available).

Anywho, I was also amazed at how everyone was so friendly and community oriented. It's weird to have strangers be so nice and outgoing. It was also to see so many people that weren't so self involved or judgemental and free to express themselves however they saw fit.

The other thing about the "community" was how environmentally resposible it was. All the participants were expected to pack all of their trash out and "leave no trace". I swear I didn't see a single cigarette butt on the ground nor another piece of trash.

It was not at all what I expected. I am glad I went and can't wait to go back. Here are a few images:


There were over 20,000 bikes in Black Rock City and this was a cool sculture near the center camp. I actually bought a bike so I'd be able to get around the playa a lot easier and I am glad I did (even though it was a cheap Walmart bike with a hard seat and my butt still hurts).

This guy was play some cool tunes and then sharing some wose words of wisdom:

Remember folks... you gotta stretch every morning!

They had this temple out in the middle of the playa, where people we encourage to write down their secrets and/or confessions, their hopes and desires, or whatever they wanted to get off of their chests, and then they burned it on the last night (we weren't there for that).

The village at sunset:

Marisa and [ b ]. Marisa was in charge of preparing and cooking all of the meals. She did an awesome job except for the burnt quesadilla at 2am one day.

Kickin' it with Keats. I was so proud of Keats. She only curled her hair twice while we were there. I was a little worried about her roughing it, but she managed quite well.

Self portrait while spinning around:

We also shot some video, which I'll go through once I get back from Greece and I'll also be posting a gallery on my personal site in the near future.

All in all, we had a great time and I am looking forward to going back next year. I am going to be getting a lot more of my friends to go along too!