glamourmash

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

AND I'M OFF TO BURNING MAN

Some of you might be shocked and surprised that I am a "burner," meaning I go to Burning Man. In fact, I'm leaving for Burning Man TODAY for an entire week! (Don't worry, I have awesome posts scheduled the entire time I'm gone!)

This year marks the third year that I will be attending the burn and my boyfriend's 10th year and we could NOT be more excited. If you don't know what Burning Man is, PLEASE do yourself a favor and Google or YouTube it. Better yet, watch THIS AMAZING VIDEO or THIS VIDEO. My gorgeous sister makes an appearance at 2:07 in the second video.


Burning Man is basically a big party in the middle of a river basin in the middle of the Nevada desert. 50,000 amazing souls show up to participate, share and interact with one another. Burning Man is meant as a place where you can go and experience things that you could never experience in the real world. 

Some amazing parts of the experience include:

Dress
Everyone dresses in completely insane outfits. There is so much creativity out there, I am always amazed at the effort that goes into the dress. Last year, I made a Barbarella type faux fur two piece for my friends and I. This year, I'm going with the Clockwork Orange look and I'm making an Alice in Wonderland Fur Chesire Cat outfit too :)

Art
People spend months of their time and thousands of dollars creating art that is put on display throughout the playa. Watch the video. You will see what I mean.


Activities
The possibilities are endless. There's way too many things to pack into just one week! Last year, someone constructed a huge roller rink with a DJ that played a string of disco music. Can you imagine, a roller rink in the middle of the desert. Skates were available to borrow for a jaunt around the rink. My best friend and I attempted skating around the rink and could barely stay up straight we were laughing so hard. Huge waterslides are set up. Trampolines are everywhere. I could go on and on... it's incredible.

Artcars
This is one of my favorite parts of the burn. Artcars! Artcars are basically normal cars that have been completely transformed into a moving dance party or amazing piece of art. Anyone is welcome to jump on any artcar and drive around. You just flag one down, they will slow enough for you to hop in... there is usually a DJ on the car and a space where people can dance and hang out and enjoy the view. This is my friend, Maggie, cracking up at the hot pink bunny art car.




Gifting
BM is devoted to the act of gift giving. Walking from party to party, complete stragers will gift you with drinks and food, jewelry and art. Our theme camp has a midnight bacon bar, where we fry up and pass out 100+ pounds of bacon. It is a hit and the smell is heavenly. Last year, our camp of 30 people was invited to enjoy a sit down 7 course gourmet dinner at one of our neighbor camps. You will not believe the generosity you will experience and in turn, give back to those around you.

Outside World
There is no interaction with the outside world. Cell phones don't work so it is easy to get lost in the experience. There is no currency at Burning Man. Only a place where you can buy ice, which is essential for the desert.

Truth be told, the elements are tough. You don't shower, you sleep in a tent, nasty alkaline dust storms that are as far as the eye can see can hit at a moment's notice, and temperatures hit nearly 100 during the day and can drop to 30 degrees at night. Port-a-potties are your best friend and worst enemy and you have to be entirely self sufficient. You bring all of your own food and water and you have to leave the desert exactly as you found it. By the end of the week, I look like a zombie covered in dust due from dust storm like this beauty below.


My parents are still shocked that my sister and I go. This is a picture of Clint and I watching the sun rise on our last day of the burn. I was covered in dust and dirt from a fresh dirt storm... so utterly exhausted and almost ready to cry from lack of sleep and constant dance parties. But, I swear, there's happiness behind those tears!



Though the experience is trying at times, I wouldn't miss it for the world. I am continually amazed by the friends I make and the happiness I experience each year. If you have a chance to go in your lifetime, GO! It is LIFE-CHANGING! If you do decide to go, I have a camp with your name on it :) 

Well, I guess that's it. Radio silence for a week! Thank gawd for automatic posting! hah!

Have any of you ever experienced Burning Man or have a friend that has gone? I would LOVE to hear about it! 

6 comments:

  1. I was always so curious about what Burning Man was actually like! You have me super interested in it now! Can't wait to see your pictures from this years trips. Your outfits sound incredible!

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  2. My Aunt left today too for Enfuego-Man, at least that's what I like to call it LOL. Have a great time!

    This post is amazing because i have been trying to figure out what this whole event is about and now i totally understand...thank you!


    xoxo
    Megs
    megsbakescakes.blogspot.com

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  3. Wow that's awesome... I've heard a lot about it!! Can't wait to see the videos!
    ~Pau
    www.lilbitsofchic.com

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  4. Erhmagerd! I am soooooo jealous of you! Burning Man is definitely on my list of things to do and experience, have an amazing time and please take lots of pics and share em with us!!!

    Have a lovely day!
    SDMxx
    www.daringcoco.com

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  5. Have a great time...sounds like a blast! Can't wait to see the pictures.
    xo, Londa
    www.designroundup.blogspot.com

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  6. Oh wow, have a wonderful time! I've wanted to do this for years now... Hopefully one day me and the bf will make it over. Can't wait to read about your trip!

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