"Welcome to Burning Man, where nature is seriously trying to kill you!"

How do you explain an experience that's beyond words? How do you explain to someone who has never been that there is a utopian nation, but one which requires the ultimate participation of all of its citizens?

It's a place called Black Rock City, and for fifty-one weeks a year, it exists only in most peoples' imaginations. For one week, though, it comes alive with a vigor and lust for life that can only be experienced first-hand.

That said, am I asking you to attend? No. I think the Burning Man comes to you either very young, or at a time in your life when you need him. I think forcing yourself on the Playa (and, conversely, the Playa on your self) is a grave emotional and physical mistake. You must be ready to receive the harsh reality of nature, people and self. You can't come here without being willing to know yourself explicitly.

It's not a big, drug-addled, fur-covered rave, like the media would have you believe. It's a series of random coincidences, fateful happenings, and destinies entwined. You'll meet people you'd swear you've known your whole life; you'll spend time with loved ones you get to know a little better. You'll spend a ridiculous amount of time facing your own demons. If you're strong enough, the Playa will give you the support to face those demons head on.

I'll keep writing, ad hoc, about the experience. But for the next few days, you'll have to enjoy some video footage I took, with some commentary. I hope you'll find some of it a third as fasinating as I do.

Bisous,
Fatemeh

Tags: Food, Food & Drink, San Francisco, Black Rock City, Burning Man, Playa, Nevada

Comments

[David]

No pics of Moby... I mean, bald Brett?

[Fatemeh]

That's PlastikMan, not Moby!

And yea, there is one of him peddling a bike. But other than that, he was like a blur. And the one set of photos I DO have aren't fit for sharing as they were taken after two bottles of rum had been emptied during a sandstorm.

[shuna fish lydon]

even if you are never able to set down words which will do Burning Man and the Playa "justice" I will remain forever excited for all of you, mind/ body/ spirit that you went. thank you for sharing us and the dust and the experiences. xo

[missskyeanne]

ahhhhh, the playa dust is just starting to come out of my hair. mehdi had a near heart attack when he saw his truck - the door was open when the white out hit - ooooooooops!

anyway - what a fabulous time spent with you and your friends and our new friends. camp pendant continues to grow!

[Fatemeh]

We just went back to the RV and finished cleaning. The playa dust just STICKS to EVERYTHING. We washed the floors with vinegar, and that was the best "solution" we found.

Now I'm unpacking my clothes and sending plumes of playa up all over the place.

The dogs are not amused.

[Chubbypanda]

Awesome photo set. Simply awesome.