Burning Man: Come On In!

I’m walking down a dark residential street. It’s a black landing strip except for the intermittent bright white circles which are glaring from the industrial street lamps above. On either side of the road are sidewalks cracked by the roots of old magnolias. Through the leaves are peeks into seductive little nooks of warmth. Homes of all different colors, shapes and sizes emanating a familial spirit. I occasionally see someone cleaning up from their dinner; I’m hungry. A woman in her fifties is peacefully reading in one of those la-Z boy chairs that are so cushy they embrace you. These glimpses take me vicariously home, but when an unwelcome chill washes over me I remember I’m still standing on the roadside. These people are strangers and I’m not welcome.

I’m walking down a dark desert trail. It’s a black abyss except for the dome of stars overhead and the occasional campfire. Groups of newly made friends sit together roasting marshmallows, playing guitar and bonding over the heart-warming realization: everyone is welcome. Behind the campfires, rest the campsites. Like homes, they’re decorated with care. Like family, you make yourself comfortable without asking. At the wine bar, you help yourself to a glass of red or white and a cheese platter. Just hop in line at the midnight poutine for this freshly made Canadian specialty of crispy French fries, creamy brown gravy and cheese curds. After biking around the desert all day, you’ll be most appreciative for the endless supply of couches, hammocks and pillows people haul out to the festival in trailers. You’ll see people taking naps all over the playa. They’re sprawled out (and often passed out) in the makeshift living rooms of people they’ve never met. When they wake up, they’ll be greeted with a smile and a hello. At Burning Man, people don’t have to prove themselves worthy of friendship before receiving the benefits of it. Everyone is assumed to be a kind and giving person. Most of the time, the culture manifests this assumption into a reality.