Why I'll never go to Burning Man

Why I’ll never go to Burning Man

August 26, 2013

It’s that time again. Burning Man. The annual art-fuck-spiritual-crazy fest in the desert that began in San Francisco in 1986 and moved to the desert in 1990. Starts today.

I have friends who met at Burning Man and ended up marrying. Friends who love it as the one time each year they can get their freak on with no judgment. But it’s never appealed to me. Not even in my callow, risk-taking semi- youth.

Weather.

A big one. Burning Man weather can be violent and unpredictable. Besides being just plain desert-hot as in 90 degrees, partiers have had to content with dust storms, high winds, freezing temperatures, rain–you name it. I like my temperature with a thermostat. One that I control.

Camp.

The word strikes terror into my heart. Oh I know, some of you love it. To me, camping is like being homeless for a week. I like my house to be dirt-free, my climate to be controlled and my shower to be hot, private and just off my bedroom. Portapotty? Uncivilized. Body odor is not my favorite scent. I need a blow dryer. I like to be squeaky-clean. Camp + Clean don’t go together.

Dirt and Dust

I do not enjoy digging dirt out of every bodily crevice, including my nose. I wear contact lenses. Enough said.

You Might Die

That’s what it says on the back of tickets and of course, you might die anywhere. But I don’t want to die at Burning Man. Drugs, suicide, accidents. Hot springs so hot you need medical attention. In 2001 some idiot ran right into the burn and died of his injuries. There was at least one murder. Need I go on? By the way, drinking water to combat dehydration isn’t enough. Salt, eletrolytes are necessary. At least one woman died of cerebral edema –too much water, too few electrolytes. Be careful! This headline could read “People are crazy” and it’s true.

So no Burning Man for me this year.

Of course, any or all of this might become appealing one day in the right circumstance. Costumes, craziness, fun–all that sounds pretty damn good with the right companions in crime. Although not sure there’s a camp for 80-year-olds. Oh, hell, there probably is.

In any case.

Never is a really long time.

And you never know.

Laura Kennedy says:

August 26, 2013 at 11:00 am

EXACTLY. Move it to a beach (where it started), preferably next to a 4-star hotel, and I’m there.

admin says:

August 26, 2013 at 11:04 am

Yeah and you need a place where your jewelry isn’t out of place, you know? LOL

Lori Lavender Luz says:

August 26, 2013 at 11:59 am

“Body odor is not my favorite scent.”

Where’s the nearest hotel? If you and I ever got the urge to go, we could share a climate-controlled room.

I’m with you!

admin says:

August 27, 2013 at 10:12 am

Seriously. if only that were possible!

Ellen Mattesi says:

August 26, 2013 at 12:05 pm

Oh I am so with you. I agree with every word. I have friends who create some of the art there. Every bit of it sounds like hell. And then there’s the big finale. Lets spend months creating beautiful art then burn it. If anyone tried to burn my art after months of work I would be the one murdering someone.

admin says:

August 27, 2013 at 10:12 am

I know, that would make me nuts.

Beth (Word Nerd) says:

August 26, 2013 at 8:50 pm

You had me at weather and camp. I love nature. I love it in limited doses and with an air-conditioned room and hot, indoor shower to wash it off of me.

admin says:

August 27, 2013 at 10:11 am

That hot shower, for sure!

Susan Cooper says:

August 27, 2013 at 12:48 am

I agree that I like my weather thermostat controlled. I have never been inclined to go to Burning Man but I am sure it is quite the party. 🙂

admin says:

August 27, 2013 at 10:11 am

I used to say the only way I’d go to India would be if I floated down in a protective bubble and I’m going in November, so you never know….