BM is what you make of it. This was my first burn and I had the time of my life. (worked for a few months before, and during BM, on an ambitious art project). Never seen so much positive energy gathered in one place. If you don't like it, don't go, there are other things to do for vacation -- but no...

Actually my health IMPROVED on the playa:
- no more ahtlete's foot (dried out)
- no more of these weird pink patches on my skin (viral thing I caught a few weeks ago) -- dried out
- no more running nose or other cold symptoms
- a wonderful, healthy tan.

Loved it !!!!

water when I was thirsty by the temple ashes
delicious soup after a hard day of work on Monday
lots of help from rangers and strangers with taking our installation apart pics of me while I didn't have a camera

After the temple collapsed, I ran like many others into the "inner circle" (close to the fire) and the few hours that followed there by the fire were extremely intense and spiritual for me (the heat, the energy, the auras, the communion). Anyone had a similar experience?

...it is a powerful moment when a person's inner leech realizes burning man isn't made by their ilk...and then the contribution begins (YAY!)...or more alcohol or drugs are consumed to quickly quell the potential change.[/quote]

Most beautiful thing I've read today

The 2003 temple burn was by far the most intense spiritual experience I have ever had. As the temple collapsed, I impulsively ran with many others in the inner circle towards the fire and I believe this was the most amazing experience for anyone who was sharing it there with me... no more noise, no ...

when I left the scene at about 3.30am after more than 7 hours of pure joy it was still burning... and people around it truly enjoying the sheer intensity of these burning moments. trust the signs.