> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Burning Man Experience - URL: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/burningman-nv/ - Published: 2012-02-13T14:24:52.000Z - Updated: 2020-04-02T07:48:43.000Z - Author: Jason - Tags: Adventures, USA, All Videos, #wp, #Import 2023-10-03 16:11, #Import 2023-12-05 14:16 **Burning Man**…an experiment in community, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance. This was our **first burn**. No matter how much you research, how many videos you watch, or how many photos you look at, nothing prepares you for what lies ahead. People ask us [“what is burning man”?](http://www.burningman.com/whatisburningman/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) Our response: “**it’s anything you want it to be**”! It doesn’t matter what your reason is for going, or what you are looking for, you can find it in **Black Rock City**. It’s an unbelievable experience with a flow that can be described as **yin and yang**. People and things **co-exist** in this city that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. I can’t tell you what others experienced, or what your burn will be, but I can tell you about our first burn. In our neighborhood, we sat outside in our lawn chairs, played Uno, drank, ate, and shared stories. Strangers greet you with a hug and a simple statement: “**welcome home**”; as if you’ve simply been away for awhile and now you are back where you belong. [![Fellow burners at Burning Man](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/26/e9265740-cf9f-4d22-8ec3-333b3b0a4788/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0112GOPR2032.jpg "Fellow burners at Burning Man")](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/test//wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0112GOPR2032.jpg) **The Playa** was covered with intricate art pieces that would require a special exhibit at the MOMA. We saw more fireworks and **art set on fire** than most people will see in a lifetime. The strength of flame to bring a community together is unmistakable! [![Burning Man fireworks](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/26/e9265740-cf9f-4d22-8ec3-333b3b0a4788/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0124_MG_3988.jpg "Burning Man fireworks")](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/test//wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0124%5FMG%5F3988.jpg) We played oversized games like Jenga, non-stop Dodge ball, painted art and witnessed a battle between the bunnies and the carrots. [![Burning Man Jenga](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/26/e9265740-cf9f-4d22-8ec3-333b3b0a4788/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0015IMG_3809.jpg "Burning Man Jenga")](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/test//wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0015IMG%5F3809.jpg) We marched for Waldo and his cause, shouting and flying flags in his honor. Come to find out, all he ever wanted to be a little obscure. [![Waldo March at Burning Man](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/26/e9265740-cf9f-4d22-8ec3-333b3b0a4788/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0079GOPR1166.jpg "Waldo March at Burning Man")](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/test//wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0079GOPR1166.jpg) We were gifted **snow cones in the desert**, psychic cocktails and homemade crafts that inspire the creative spirit. We received gifts and we were watched over as if everyone was a big brother or sister. New **playa names** were bestowed upon us with great joy, like new additions to an **ancient tribe**. [![snow cones at Burning Man](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/26/e9265740-cf9f-4d22-8ec3-333b3b0a4788/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0002_MG_37681.jpg "snow cones at Burning Man")](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/test//wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0002%5FMG%5F37681.jpg) We volunteered as lamplighters and became [participants](http://www.burningman.com/participate/?ref=gonewiththewynns.com) in our community. Grateful citizens passing by would shout “**we love you lamplighters**” and we gained a sense of pride for our city. [![Lamplighters in Black Rock City](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/26/e9265740-cf9f-4d22-8ec3-333b3b0a4788/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0018GOPR0220.jpg "Lamplighters in Black Rock City")](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/test//wp-content/uploads/2011/10/0018GOPR0220.jpg) People are **tolerant** and **understanding** here, how we should be all the time. We left with big questions about Black Rock City…“Why do we come to the **middle of the desert** to gain a great sense of community and compassion? What makes this city so different than our hometowns? **Can the spirit last more than a week**?” The only conclusion we came up with: everyone should experience Burning Man at least once! [![people of burning man](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e9/26/e9265740-cf9f-4d22-8ec3-333b3b0a4788/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/coexist-1024x787.jpg "people of burning man")](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/test//wp-content/uploads/2011/10/coexist.jpg) Thinking of going to Burning Man for the first time? Check these out: - [Keeping Cool In Extreme Heat – Ideas From Burning Man](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/keep-cool-extreme-heat-ideas-burning-man/) - [Top 10 Wild Camping Gadgets](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/best-rv-boondocking-gear/) - [Virgins guide to Burning Man](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/burningman-virgin/) - [How to prep your RV for Burning Man](https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rv-burning-man/) Have you been to Burning Man? Gift us a story of your experience in the comment box below.