Burning Man

No wisdom of any kind. This one is pure hedonism

This week you’ll be able to get a reservation at any restaurant in San Francisco no matter how impossible it is to get the other 51 weeks of the year. That’s because no one will be in San Francisco. They will all be at Black Rock City, Nevada at Burning Man. Ten years ago I joined them. The next four posts will be my journal of that trip.

Burning Man - 2013

Day Three –

Bad as day two was there were some good experiences on day three – the art, the bodies and the real generosity of spirit.  I had a really good cup of coffee (I’ve learned to carry a cup) served by the Bare-chested Barista’s – gay guys with hairy chests in bustiers. 

Little Jack’s Retro Company provided a very interesting spanking lecture.  (Be sure to ask permission and never make her say “that’s too hard”.  If she winces or flinches, back off immediately. 

Did I mention there was generosity of spirit in the place?)  And the Asian Fetish Society gave a lovely Introduction to Shibari –a Japanese rope bondage art “covering basic techniques and ties.  Great for beginners.  Bring a friend or make a new one.”

I’ve not seen as many naked or semi-naked people in such a small space since we spent a day on Falarocki Beach on the island of Rhodes after the 2004 Olympics. It’s covered with hotels catering to full-American plan weeks for Germans and Brits on holiday.  You know the expression about “Mad dogs and Englishmen”?  A day at Falarocki suggested that the Germans, as well as the English, are every bit as interested in as much of the noonday sun as they can get – and not just skinny or good looking ones (regrettably). 

There are two observations that stuck with me from today.  First, of the 100s of bare breasts I saw, I noticed none that appeared to be surgically enhanced.  Either those women do not come to Burning Man, or even they know that large breasts that don’t bounce (no matter how nice the curve) are grotesque and should be hidden, even if just a little bit.  Secondly, there should be a law, firmly enforced and with punitive sanctions, against naked old men walking or riding a bicycle in public. 

I’m going to devote tomorrow to photographing all, or as much as I can get to, of the art so I’ll save my comments on that until then.

Chapter 3 of Non Semper Fidelis