Travel Stories: Burning Man 2019 ~ Metamorphosis

Four failed attempts to attend and the fifth year set itself up with little to no effort – friends found the ticket, gifted camping, and arranged carpool. I drove seven hours straight, traded spots, fell asleep, and woke up at 4am at the entrance into The Playa. The dust was surprisingly soft as I laid my body down for the ritual virgin dust angel and bell ring.
I was home.

#1 most asked question: “What was your favorite part?”

An impossible question to answer, but here’s what I can say:

Burning Man was pure magic and far exceeded any and all expectations I had prior. I was continually shocked, found myself breathless, surged with a never-ending spark of curiosity in a world with no limitations, and a body continually goose bumped at each new and eye-opening occurrence. I released myself completely, allowing Black Rock City to run its course and overall metamorphosis in my heart, mind, body, and soul. I put in work to play a role in contributing to the beautiful transformative cycle intended for all who were there and ensuring that I was exuding positivity and giving back whenever possible. Providing and receiving genuine hugs was something I never grew tired of – strangers embracing as if they’ve known each other a lifetime. I was fortunate enough to see true love and compassion rushing out of pores in a city thriving and caring for each other with no natural life form for miles. Burning Man delicately and devotedly worked at rewiring all we have known about the importance of loving each other and refurbishing a glittering faith in mankind.

There was beauty in the dust – art structures balancing, towering, glowing, moving, swaying, and rolling, all encompassed by wide-eyed ecstatic onlookers. My heart was brimful the first day and overflowed onto The Playa all the days that followed. I laid eyes on the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises I have every witnessed, which found their purpose as stunning backdrops for neon laced art car’s bleeding lights across silk desert floors. I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried. Dreams were brought to life in those eight days.

Dear Burning Man,

Thank you for the flood of memories, and a lifetime of inspiration to write the world ink-less. We left no trace but the dusty footsteps to forever trek on hearts of gold.

Sincerely,

Another Altered Traveler