I see it’s an open question now, thank you, Idler. For many people, and definitely for me, Burning Man is an experience of EXTREMES. Which includes extreme highs, and extreme lows.
I certainly had many experiences of camaraderie and connection and fun. I went to some fascinating workshops – massage, how to have intimate communication, appreciative inquiry. I played kickball in the middle of the desert. I played Ultimate frisbee at night, in the dark, with glowsticks around our necks of different colors. I walked the playa and saw the art with a buddy and his friend. The Temple was awe-inspiring. Same with the Burning of the Man.
And… I had moments of feeling some real major loneliness and isolation. I think the 50,000 people actually heightened the intensity of the experience, not to mention the electronic dance music everywhere.
In my normal life and routines, I kind of numb myself to that experience of isolation, and avoid really feeling it. In the desert, I didn’t have my normal comforts, distractions, and I couldn’t pick up a phone to call a friend. No e-mail, no chat, no Fluther, no connection to the outside world. Which is why I wondered if I went with close intimates or a partner, if it would have been completely different.
Thanks for your curiosity.