I just spent 4 days at Burning Man and here are the craziest things I saw
Many journeys to Burning Man start in Reno, Nevada, where groups meet to pick up vehicles and friends.
But Burning Man officially begins three hours from Reno at the gates of Black Rock City, where vehicles wait in lines of traffic before they can be admitted.
Each car is searched by a Burning Man organizer to make sure you aren't sneaking anyone in. While your car is searched, everyone inside must wait outside and get their tickets scanned.
Once you reach the entrance — which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 10 hours depending on weather and traffic — burn "virgins" are hugged by a nude welcoming committee.
Burning Man virgins must then roll around in the desert dust.
First everyone has to find their camp, the community in which they will live for the coming days. Camps can be anything from a group of fancy RVs to a tricked out old school bus.
This camp identified themselves as "Voodoo Soup."
Then it's time to grab a bike — the main mode of transportation around the miles-long desert land.
Everyone decorates their bike so you don't take someone else's by accident.
Some people get really creative with their transportation.
Other bikes take skill to ride.
These bikes with umbrellas were functional to keep the sun off riders' backs.
Some people let a Segway do the work for them.
Once you've got your wheels, it's time to explore.
I came across this bar that required you wear stilts to have a drink.
There was a potato sack race in the middle of the road.
And human Hungry, Hungry Hippos, in which you laid on a skateboard and caught as many balls as you could in an upside down storage bin.
This contraption swung people upside down and all around.
This truck served as a book store on wheels.
Except all of the books inside were free, as Burning Man operates as a gifting society.
Inside Center Camp, a main hub where coffee is served, I found a man giving free massages.
And people doing acrobatic yoga.
Another camp offered a "Peep Show Shower." Running water can be hard to come by.
Inside a nondescript white tent I found a saloon that was making fresh smoothies.
There was a human petting zoo.
Plenty of free hugs.
And freaky art in the middle of the road.
This temple was erected to honor the dead.
Inside, people posted photos and memorabilia of lost loved ones.
Outside, I witnessed a wedding take place, complete with bagpipes. On Sunday, the temple was burned to the ground like many of the other art pieces.
People climb all over giant art installations randomly placed throughout the desert.
This woman climbed all the way to the top in giant heels and wings.
Others did yoga poses.
Or used the art for a great group photo.
The art was just begging to be used for a photo-op.
You can imagine the selfies surrounding this mirrored piece.
This ZAP! piece was a popular one.
As was this leaning question mark.
This giant sculpture of a woman is always a festival favorite. Every year her looks change slightly.
The art can also be useful for a quick break when you're tired of riding your bike.
Everyone was free to sit in these giant chairs — as long as you could climb up onto them.
People could climb into this hanging silver box.
This colorful tunnel rotated as you walked through it in perfect view of "the man" sculpture.
This line of porta potties looked like they could be part of the art in the middle of the desert, but were actually functional and a popular destination.
This castle wasn't just a backdrop — inside, people partied day and night.
During the day, there were plenty of parties to be found.
People's costumes were over the top, outrageous, and amazing.
These people were dressed as "inbred cats." Get it?!
Art cars come in all shapes and sizes and roam the desert all day and night.
They are essentially traveling parties.
Some prefer to ride solo, like Cha Cha the balloon man.
Or this lifeguard patrolling the playa on a chair with wheels.
Other cars are filled with friends.
Many are in the shape of animals.
Most all cars blast music.
Or have people singing live as they drive.
This art car was more insular.
This car had a working carousel on top of it...
But had a warning sign for riders: "DANGER: Uninsured art board at yer own damn risk."
Actual ambulances also roamed the land in case of any emergencies.
At night, all of the cars light up. It's an amazing sight when they are all lined up together.
Neon signs also light up the night.
Even some skateboards light up.
And fire dancers perform for the masses.
On one particularly chilly evening, I was ecstatic to find freshly popped hot popcorn.
Because no garbage can be left behind at Burning Man, all popcorn bags and leftovers were burned in this bin.
Food carts are rare, but this hot dog cart gifted food for those willing to do a stupid human trick.
Sunrise and sunset were by far the most beautiful times of day. Many people plan their sleeping patterns so that they can catch both.
While the festival doesn't end until Monday, the grand finale is on Saturday night when "the man" sculpture is burned to the ground. The ceremony starts with a giant fireworks display.
Soon, the flames begin to envelop the man.
And before you know it he is almost gone.
Leaving just "bones" before he collapses completely.
People watch on in awe.
And with that, it's time to drive or fly out of the playa.
Until next year, people will have to take what they learn on the playa into the real world.
Watch my experience here...
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