A survivalist's idea of a vacation? An art event? A 7-day rave? An excuse to perform spectacular pyrotechnics? I guess it depends on whom you ask. Being newbies to the whole Burning Man event, we didn't know what to expect (though we checked out the official Web site: www.burningman.com).

Curious of all cultural events (and in need of material for the next issue of our zine), we headed for Nevada's Black Rock Desert to check out the phenomenon that is Burning Man. This year's turn out was the largest ever, 23,000. It was also, to Pete's disappointment, the coolest. Participants were treated to mild temperatures in the 70s, rather than the usual 100+ (evening temperatures dipped below 40).

In the midst of the desert people from all around gather to see if they can survive the desert climate (about 100 people a day receive medical attention), build art installations (which are eventually burned), dance and party (discos are erected all over the desert), and BURN, BURN, BURN! In addition to being a pyromaniac's dream-come-true, Burning Man is an event where people are encouraged to reinvent, recreate, and redefine themselves, allowing whimsy and playfulness to play a large part in the process.