it certainly is surreal. i have been twice. the first time i drove across country in a van with 9 people. a tight squeeze and something i would never do again. the second time i flew out to san fran and met up with friends and we rented a suv to get out there...

pictures? i have about 1000 of them from both years. it is one of the best places that i have ever shot photos. the festival itself certainly changes your perspective on a lot of things!

i would definitely go again and again... however, i don't think i would take my mini. it is important to make sure that your "base camp" has an appropriate amount of shade. we built a big tent using pvc tubing and a giant parachute... also, you have to bring in enough water, food and other things for your stay... plus don't forget all the fun things you want to give to everyone there.

if it's your first time then MAYBE everything could fit in my mini, but after you go once and see the possibilities you will see.

and yeah, my list of things that i need to do before i die is doing pretty good... burning man (check!), skydiving (check!), northern lights (check!), walking on a glacier (check!)... what else do i want to do??

oh... and lastly, the environment at burning man is dry and windy... dust storms all over the place... paved roads only sometimes... i say rent a car... that way next time you wax your mini you won't have a heart attack at all the little scratches and paint chips....

that's just my two cents. but if anyone needs any tips on bman, i'd be happy to tell my tales!