This event, IMHO, is about seeing and stretching (or not) our personal boundaries, beliefs and capacities for personal expression. I for one did very little in the way of drugs or drinking and felt so freed and permanently altered by it. I find it amazing how intense and battering the elements can be and yet so many return year after year to participate in this phenomenal scene. I have wondered how long, beyond the week, this form of culture and community could continue and function (with monthly trips to the corporate world to restock). My main peeve about Burning Man is that many of the participants (incl. myself), support the corporate world by purchasing supplies in order to have the creature comforts and the absolute necessities. But hey, it does stimulate the economy which is supposed to be a good thing. All being well, I hope to return for year 3 and celebrate my 50th in dusty style.