Liberate your soul and renew your mind, refresh your body and become a part of what is greater than ourselves. Share everything you have and want nothing. Be at peace with yourself.
Koru, a spiral fire maze representing new beginnings, the last burn of the festival.
Kiwiburn was an absolute epic adventure that no amount of words nor photos could ever describe. It's a cultural journey in a society where the rules are entirely different to western culture. Where handshaking as a greet is considered rude instead of a hug. Money has no place, what you wear and how much is completely optional, there is no communal religion, and all are accepted as they are. We burn things, the famous burning man, statues of flame throwing cows, and the sacred temple. Its a place to bring all your hopes, dreams, fears, and come to terms with them. Its a place to let go and a place to renew, of understanding and adventure. It's a bit like never never land, grownups aren't allowed, and your imagination is the limits of reality.
Burning of "The Temple" last night of Kiwi Burn. They say, "Bring your largest burden, and place that stone in our temple." Tears of joy and pain fill this temple with artwork, notes to friends and family "Dad I miss you" and "I'm sorry for what I did". Notes, letters, and and that are never meant to leave the temple, but let to rest on the final night.
Ukuleles and ocopella music fills the air after a long silence. A community of people share their deepest fears and sorrows, and give each other the strength to let go. Then after the fire maze, we come together in strength and mind.
As I said before, no words could possible describe the experience, and so often we simply forget to take photos cause we're too busy living in the moment. In so short of words, here's a brief idea of what it was like:
Day 1: Go down the rabbit hole into "twisted reality" the 2011 theme: Erect a village of tents, bars, lounges, etc. Free kayaks, meeting and hugging random people, exploring the lake, go on a jungle trek, discovered a hidden spa, paint a flame-throwing cow, danced a jig in the paddock,
Day 2: Erect "Burning Man" learn heaps of poi moves all festival, drumming workshop, learned to tighten the head on my drum, temporary tattoos. Pancakes and french toast breakfasts. Sushi rolls made while camping.
Day 3: Hitchhiked with aliens, hula hooping, face painting, swimming. Deliver Kiwiburn post to "Joe, the guy with blond dreads" (Like that narrowed it down), Rain, Rain Rain. Giant flame throwers, music and dancing all night, exchanging items in the treasure boxes.Heaps of rain, try to keep the village from blowing away.
Day 4: Burn the man, hundreds of fire spinners, fawn on stilts, more drumming, poi poi poi, rode on the pirate ship, hashish, free BBQ's, tunnel of mirrors and, stunning costumes, laughter yoga- AMAZING!!
Day 5: fire maze, burn the temple, giant dream weaver, piggy back ride from the human taxi. chai tents, bean bags, large scale art.
I've most certainly left out heaps of amazing unexplainable things, but like I said... you just have to experience it.
