Spin Spin at the Caravansary Cafe
I went to the cafe three times, and every time I did there were acrobats spinning. I also got spun around myself, often leaving this spot so close to the center of it all at the wrong exit. No, wait, I linked this song to the cafe because lattes involve spinning sugary milk! OK, I’m gonna level with you, I made this mix before I left and now I just want an excuse to show you photos of the cafe…”Spin Spin Sugar” is just a song I like. I know, the magic is ruined. Let’s move on.
My friend Jeremy loaned me his GoPro after playa killed my camera. What’s fun about this is that I couldn’t see the photos as I took them, which forced me to be in the moment and not behind the lens. Then I got to have fun cropping them later (no joke, processing is my favorite part).
My camp mates zoomed through the cafe, only giving it a perfunctory glance out of some combination of obligation and curiosity. They explained that it was crowded and filled with the sad, dehydrated sparkle ponies who suffered for their own lack of planning.
But I love a crowd. The bright blue sky peeking through shade cloth and colorful flags was beautiful. It’s a bustling space with two stages (one for lectures, and one for open mic), an open area filled with performers of every stripe (but often acrobats, poi spinners, and stilt walkers), paintings, statues, and a variety of gifted services like massage, face painting and tea. But what tugged at my guts was the humanity of the place. Where my friends saw tired campers, I saw an endless stream of intimate moments.
Performers in the Cafe
Beautiful People and Gifting in the Cafe
Remember, save the coffee, none of the these people are selling their services. Everything is a gift.
Intimate Moments
The hardest part of Burning Man to explain is the warmth and kindness of the community. You can take pictures of art and record DJ sets, but it’s much harder to capture people feeling welcomed and accepted. Sometimes all it takes is watching someone else’s tender moment to feel moved, and opportunities for warm interaction are everywhere…and the harsh environment engenders need for those opportunities. Like a shot of espresso, the cafe infuses that particular magic into a small space.
Sneaker Pimps – Spin Spin Sugar (Armand’s Dark Garage Remix)
From my Burning Man dance mix