Nice guy from Chicago: So, what’s your name?
Me: Ariel.
NGFC: Is that your Burning Man name?
Me: Nope, real name.
NGFC: Cool!

• • •

Really high guy: I’m rolling SO hard right now, and I just had to tell you.
Me: Wow, thanks!
RHG: Later, you have to meet my girlfriend.
Me: Ok.
RHG: I’m rolling SO hard right now.
(He stayed true to his word, grabbing my hand an hour later, and dragging me through the entire party to meet his girlfriend who was incapacitated on a couch. I gave her a hug, she tried to focus her eyes, and then I ran far, far away.)

• • •

NGFC: You know, I used to be heavily involved in Chicago’s punk scene 15 years ago, and there were parties just like this…just totally anything goes. Dancing, performing, art, freaks, chaos. It’s really nice to see that there’s still a place for that.
Me: Yeah, I’ve been going to raves for seven years, and it’s cool to see how, despite the changes the community goes through, there seems to be a consistent need for events like this [ie "temporary autonamous zone" gatherings]. I mean, here we are: there’s a DJ downstairs, people dancing, and a few high people [see RHG above]. Does that make this a rave? I don’t know.
NGFC: I thought this was a psychedelic party?
Me: Hmm. That too!

It’s always funny being the sober one.