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<center>*(Left to right: myself, @rea, @exyle, @bkdbkd.)*</center><hr>

*Steemfest is fast becoming an integral embodiment of everything “Steem” related. Separate from the actual technology of the blockchain and currency itself, I see this unique gathering of steemians, developers and it’s founder as one that will continue to grow as time goes by.*

*It was an interesting comparison for me as I’d attending the last Steemfest too. In terms of scale, the last one was dwarfed by the grand set pieces @roelandp provided for his guests. A total of three different venues made up the locale of the event. I tell you one thing, there does not seem to be a “second best option” motif where @roelandp is concerned. Everybody I spoke to was yet again blown away by his extraordinary prowess and expertise when it comes to organising and hosting.*<hr>

<h1><center>Like-Minded Steemians:</center></h1>

One of the main highlights of attending the fest again was catching up with many familiar faces. In no particular order, @juanmiguelsalas, @future24, @steemrollin, @velimir, @ballinconscious, @originate, @mammasitta, @shenanigator, @sharingeverybite, @misslasvegas, @brian-rhodes, @cryptofunk, @opheliafu, @starkerz and the promo-uk team (great job so far, guys), @allayummyfood, @ivargereiko, @roxane, @oroger, @terrybrock, @andrarchy, @ericvancewalton, @kevinwong, @demotruk, @shla-rafia, @jerrybanfield, @dollarvigilante, @lukestokes, @gringalicious, @noboxes, @gmuxx and the members of @gardenofeden *(@ned and @roelandp are ubiquitous, of course)*. 

If I missed out a few names, please accept my apologies. 

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<center><h2>An Evening With a Top class Author:</h2></center>

So many names stand out for me for so many various reasons. Such as the awesome @michelle.gent and @s0u1. We actually took the same flight as them and when we arrived at the hotel, decided to find a local restaurant to satisfy our growing appetites. Around the corner, a quaint little establishment did the trick nicely. We talked for ages and soon caught up to speed since we had last seen one another. 

It proved the perfect start to the Steemfest, which was only magnified by the kind gesture of receiving two signed copies of her latest book for us both. The sweetest couple you’d ever hope to meet. An absolute pleasure meeting you guys again.

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<center><h2>Smooth and Suave Does it...</h2></center>

Another awesome steemian who I recognized pretty much immediately upon seeing was @nanzo-scoop. My wife and I were returning from a visit to the hackathon when the big man himself strode toward us. Man, I tell you. The smile on his face said it all. As I hope ours did to. Such a genuine and extremely likable guy. It was like we had seen each other just yesterday. 

From there on, we hooked up on many an occasion at various locations *(had an awesome laugh at the Steemfest courtesy of one of my best friends, @exyle and a memorable lunch together on our final day in Lisbon)*. Sometimes you can't help but wonder what the people themselves will actual be like behind the Steemit avatar we are so used to seeing. And then a few of those individual come along and exceed your expectations in every way possible. Bless you, Tony. 

*A true diamond of a gentleman.*

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<h2><center>I'm Not Doing This On Purpose... I Swear It!</center></h2>

It really was a crazy blur looking back. Very similar to the first Steemfest. So many people, so many stories. An absolute blast. One funny story I can recall involved @shenanigator and @sharingeverybite. So humble and soft spoken, this couple are the true definition of “sweet and endearing”. Again, was so glad to catch up with them once more. As with the last time, I wish I could have spent more time catching up but the wind whirl of people combined with presentations galore meant time was a very real enemy. But I digress. 

We must have “coincidentally” bumped into each other several times. To the point where it seemed the cosmos may have been casting an intervening hand. In local bars, restaurants, on the street and in the hotel lobby. We just so happened to always find each other! Even once as we were getting out of a cab and had literally just seen them leaving a venue a short while back! Now don’t get me wrong. I love seeing them but was more concerned if they thought we were some crazed stalkers that were hell-bent on following them. Lol, so just for the record… **”Sorry guys, didn’t mean to freak you out!”**. 

**But seriously, what lovely and friendly people they are. A real pleasure meeting you again... and again... and again, lol!** 

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<h2><center>All Aboard!</center></h2>

Finally, I couldn’t forget one steemian who I literally couldn’t wait to see. My online brother and good friend @getonthetrain. In the beginning when payout’s were either a few cents or you hit the “jackpot” *(seasoned steemian’s will know exactly what I’m talking about)*, this guy was always there to keep me on the straight and narrow when I felt like a good old fashioned “rant”. An incredible listener, always offering the right advice and at the right time. He got me through some tough moments on Steemit which I’ll always be eternally grateful for. But when I found out he was going to be at the actual event too, I tell you. The happiness I felt was through the roof! Again, I consider this guy an exceptional friend to meeting him in person was just to good to be true.

Anyways, outside the registration room and I’m standing in a bit of a daze *(too little sleep, not enough caffeine, lol)* when I hear someone call my name behind me. I look around and see a guy say it’s nice to meet me with an outstretched hand. I greet him but still unawares as to who it was. Oh man! You can imagine my embarrassment when the message finally filtered through to my brain. **That’s one of your best buddies standing right there! Wake the hell up, damnit!**

Of course, I collected myself together and greeted him with an enthusiastic hug. Luckily, I explained to him about my lack of sleep and all. He was quick to understand. In fact, the same as he had always been online. So courteous and affable. And from there, we had some awesome times together. The two most memorable being just after leaving the “Night of Steem” and being stranded in the middle of Lisbon, struggling to find a taxi *(that’s a story for another time but I'm sure will cause a few giggles for all involved... except the wives and partners)* and the closing dinner where I “finally” got time to have a proper chat with him and reminisce about the old days *(well, meaning from last year, lol)*.

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*These are just a few of my personal experiences whilst attending this year’s Steemfest. It’s been a real “trippy” path I’ve led myself down after devoting my time and effort to Steemit. I guess we can all look back and say “If Steemit never existed, where would we be right now?” Maybe home with the kids, chilling with your friends. Chances are doing the same activities you normally would have done in your everyday life anyways. Who would have envisioned this amazing platform changing our scheduled order of things to this extent, right? The mind certainly boggles...* 

**What a wild ride Steemit has been thus far! And there’s still so much fun yet to be had!**

*<h2><center>(And a little more to come soon...)</center></h2>*

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<h2>Hope you enjoyed this story, please look out for more on the way... (author: @ezzy)</h2><hr>