There is no magic in magic, it's all in the details. - Walt Disney
We call it magic when we struggle to find another more rational description for an unreal experience.
Those of you who've already participated in a Steemfest event (Amsterdam 2016 - Lisbon 2017) may confirm that there's something indescribable, magical between heaven and earth when you meet your internet friends in person for the very first time.
The road to Steemfest³ is about to be paved, and I'll give you a couple of more reasons to consider traveling to Krákow this November.
Here's why everybody should steemfest at least once in their lives!
@surfermarly with her Steemfest² bag at the famous Dunes of Maspalomas (Gran Canaria)
Steemy magic
I was as excited as on my first school day when entering the hotel lobby.
The very first steemian I ran into was @nanzo-scoop (of course!).
Oh my God, youuu!?!
Hugs were followed by radiant smiles... as if we knew each other forever. Well we actually do, since two years on Steem sometimes seem to be close to an enternity.
I checked in my hotel room, had a 30-seconds-shower and changed myself in another 60 seconds, not wanting to lose any more time and desiring to finally join the welcome party.
What then happened really blew my mind.
On my way to the check-in for the conference I ran into Mr. Steemfest himself @roelandp who was easy to recognize in one of his amazing, multi-colored one-piece suits.
More hugs, more laughter, more positive vibes. Alright, I really loved surfing that wave.
Of course it had to be @sjennon (the designer of my surfermarly logo) who handed the conference package out to me.
Gosh, so nice to meet you in person!
Leaving the check-in towards the terrace where the party was already taking place, I didn't come too far.
Traveler!!!
Finally I was able to hug @anomadsoul! We switched to Spanish, fusing the Mexican and Canarian accent. God, it was damn cool to hear our voices in real time.
When I turned around @karensuestudios and @acromott stood right in front of me, providing me with their Californian and contagious smiles.
Yes, you already know what happened: more hugs, more oh-my-Gods, more joy.
More magic moments that spontaneously come to my mind now:
- Having one of the nicest dinner conversations ever with @tangerinetravels
- Dancing in the front line of the @steembirds concert with @firepower
- Winning a Snooker session with my team partner @fredrikaa
- Breaking into laughter talking about how nerdy we all are with @hansikhouse and @voronoi
- Catching waves in the Atlantic Ocean with @lukestokes, @heiditravels and so many more
- .... and so on.
I could go ahead in the very same way for hours... but I'd rather prefer to ask you:
How's that gene called again we all share?
Honestly, I've traveled a lot and met uncountable people in my life, but I've never ever lived something similar before.
Unfortunately I had missed the very first Steemfest back in November 2016 - and deeply regretted later on.
You wouldn't believe me, but it was actually as if we were all on a school trip again. - @gargon described his sensation from Amsterdam
Inspired by the euphoria it was pretty clear to me that I had to travel to Steemfest² no matter what.
Also I really wanted the selfie with @ned :-)
In fact I was one of the first ones in buying their tickets, booking their flights and hotel accomodation once the second event was announced.
I was dying to be part of it.
And I swear it was so damn worth it.
The true value of Steem...
...lies in the power of its community, and everybody is kindly invited to verify that fact traveling to Krákow.
I'll provide you with one more reason why.
Before going on stage and speaking in front of the Steem community the morning of the 2nd November 2017, I was terribly nervous.
@nanzo-scoop who was sitting next to me may confirm that.
You gonna be alright - he said trying to calm me down.
He was supposed to be right after all, because something magical (remember the very beginning of this post) was supposed to happen.
I went on stage, took a deep breath and started out.
My initial plan was to not directly look at any of the people sitting in the audience, avoiding that their reaction may distract me from my speech.
So I was rather trying to focus that famous invisible point at the wall on the other side of the room.
But then they all suddenly applauded at a point when I didn't expect it, so I accidentally appreciated the encouragement looking some of them in the eyes.
I remember it as if it was today.
It was you, @dougkarr. You were was sitting right at the middle corridor and provided me with a radiant smile that was able to illuminate the whole conference room.
That feedback was so contagious!
Unconsciously, I threw my strategy over board and began to actively look for the direct eye contact of the audience while surfing on the wave of good vibes that was irrevocably flooding the place.
I swear I won't forget that moment in my life.
While I literally proposed the thesis that Steem is able to change the world on the beginning of my speech, I effectively felt that this was the very truth while talking.
Speaking on that stage was beyond awesome, and I'm incredibly grateful for the experience.
Banner by @rubencress
That feeling of solidarity!
It's hard to find the right words to describe the @steemfest dynamics.
Probably it's the fact that we're all part of the 'Fourth Industrial Revolution' which welds us together in such way.
Blockchain technology is supposed to revolutionize all kinds of technological standard. It's a weird but also stunning feeling to be actually part of such a huge movement.
It's what primarily characterizes the Steemfest spark.
During the whole conference in Lisbon I had this strong sensation that we were the ones that would have a significant impact on the entire world's future.
Well.... maybe there was one point in time when I was in doubt if we'd really be able to make it.
It was the moment when Mr. Blocktrades said:
I hope my wife will never find out what I'm doing right now.
...while he looked down on his poker stake made of cookies and nuts.
The fact that we couldn't purchase any poker chips in the whole city of Lisbon ultimately didn't stop us from playing.
I even went on a half-hour taxi drive together with @steemrollin and @blocktrades, stopping by at any gas station close to the venue asking for poker chips and a second set of cards.
Can you picture the scenery?
Maybe it's part of the steemy understatement that these type of situations are effectively able to take place.
@blocktrades losing to @nanzo-scoop at The Steemfest Poker Night 2017
Write your own Steemfest Story
Everybody has a different point of view on this amazing blockchain project, and we all experience the dynamic from our own personal perspective.
Yet, there's something clear: few people came home from a Steemfest who were not mind blown, stunned, euphoric, inspired or enthused.
Your own Steemfest story is actually just one flight away.
Much love,
Marly -
Steem Ambassador
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This blog was created in July 2016, aiming to provide thought-provoking content for open-minded people who go on adventure, step out of comfort zones and embrace the new.
Thanks for being part of the journey!
PS: All my blog posts are created and submitted via eSteem Surfer 1.1.12 - my favorite Steem desktop client that was developed by @good-karma's @esteemapp team. Check out their account for more information.
Original content. Quotes found on publicpsychology.com and hoopoquotes.com