Steemest 3 is a like reading a living, 3D, pop-up book. Characters from hundreds of blog posts clinging between earmarked pages of our memories unfold into the real world where you can touch them, see them, hug them, and talk with them. The experience is immediate, indelible, and unique compared to other gatherings. I can't wait till next year.

@roelandp and his team sure know how to throw an event with great food, interesting activities, engaging speakers, and plentiful drinks.

I stuck to magical beer most nights; magical because each time the glass was empty it magically filled back up again, like someone with a lot of beer power upvoted me.

There were so many people I wish I would have spent more time with, @meno, @llfarms, @coruscate, @surfermarly, @katrina-ariel, @gtg, @yidneth, @lukestokes, @aggroed, @camuel, @cervantes, @steembirds, @teamsteem, @heimindanger, @martibis, @for91days, @lizanomadsoul, @mammasitta, @freedom, @detlev, @abh12345, @tixinhacapitinha, @blocktrades,@world-travel-pro, @kevinwong, @roxane, @manncpt, @daveonarrival, @honeydue, and on and on and on. Still, it was great meeting you all and seeing old friends.

What I love about a Steemfest gathering is people talk about ideas, not gossip. They're forward-thinking, creative and innovative, the kind of people I love hanging out with and they come from all walks of life. I'm still amazed that a blockchain connects us all together, like some kind of social media magic. Magic? Wait a minute, let me upvote my beer again.

Through this crazy experiment we're all part of we can expand the horizons of what is possible to create in the world and change lives. Sounds dramatic, I know, but it's true. Steem has already touched many lives including my own and we're still just getting started.

I'm excited about the projects coming onto the blockchain by all the dedicated developers, including our own DApp in the works. (Creating A New Dapp For Steemit Open Mic - Talks With @prc The Creator Of DSound) There are so many devoted content creators, app developers, coders, curators, and communities in this ecosystem working tirelessly every day to make Steem better and it's great to be part of it.

It's one thing to read about the evolution of the Steem community, but mingling with the people making it happen is a rare gift. That much creative energy in one place at the same time is electrifying, gets your neurons firing on all cylinders, and inspires you to engage and innovate. The ultimate dopamine hit that connects you to others and leaves you wanting more. This Steem thing is more habit-forming than I ever anticipated.