Hive Fest 2022 The Eye

Six years ago I persuaded my husband to buy a small chunk of Bitcoin in order to buy a ticket to the first Fest - it was SteemFest at that time, but in reality, it was HiveFest, let's face it.

We went to the airport with lots of questions running round our minds - What was it going to be like? Were the people there all going to be serial killers? - you know, everyone you meet on the internet is a serial killer...

2016 and we're on our way!

The event was a resounding success and we enjoyed it immensely. Not only that, we're proud to have been one of the few that made it to the first one. And I don't believe we met a single serial killer.

The rooms at Volkshotel are clean and industrial-themed

One of Amsterdam's famous Coffee Houses

Fast-forward almost six years and we're back! Amsterdam hasn't changed much, but the attendees have. There are a few old friends who we've met over the years, but not many at all from the first Fest - @archange made trophies for all the ones that have attended every physical Fest over the past six years (and they all attended the VR Fests too).
Next year, I am determined that we will get a coveted 5 Fest trophy.

Last night we had snacks and drinks at the Volkshotel. We'd had a long day travelling from our new home and an early start, so we were in bed early.

First thing this morning, we set out for breakfast at our favourite bagel shop. Unfortunately, it was closed for personal reasons, so we breakfasted at Volkshotel with new friends. Then we made our way to the centre of Amsterdam to catch the ferry to The Eye and the start of Hive Fest with the schedule @roelandp has worked hard to organise.

We've had explanations from @howo and @blocktrades and answers to questions I didn't even know about. I can honestly say there are SO many clever people at this Hive Fest and it is just mind-blowing to start thinking about the innovation and technology available to us.

We have heard moving and distressing accounts of her experience in the Ukraine from @zirochka and she is such a courageous and empathetic person, so engaging and interesting to listen to.

@roelandp is explaining the rules of Petanque for later - unfortunately, he only knows the rules in Dutch... so more research needed.

I was all set for a lengthy report on the first full day of Hive Fest - the speakers and innovators we heard, but I'm afraid I got tired at the Petanque tournament and we came back to the hotel early, where I had a massive nose-bleed! If anyone had called to see us at that time, they would have surely believed my theory about serial killers had been fulfilled at last!

No pictures of the blood, but there are a few from the previous Fests we attended - missing Bangkok of course, which is the reason for having to wait for next year to get the coveted 5 Fest trophy.

Portugal, Evora (I think)

Portugal

The inimitable @roelandp

And again

Krakow

November 11th, Poland's Independence day celebrations - 100 years since the restoration of Poland's Second Republic in 1918

Poland, Krakow and the case of the Curious Magpie