Steemfest 2017 - More than just a dream?

Good morning Steemit!

I have just awoken to the sound of thunder and rain here in Valencia, which is not unusual this time of year, and actually the ground does need a wash and the orange trees could do with a drink.

What is unusual about today is that i've just checked my replies feed and i have there a message from @surpassinggoogle reminding me that i'm eligble to enter @aggroeds Steemfest Minnow contest which is an all expenses paid trip to Steemfest 2 in Lisbon, Portugal. He's even written a post about it and asked people to support me and sent me some 'gas' for encouragement! Thank you @surpassinggoogle !

The competition is almost up and despite showing interest with a comment almost 7 days ago, I haven't gotten round to writing an entry. Why? you may ask, well there's a couple of reasons will become clearer in the blog as i fulfill my entry requirements below.

Bio

Hi, i'm Asher, and i'm not too great at talking about myself! I much prefer other people to be the center of attention but understand you have to step up to the plate from time to time. You would have thought at 38 i'd be better at this now, and i am a little, but will always remain the shy guy, unless you feed me enough alcohol ;)

A British national seeking a sunnier life, i moved to Mallorca Spain a couple of years ago to distance myself from a life that wasn't right for me. Many individual factors, including a lack of sunshine, forced me to quit my job of 13 years in IT, to look for a less stressful life selling cheap jewelry to tourists. As it happens, that didn't work out but feeling much better within myself, I again applied for an IT role and now find myself living and Working in sunny Valencia.

I'm a keen sports person, and regularly cycle to and from work each day, and to the beach at the weekends for my dose of vitamin D and relaxation. Hopefully, they'll be a chance to play Pool or Table-Tennis in Portugal because i like these games too!

I recently wrote a blog titled, 10 things i haven't told you yet which includes a bungee jump and a skydive! Perhaps this blog will tell you some more about the person i am, both good and bad!

Describe what you bring to STEEMFEST

Most likely, my girlfriend :) Well, she would at least come to Lisbon, if not the conferences, and will be up for socialising and drinks at least. And myself, well i'd be bringing a smile and a keenness to learn more about SteemIT, Cryptocurrency, and mingle with the many nice people already on the list to attend. It's a great opportunity to do all of these things whilst enjoying what a new city has to offer. So i guess i'd be bringing a set of fresh eyes and ears, ready to soak up any stories and information people are willing to provide!

Budget

For me, and my partner, it's relatively cheap to travel to Portugal which is another reason that has delayed my entry. I feel there could be others more in need, and with a much larger flight bill, but i guess there are other expenses to consider which could make the event reasonably costly. And it's a competition Asher, don't worry about potentially winning, right?!

So a flight, around $120 (yes, that's a return!), the hotel/accommodation costs, err $400 ish for 5 nights looking at the hotels? The tickets for the conference (not sure), and the rest is beer and food which i would like to cover myself. So i would guess around $600 all in, not knowing the cost of the conferences.

Really, THANK YOU again @surpassinggoogle , @aggroed , @minnowsupport , and all the other people and sponsors involved with this competition and event. Still can't believe the kindness and encouragement given on this platform. Amazing!

Best wishes all, and good luck fellow contestants

Asher