Preparations and Arrival
It was one of those spontaneous moments when you just pack your backpack and head out. Exactly one day prior, I decided to fly to Lisbon to attend the Non Fungible Conference Summit 2024. I quickly organized a ticket but decided to book a hotel later. With a light buzz, I arrived in Lisbon at 11:30 PM, ready for the adventure.
Meeting Old Friends
Fortunately, I found my friends from the Cryptowieners and some Cryptopunks at the Carlos Lopes Pavilion. The moment I saw them, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. The relief and joy of seeing familiar faces were overwhelming. However, as the evening came to an end and everyone headed home, my difficult search for accommodation began.
An Adventurous Night
With a bit too much alcohol in my system and no clear idea of where to sleep, I eventually found a hostel. It was far from the Ritz, more of a flea and bedbug-infested nightmare. Cautiously, I slept with a butter knife under my pillow, which gave me a slight sense of security.
The Second Day: Inspiration and Networking
The next day began after only three hours of sleep, but excitement kept me going. Arriving at the main stage, I immersed myself in the world of NFTs. The artists I saw were incredibly inspiring, and their works were not only impressive but also provided a platform for interesting conversations.
The discussions I had often reminded me of the philosophical conversations at the PanLab with the Pannonians or meetings with Ross, Tschuuuly, or Nissla from the Cryptowieners. Although many of the participants had similar thoughts to us Burgenlanders, it was exciting to experience these on a global stage.
Encounters with Legends
In the afternoon, as a One Man Army (OMA), I met many impressive personalities. The diversity of people and their creative visions were overwhelming. Each encounter was unique, and I had the opportunity to delve deeply into conversations about art, technology, and the future of NFTs. It was particularly inspiring to hear the stories and passions of these artists, who create their works with such dedication and innovation. These encounters enriched my day and expanded my perspectives in ways I never expected.
The Night with the Cryptowieners and Cryptopunks
The real fun, however, began when I met up with the Cryptowieners and some Cryptopunks from the previous day. The punks were out, and roaming the streets with this crew was an unparalleled experience. I want to give a special shoutout to my new friend VR-Punk – no one punks harder or finer than him.
The evening ended in a club whose name I prefer to keep secret for confidentiality reasons. It was an artists’ club, and we spent the night chatting and painting the club’s walls. The atmosphere was magical, and the people there seemed happy and content to be with this select group. For me, as a punk without a punk and monkey, it was also an honor to party so hard with these great people.
Journey Home
After another night with only three hours of sleep, I made my way home. It was a short but intense trip, and I returned just in time to see the Shaolin monks with my kids.
Conclusion
Lisbon and the Non Fungible Conference Summit 2024 were an unforgettable experience. From the exciting arrival to the inspiring encounters and wild nights with the Cryptowieners and Cryptopunks – this trip will stay with me for a long time. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this journey so special. See you soon, my friends!
