Steem has changed my life in more ways than one. Thanks to Steem, I am now a "world traveler" after ordering my first passport and driving on my own to Canada. This adventure has been nothing short of amazing because of the people I got to hang out with. 

Yes, Toronto is a fantastic city with many sites to see. But, they don't mean much unless you are experiencing them with friends whom I now call family. Below are some pics of our adventure together in Toronto for the Steem Creators Conference North...

![Toronto Sign](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmUTDzCcutuJFw9aRjFSnv1tx9yiAFdLwLdM5FCFcuDrjA)

It was my first time in downtown Toronto, and what better way to spend it than with these guys (and gal, Jackie @jackieobermeyer) Rick @instructor2121, Brad @captainbob, Larry @larrymorrison, Jon @jongolson, Eric @anomadsoul, IJ @steemcafe, Jerry @bimjer.

![IJ and Ken.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmNXnzCyFaDEr6jv9dTL8mhf9rw8dN4e8B8TQHas5fDLbh)

IJ @steemcafe and I have been buds since the beginning of the Steem Creators journey early this year. Every time we see each other we can't help but smile.

![Hugging it Out.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmTywDKT2udMiX1Cv2DZwC1QgjDSbYSLcuSXosmvgDaWk8)

Here we have a photo of myself and Jon @jongolson hugging it out, as well as getting to know other cool Steemians at the Meet and Greet in downtown.

![Fish and Chips.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/Qmf4DjRtpMeSBNRbs6fXozUEVb3fkavd8BWUPSzZXkwMAX)

Fish and chips was the first lunch that I ate at a local restaurant the first day of the conference. It was pretty tasty if you ask me. I also enjoyed the Indian food the second and third day (yes, I ate Indian food twice in a row cause it was so good)

![Steepshot CEO.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmVfuSRGwUiNC9DeuGdxygVVYdaKhWRzGUApJdyxcWnViz)

We had the priviledge of hearing from the CEO of Steepshot, @pmartynov. He spoke about the current state of Steepshot and also his plans for the future. It was very informative and eye-opening. Silent Joe @joepate47 doing what he does best behind the camera.

![Goldmoney Group.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmNywEH71gaw2SrX8gzzQaygd8p1mXZ6xU8me6FGGWtwko)

A group of us went to visit the Goldmoney store where @par-ee was showing us the ropes. They handed out yummy snacks and we learned about the different services they offer. Jamie @eventspeaker, Joseph @josephsavage, Katie @katiesavage, Raven the cute baby, Larry @larrymorrison, Todd @toddmck, Amy @thehoneys, IJ @steemcafe, Jeremy @originalmrspice.

![Jeremy and Ken.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmWWN6DX4tUdq9bzKXAUoWnvncEKZavu8eeKRAd9YshJ2y)

This here is my bud, Jeremy @originalmrspice. He wanted his username to be just mrspice but it was already taken. Had a great time getting to know him better during the conference as he is a very genuine and caring individual.

![SteemBirds.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmVYvh9QKVLUCiiGVQkwiBkUfqpSmZ8o93VtSjZ85Tk1zH)

The SteemBirds @steembirds (Dan @dan-atstarlite and Jay @jaybird) performed for us each day of the conference. It was a real treat to hear their original songs all on the topic of Steem. Extremely entertaining and fun to experience.

![Dookie Brown Flow.JPG](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmYuAgD6HZ7a2Z857NeJKuYpHCY9Q4daWB7sCvuaTnMkPF)

Dookie Brown Flow @wolfnworbeikood performed along with his talented group of hip-hop artists. It was intense to say the least. Many meaningful words were spoken with a lot of passion and heart. Great job guys :)

![Larry and Ken.jpg](https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/QmduuWwBwaebf7tGGephq67xq9Tp4bRPvqub62DRoAbkhj)

Larry @larrymorrison and I go way back. He and IJ @steemcafe put this entire conference together. I wouldn't be where I am today on Steem if it weren't for these two gentleman. 

There were more people that I were there such as Lea @coruscate and Mary @maryjaney. I had posted a photo with them a couple days back so please check out my blog for that. Should have taken more photos...@freedompoint and @freedomtowrite have our photos on their phones haha. I am anxiously awaiting our reunion again in Austin, Texas April 10-14, 2019. If you didn't make this conference, definitely save the date for the next one :)

![kenmelendezdivider.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmNMWzU8rJryBb9YUuntSMPj96g1jVcAhBoWKVVrH9BxNF/kenmelendezdivider.png)

<center>![kenmelendezgifresized.gif](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmPHkx6GbjDHwdooSws96KUHNTTtMqGwEHikRj233ApY3k/kenmelendezgifresized.gif)</center>

-Ken

P.S. Stay awesome today.

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