All the way back in February, our mini-painting fantasy-oriented club learned of Isle of Wonders — a three-day festival happening on Cres. The club leadership was very interested in being there, and were very quickly offered a large role at the event (on the “behind the scenes” side of things). Given our level of involvement, we were provided free accommodation in the gym of the local primary school.
Some pics from the opening ceremony. I was afforded some preferential treatment when it came to taking photos.
The event lasted from Friday afternoon to late night Sunday. Our club was also helping set the place up on Thursday, as well as with tearing things back down on Monday. There might have also been an after-party some of us initially intended to attend on Monday evening, which is why our plan was to leave on Tuesday morning. But there was a slight problem: we had to be out of the school by Monday (late) morning. Our initial approach was to spend the night on the beach, sleeping under the stars.
But the plan was about to change.
As usual, I had the role of the club photographer, meaning my only duty was to walk around and take photos. However, I was also there in costume (at least in the evenings), and the center of Cres, with its narrow streets, more or less screams “please do a photoshoot here.” On Sunday evening, I grabbed Taylara (also a member of our club, studying graphic design) for a quick photoshoot.
Which went reasonably well.
After the photos were done, Taylara wanted to put her wallet on a diet, so off to the market we go.
We ended up stopping by a Hungarian duo selling dice and dice bags, both wearing medieval/fantasy-themed dresses. Taylara started chatting, I started eavesdropping. Some amount of time goes by, when two local old ladies (well in retirement) walk by with their dog. They are quite excited about the festival and the theme. They also like the dress of the Hungarian girl, and ask if they could take a photo with her. As the person with the professional-looking camera, I am asked if I can take and email the photos.
We both agree.
The photos are taken. The chat resumes … for a bit, at least. Then one of the ladies asks me if she can take the photo with me, as I’m still wearing my costume.
You wouldn’t decline that boost to self-confidence, either. I interrupt Taylara’s chat, she takes the photos. The chat resumes for a little bit. Until she asks us:
“Oh by the way, I have an empty apartment. If you need a place to stay, I’ll give it to you for tonight for free.”
Taylara declined.
I also initially declined the offer for the night, though I did say I’d appreciate if I could cash in this “free night” on the next day — so, Monday-Tuesday. I got told that I can stay for both nights, which was nice.
Then, she turns to Taylara: “By the way, some tourists just left my other apartment earlier today, if you need I can give you that apartment.” Taylara, again, declined (she was leaving Monday morning). The offer was made to the Hungarians running the stand, but they also declined (they already had accomodations). With the offer not being taken, she told us that if we know of any volunteers in need of a free apartment for the night, just let her know.
The offer was quickly relayed to the rest of the after-party gang, who were very eager to accept it (beats the beach). At the end of the day, 8 of us managed to squeeze into the two apartments, each meant for 2 people. We were pretty happy we were allowed to do that Monday morning. We were especially glad for the free apartment Monday evening, when a storm rolled by and pretty much flooded the city.
The host was also great: we got morning coffee, had a chat while packing our things Tuesday morning, and was generally super-helpful. 10/10 would have that experience again.
While we’re here …
Regarding the after-party. We got some info that the “official” Isle of Wonders after-party was much less exciting as it initially sounded. First, you had to drive there. Second, the organizers allegedly weren’t there. So the entire “after-party” gang ended up skipping the official after-party.
… but we did get the invite to the “unofficial” after-party. The pitch was “hey, you know these fancy D&D tables we had for the event? You can come and play D&D there in the evening.”
Bet.
