Chronicles from the
Isle of Wonders
First Adventure, June 2024
Note:
This is the first part of my *Chronicles from the Island of Wonders*.
It was originally published under the title “With the Guardians of the City of Zagreb on the Isle of Wonders, June 2024,” which evolved into a larger story.
It has been quite some time already since I last informed You about any of my public appearances. This event was so special and wonderful that it will be talked about for a long time, and I believe it will continue for many years to come.
On this Quest, Yours truly joined the brothers and sisters of the Order of the Guardians of Zagreb, who were invited to magnify the fantasy spectacle on the dreamlike island Cres – the Island of Miracles, many would say, as the organizers called this epic event – Isle of Wonders!
When we descended from there to the city, we forgot about the unbearable heat because we would immerse ourselves in the world of wonderful creatures and pleasant surprises that lurk all around the city.
We were hosted in the monastery of St. Frane, surrounded by fragrant gardens and trees full of flowers. I highly recommend it for comfortable and affordable accommodation to other fellow travelers – wonderers.
Every few steps You can see this unusual mythical? creature – at first I thought this was a dragon without wings – after a closer study, I learned that it is the character of Dolce, a kind of weasel, originally used in the Heraldry of Venice and Dalmatia. It practically disappears from use in the 14th century, when its image changes to (in the case of Cres) the mythical creature of a hippogriff – a combination of a panther and a horse, which is nowadays the symbol of the city of Cres.
Beautiful views across the entire town of Cres… plants all around, coats of arms carved into the walls, beautiful details everywhere, well…I could write a story about that alone…
The main event took place in the beautiful Moise Palace, where games, competitions, lectures and screenings were held for the participants
Along with the organizers, participants and us performers, the entire Cres literally took part in this spectacle – because the organizers and volunteers, with the wholehearted help of the City, decorated the entire City with fantastic fairytale creatures from a so that everyone present got involved!
Foto: Visit Cres
I was SO VERY impressed by this unusual experience – I can only imagine what it was like for tourists, who every now “bumped into” such fantastic Beings – a real attraction, which I’m sure many did not even know would be experience on their vacation! I believe that next year even more of them will book a vacation in time of this new festival.
At the camp of the Order of the Guardians of Zagreb, visitors could participate interactively and try their hand at archery and learn about medieval weapons.
In our hospital, visitors could hear about medieval medicine and learn quite a bit – everything can be tried, touched and asked here.
When they were not in armor and participating in battles, the Knights showed how to rest in the medieval way – in light summer clothes, they wandered the streets of the city, guided by the sounds of our Lovro’s melodious lute. To us who listened and watched, it seemed as if we were in another era and in a not necessarily real world…
And for this spectacular, unforgettable Isle of Wonders (and I have no doubt – the first in a long row) – I made my own unique memorial – a tournier to personally contribute to this Miracle!
P.S. if You didn+t get Yours, let me know and I will send You Yours!
I didn’t write many names this time, and I know that many participants didn’t get theirs – for example, this beautiful Galadriel, for whom I didn’t have any more paper, but I couldn’t resist gifting Her with my kalidar that the movie The Lord of the Rings begins with (,,The world has changed, I can feel it…) Galadriel (Sara) is just one of the many interesting people I had the honor of meeting in just two days of my presence on the event.
This year’s cosplay contest winner (right)
Photo: Robert Sablic
After all, what can I say but that – I am infinitely happy and grateful to have been a part of this wonderful event! I only told you about PART of the miracles I experienced on the Island of Wonders, expect the sequel next year, when I invite You to join me here live or here on my blog.
Thank You for your attention!
Second Adventure, June 2025
First Solo Performance, June 2024
This time, only my bulky mobile medieval scribe desk traveled with me and my dear brothers and sisters from the Order of the Guardians of Zagreb. I had been so thrilled by everything I experienced during the first year that I brought my son along on the adventure this time, so he could experience a bit of the magic too. It was quite a bold move on my part, as I was also making my debut with my newly opened business, so things were rather hectic.
The whole 2025 adventure flew by even faster than the first year. I barely managed to snap a few photos. I didn’t even get around to writing a report at the time; I’m only adding it now, along with just a few pictures to capture the atmosphere.
Of course, everything is once again teeming with fantastic creations—magical creatures emerging from everywhere.
Setting up the stand and lettering the names involved a lot of work. Walking was still a struggle for me, just like last year.
However, the town of Cres—already magical in its own right—becomes even more enchanting during these three days, and I simply can’t resist exploring as much as possible. Every now and then, you stumble upon an adorable figure—like the sad elf Dobby from *Harry Potter* or that brilliant dragon’s head emerging from the wall, the work of the talented Winton Afrić.
I sat on the sea throne for a bit, too—I really feel like a mermaid sometimes!
Third Adventure, June 2025
In Croatia Dragonland on the Isle of Wonders
This time, I returned with my craft and my—now official assistant—dear son, Leon.
This year, alongside my Calligraphy work, we showed up with our friend Dragec—the “Croatian Dragon”
(Of course) I created a special Isle of Wonders edition of T-shirts.
We initially set up right in the heart of the action—inside the Moise Palace itself, near the info desk.
My idea was for all the Wanderers to see me so I could write their names for memory. However, since everyone was just passing by in a hurry, I wrote only a single name on the first day… We closed up early, but at least that allowed me to attend the creative opening ceremony.
I managed to spend time and take photos with many magical creatures.
With my dear colleague Milivoj Ćeran—whom I’ve known for years, ever since we were in the Order of the Silver Dragon together—and his wonderful Queen Marina, whom I adore. Although our paths have diverged quite a bit, we now get to spend time together in such beautiful places!
This year, I even ventured to give a presentation on the history of calligraphy and its survival in the world of fantasy—through books, movies, and games. There was a lot of interest, and I’m glad I was able to entertain everyone. I got many inquries from audience about them being eager to learn some Calliraphy Thank You all once again for Your attention and interest—next year, I’ll do my best so You actually do try some real Calligraphy Youreslves on my workshop.
Pictured with my colleague Damir Debanić—creator of the awesome games *Propuh* and *Fear of the Dark* (You simply have to check them out!).
My artpiece for memory is my dearest so far.
I am so happy I managed to write it and—along with one of my “Isle of Wonders – Croatian Dragon” t-shirts—present it to our guest of honor, Adam Brown. He came from the Tolkien’s world to visit us on the Isle, hang out with us, and—to top it all off—sing the “Song of the Dwarves”, “Misty Mountains Cold” from *The Hobbit*.
It was amazing!
All good things come to an end too soon, and so does this—our third—adventure!
Not all those who wander are lost… some find their way to the Isle of Wonders—may we, too, find our way back to You, oh the Isle of Wonder!
