Volterra, Italy... In search of the Volturi Vampires!

Towards the end of New Moon Edward and Bella end up in Volterra, Italy to visit the Volturi, a coven of vampires who enforce vampire laws and keep vampires hidden from humans.

Here's a few pictures from my trip to Volterra...

Volterra-Hill Town/Vampire Haven in Tuscany

In the past Volterra has been less touristy than it's neighbor San Gimignano, but because of New Moon Volterra is starting to make the list on the grand tour of Italy.

Palazzo dei Priori and Clock Tower

The Palazzo dei Priori is Tuscany's oldest town hall

& danger is lurking here for Bella!

Me... looking for the Volturi!

Yes, this vampire madness has gone too far!

What a Vampire ceiling looks like :)

Although New Moon takes place in Volterra, it was filmed in nearby Montepulciano. If you travel to Volterra you can pick up a free New Moon Volterra map at the information office in Pallazzo dei Priori and follow the exact route Bella, Alice and Edward took. Or you can arrange to take a walking tour "Hot on the Trail of Edward and Bella".

Forks, Washington... In search of VAMPIRES and sites from the TWILIGHT book series!

In honor of the movie New Moon opening this weekend I thought I'd re-post my visit to Forks, Washington... yes it does exist!

Entering Forks...

If your a fan of the Twilight Book Series and are in the Seattle area you won't want to miss a visit to Forks, Washington. You can find a map of Forks & the Twilight Sites at any of the souvenir shops or stop by the Forks Visitor Center South of town. There are also Twilight Tours that will take you to all of the sites.

Forks Hospital

Dr. Cullens parking spot

Forks Police Department

Bella's dad worked here

Forks Outfitters

Bella worked at Forks Outfitters. She's made sure Twilight fans get a good deal on Twilight souvenirs. This is the cheapest place for Twilight t-shirts.

Bella Swans Home

The Cullens Home

Note from the Cullens. The Cullens Home is a Bed & Breakfast, click here if you'd like to stay with VAMPIRES!

Forks High School

Where it all began...

Bella's Truck

At the Forks Visitor Center

Leaving Forks...

BE BITE BACK!

Travel Inspired Designs

world travel vinyl decal stickers for your home...

World Map

Wall Art

Friday Field Trip... Giverny

In 1883 Monet fell in love with a little village in Normandy that would later become his haven. Giverny is a charming town and home to Claude Monet's famous gardens. As I entered the garden I immediately felt like I had stepped inside one of Monet's paintings. The flowers, Japanese bridge, water lilies and pond were breath taking. It was also fun to see the boat Monet puttered around in. Just like his paintings, the beauty he created in his garden still lives on. If your a gardener, fan of Claude Monet or just like beautiful things you won't want to miss a visit to Giverny. The gardens are open April-October.

Octo-Mom & a Rockette...

HaPPy HaLLoWeeN...

{Vintage Halloween Postcard}

Hope you have a Spooktacular Halloween! I'll be dressing up as Octo-Mom.

{autumn in utah}

Normandy and a World War II Survivor...

One of the things I love about being a flight attendant is meeting people and learning more about them.

I was on a layover in Austin this past weekend and met a cute 80 year old women named Micheline. After talking for a few minutes I learned that she grew up in Normandy, France. During World War II her family fled the bombings in Normandy to find safety in Paris. Just two weeks after moving to Paris their home was bombed. Her family waited 6 hours under the rubble for help to arrive but sadly two of her siblings didn't survive. Micheline was in the hospital for 6 months while her mom spent the year recuperating. Towards the end of our conversation Micheline said that living through World War II made her "strong as a bull".

Micheline was in Paris when the soldiers came a shore on the D-Day Beaches. A few years ago I visited the Beaches and Cemetery in Normandy.

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach. Over 9000 soldiers that lost their lives in Normandy were buried there. The families of the deceased had the choice to have the remains buried in Normandy or flown home. About 60% chose to have the bodies flown home while the rest stayed in Normandy.

Sometimes we take our freedom for granted. I know I do but when you visit the D-Day Beaches and Cemetery you are grateful for the freedoms gained on June 6, 1944 on the Western coast of France. I think every American, Brit and Canadian should visit Normandy if given the chance. It's just a 2-3 hour drive from Paris. In upcoming post I'll write about things to see near Normandy.

POSTCARD HEAVEN...

Just back from a 3-day trip. I was in Buffalo, NY all bundled up...Hard to imagine it's cold anywhere else when you live in the Desert. Can you believe they're already deicing planes in Denver?

After spending some time in Buffalo I just want to curl up with this Knitted Postcard! Seriously, who comes up with this stuff? If you go to Etsy they'll show you how to knit your very own postcard.

Sand Sport Super Show: Past & Present...

PAST

Old Geezer, Stacy & me at a car show with dad.

PRESENT

Still going to car shows with dad... We flew to Orange Country to check out the 2009 Sand Sport Super Show.

I don't really know a "good" Sandrail when I see one. To me a "good" Rail is the one with the best paint job. I liked this S&S Sand Car (nice paint job). My husband say's this is one of the fastest rails around. He's raced it at the drags and can't seem to beat it.

Yep... we'll be hanging out with "Big Ned" (dad) this season at the Imperial Sand Dunes (Glamis).