Twilights dream trip for Birmingham family
Dec 10 2009 by Adam Aspinall, Birmingham Mail
A BIRMINGHAM family has returned from the trip of a lifetime to Seattle and Washington State to visit the home of smash hit vampire series Twilight.
The Evans family, from Northfield, had never travelled abroad before and were overwhelmed when daughter Megan won the trip in a magazine competition.
Mum Carolyn, dad Mark and 16-year-old Megan were treated like VIPs during their week-long trip, staying at exclusive hotels and eating at the best restaurants.
Carolyn said: “We had never been on such an amazing holiday. We flew halfway around the world yet had never stepped on a plane before.”
The main highlight of the trip was a visit to Forks, the home of town of Twilight characters Bella Swan and Edward Cullen.
The TV show has spawned two spin-off films, the latest of which – The Twilight Saga: New Moon – stars British actor Michael Sheen.
Megan said: “The trip was amazing and I really want to go back.
“Everywhere I went everyone was so friendly. And I was amazed when three of the local papers interviewed me.
“I felt like a celebrity, especially when some of the people from the area wanted to get my autograph. All my friends were so jealous, I’m such a huge fan of the Twilight series.
“I was totally lost for words.”
Driving across Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula the family experienced the traditional Native American culture of the Quilette tribe.
Ancient folklore has it that the group descended from wolves, a myth which features prominently in the Twilight series.
The family then headed to Seattle and visited the famous 605ft Space Needle which provides unparalleled views of the city and toured Pike Place Market, the oldest continually operating farmers market in the whole of the US.
One of the biggest treats for the family was visiting the Experience Music Project as they are huge music fans and play in their own band.
The interactive museum, which was funded by Microsoft co-founder and Seattleite Paul Allen, features unique memorabilia and displays including examples from local legends Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. Megan and her parents said they were so impressed by the area that they planned to go back next year.
Carolyn said: “We had never been abroad before.”
