By: Denna Eramo
Contributing Writer
I was lucky enough to get to go behind the scenes at Ripley's headquarters, which in it's self is a maze of crazy, to watch as Maria Jose Cristerna, "the Mexican Vampire Woman" begin her 15 hour plus body casting. Read our first post about Maria here.
Maria arrived last night from her home in Guadalajara and will be in Orlando for the 2 day process of being casted. She approached the staff at the Ripley's attraction in her hometown about being a part of museum. After forwarding her photos and information to Edward Meyer Ripley's vice president of exhibits & attractions he jumped at the chance to bring this one of a kind woman to Orlando.
Today's casting will take over 15 hours with a team of people doing everything from the casting to sculpting and hand painting. The final bust will be on display here in Orlando's Ripley's Believe It or Not with other casts being placed all over the world.
With the help of a translator I got to speak with Maria as the Ripley's team worked. She is a tattoo artist and is covered over 95% of her body with tattoos. I asked her if she had a favorite piece. "She has a heart on her thigh which represents her family, that piece is very special to her."
