A person who identifies themselves as a ‘real-life vampire’ and has slept in a coffin for more than a decade has opened up about what the movies get wrong about his kind.
Vlad Dracula-Lowe, who goes by Drak, has identified as a vampire since he was a child. Over the years, he has gone through some extreme body modifications to look the part, including having horns implanted under his skin and getting a set of sharp fangs fitted.
The dad of three, from Reefton in New Zealand, grew up going to church every Sunday. When he heard the priest talk about a man with horns who wanted to take over the world, he decided he wanted a set of horns of his own.
What is Drak’s life like?
Talking about himself, Drak said he sees himself as an everyday person.
“I’m just a normal everyday sort of person, but yeah, I’m born a vampire,” he said.
That lifestyle included sleeping in a coffin for around 13 years, until it was damaged in a flood and he decided to upgrade to a bed.
Drak also revealed that he has drunk blood, but he said it isn’t part of his regular diet. He avoids the sun and wears a hoodie even in the scorching New Zealand heat, which he admits gets him some funny looks.
“I’ve always burnt really easily, so I’d rather avoid it, if I can,” he said.
What do the movies get wrong?
Drak said most people’s idea of vampires comes from books and movies, and that real life is quite different.
“People are starting to understand that vampires aren’t exactly what has been portrayed in movies,” he said. “This is real life, I can’t turn into a bat or disappear.”
He also said he has no problem walking into a church, being around holy water, or holding a crucifix. He has even attended the weddings of friends from several different faiths without any issue.
What does he ask of the public?
As you might guess, Drak attracts a lot of attention when he’s out and about. He says he’s used to it, but he does have one request.
“I’d much prefer for people to come up and ask a question,” he said. He’d rather people simply ask what’s up with the look, as it’s nicer for him and his family.
He does get some silly questions, though. Some people ask if he wants to drink their blood, and his answer to that is a flat no.
“I’m not just going to go out and bite someone,” he said.
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