Oahu Day 7

In the back of my mind, I always regretted not getting a tattoo to remember/commemorate my time living and growing up in Hawaii. I knew that I wanted one, but I only wanted to get it if I was in Hawaii. So, the opportunity never presented itself. About two or three weeks before we were going to come, I asked Hannah if she thought it would be possible to get one and if she would help me design it. She was pretty enthusiastic, and helped me draw out my ideas. The design we came up with was a paddle with a turtle and the islands inside it. Now we had the design, but had to find an artist. Her artist wasn't available, but I found one who was and she was interested in doing the tattoo for me. It all came together and today is the day!

Allan walked with me to the studio about a half hour walk away. The Greenhouse was a cute place and very open. It was only me and a couple of friends getting tattoos together. I was a bit surprised by how quiet it was because my 11:00 appointment didn't seem particularly early. When I got there, Becca, the artist, worked with me to finalize the design. We got it printed out onto the stencil and then it was time to get started! Allan took a few pictures before he said goodbye and made his way back to the hotel.

Becca was nice and easy to talk to. I was worried that the ribs would be a sore area, but once she started at the bottom and worked her way up my ribs, I hardly noticed. I was relieved and glad that it wasn't going to be as bad as the tattoo on my foot. After doing the initial lines, she cleaned it (which hurt more than the tattoo needle) and she went over the tattoo again because of the fine lines. Once she was done, she had to clean it again. The alcohol and rubbing on the tender skin felt like rubbing sand into a fresh sunburn. It was definitely more sore than the actual tattoo.

When she was done cleaning it, I was able to get up and take a look. It looked great and I was happy with how it came out. I was also worried about the healing because of where it is and the fine lines. I had waited a long time for this tattoo and I didn't want anything to ruin it! After taking a couple of pictures, she put something called second skin on which is not something that existed the last time I got a tattoo. It was like a big, sticky piece of plastic wrap that stays on for several days and helps keep it moist and clean. It apparently heals a lot quicker and made me feel less worried about clothes rubbing on it when it was fresh.

I walked slowly back to the hotel, trying not to sweat, which was difficult with the heat, and then Allan and I just chilled out the rest of the day. We got caught up on some admin stuff but also went up to the pool deck and chilled out for a little while before we got some easy dinner from the ABC Store downstairs. It was nice to have a chill day, and I was really glad I had the chance to get this tattoo.Leggi altro