A lot has changed since I first began traveling to Europe. I’ve gone from having the heaviest piece of luggage in our friend group of 7 to being able to successfully pack for a 4 week trip in a small carry on bag. No longer do I have to watch every franc, guilder, pound or ruble, or even euro, I spend, which feels very luxurious. And I no longer feel inclined to shop at duty free – or even compelled to bring home a physical souvenir as a memento from my trip.
I guess the overall theme is that I now travel lighter.
On my recent visit to Ireland, however, I knew I wanted to return to U.S. with a very specific and tangible purchase from my trip…
This gift to myself wouldn’t take up an iota of room in my bag, however. In fact, I’d be wearing it for the return trip, as well as for every remaining moment of my life.
When a photo of my father, including his first name signed on the back, turned up after having been missing for a number of years, I knew exactly what I wanted to bring home from my trip to Ireland – his name tattooed on my inner wrist.
I reached out to a cousin (of sorts – her grandfather is my first cousin) seeking recommendations for artists/studios in Dublin and, after checking out some work on Instagram, I scheduled an appointment with Luke at True Electric Tattoo on Wicklow Street.
It was an excellent choice. The shop was in a convenient spot and Luke’s workstation was immaculate. Honestly, his cleaning and disinfecting and organizing of his tools took far longer to complete than my simple little inking. With a tablet and software my photo was used to create a tracing which Luke, after we agreed on placement, affixed to my lower arm. He then invited me to look in the mirror to confirm that the tattoo would be just where I wanted it.
Forever.
Using a delicate touch, Luke inked my inner wrist with a precise replica, including the unjoined letters i and a,of my father’s first name.
I absolutely love everything about it – the significance of the word, the origin of the signature, the fact that two of my cousins accompanied me to the appointment and the fine work of Luke Martin. For the first time ever, a new tattoo had zero redness or scabbing.
It was immediately and beautifully perfect.
I absolutely love it.
DelSo 