My First Tattoo - Result from a Depressing Stage in Life

Many people know me as an optimistic, joyous person; so much so that a former colleague ever mentioned behind my back if I am psychologically okay. I believe it was, simply put, my cheerful personality but life does throw occasional curveballs. 

And one did last year, resulting in extreme stress at work that even my frequent overseas trips fail to keep it at bay. I questioned my worth, my future and nothing seemed to be able to pull me out from the deep trough I fell into. It was depressing. 

Thankfully, and gratefully, with encouragement from Alex and a few close friends; it took me only slightly less than a month to feel better, and most importantly, to be able to smile, although the scary thoughts of the demon returning often kept me worried. 

A reel on Instagram caught my attention and it aptly captured my sentiment. I am not loving myself enough, not even loving myself first. I should constantly remind myself to love myself first, before I could even love others. 

Hence, the topic today, where I happily stood outside Martin Arts Studio at Mount Austin, in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. I am finally getting my first tattoo; one that I had contemplated for so long, since my teenager years! 

Waiting for my turn. Martin Arts Studio was chosen given the good reviews from friends and Martin, the boss, was quick in his response via Instagram message, where I discussed with him on the design, the pricing, the aftercare etc.

Brought to my clinical 'throne' where I would stay for the next few hours. The whole session eventually lasted about 2.5 hours and I am so glad that I had my breakfast earlier.

Stretching out my clean, right arm. In a few hours time, it shall be permanently "defaced". Not that I am complaining as it's something I have wanted to do but just couldn't find the right design / message that appeals to me.

Relaxing. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. Some people mentioned tattooing can be painful and I am unsure if I have a high pain threshold. Would I scream? Would I grimace with painful? 

Session, begins! Not sure what the bottle contained.

Alcohol? Maybe. Or Water? 

Since this was my first experience, I didn't expect an actual size printout to be given for confirmation on the design before it was pasted on the preferred, designated spot of my body like a temporary tattoo. Somewhat like what we do at art classes, when tracing is required. 

Preparing the ink, and the work starts! 

Using a pen machine and a needle cartridge that came in a sealed bag, the numerous needles started piercing into the skin at rapid speed. It felt like ant bites, yet the pain was super manageable, although it intensified towards my elbow.

Very dark shade although Martin mentioned it would fade a few weeks later.

I was actually expecting blood but there's didn't seem to be any. 

Took a rest before we proceeded with the colored words. Focus is important as any wrong move would mean regret; not for the artist / tattooist for sure! 

Colored inks, like a rainbow! Unlike the needle head for the word "love", which had like six or nine needles, the smaller words required just a single-need head. 

Not sure what these markings were for.

Start of the inking! Personally, I would think the single-needle head felt more painful, especially when it reached the letter "t". Still bearable although I think it should be much worse at sensitive areas like near the bonier areas. 

"Love Yourself First" - I love how it turned out! A simple message for me to always remember; and for me to look at whenever life throws another curveball to my face.

Now, the words looked like they were photoshopped onto my arm! 

As tattoos are basically wounds for the body, and infections are not uncommon, proper care is required, including not being able to exercise for a few days! In addition, scabs are part and parcel of healing so I had to stop myself from picking them! 

Want to see how they look like now?

Catch me when you next see me!  

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Address

48-01, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, 

Taman JP Perdana, 81100 Johor Bahru, 

Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Map

As above. 

Pricing

RM 500

Mil Toast House @ EmQuartier in Bangkok [Thailand]

After a heavy dinner with our Thai friend, dessert would be the next best thing and the same friend suggested popping by Mil Toast House @ EmQuartier, where we can maybe get some tea and spend the rest of the night chatting! 

But, I was tempted by the bingsu poster! Counting three of us, I guess it's a reasonable dessert to be shared for fat and calorie averaging! Pity my mom wasn't with me as she is a fan of this Korean shaved ice.

As the name of the shop suggested, their specialty was on toast. Mind you, this was 8pm and after dinner. There's no way I am going to bulk up on the starch so close to sleeping time! 

Iced Cocoa - Alex's beverage which he enjoyed loads for its thickness, richness and sweetness! Frankly, it's a bit too much after the dinner we had earlier.

Hot Strawberry Tea - I prefer something lighter and was totally expected strawberry in a sachet! Surprise, it was literally strawberry with pulps, and even a slice of strawberry, and tasted more sour than overladen with sugar. This explained its high price tag of almost S$6! 

Strawberry Cheesecake Bingsu - looking exactly like the picture on the poster, we love the powdery soft yet tightly packed milk ice with natural tasting strawberry jam that came peppered with seeds, and surrounded with nice cubes of cheesecakes! The topper vanilla ice cream was normal though.

Strawberry Toast Stick - now, I wasn't keen with toast but Alex persuaded with the toast stick which featured lesser bread, albeit pricey at almost S$12 for just three sticks of bread with white chocolate coated strawberries! 

Strawberry was sweet, and helped along by the layer of white chocolate at the bottom. However, the star was the toast. It would be best described as the perfect toast; soft and fluffy insides with an exterior featuring a crunchy crisp, and topped with a light sprinkling of white sugar! How not to love?! 

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Definitely coming back for its thick toast next time! 

Second thought - so expensive leh.... 

p.s. refer to menu below. 

Address

G floor Building B, EmQuartier, 

693 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, 

Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Map

As above.

Menu

As above.

Pricing

Iced Cocoa - 150 Baht

Hot Strawberry Tea - 150 Baht

Strawberry Cheesecake Bingsu - 330 Baht

Strawberry Toast Stick - 295 Baht

(Subject to Service Charge)

The Sculpted Trees @ Chùa Linh Ứng Buddhist Temple in Da Nang [Vietnam]

The 67-meter tall Lady Buddha statue at the Son Tra peninsula was an impressive sight at Da Nang but something else caught my attention on my visit to the Buddhist temple. 

Many displays of bonsai-like plants that were sculpted in ways that appeared to be machine-shaved, resulting in neat, flat layers that looked impossible! 

A closer look revealed that there were metal trays tied to the main branches of the plant, which served somewhat like a host for which the leaves and small branches leeched on like a parasite! Honestly, it was remarkable.

Maintaining it would be a chore though as it's required to shape the small branches by tying them to the metal grid so that they would conform to the shape! 

And some of the trees can be taller than your typical man, adding on the difficulty to sculpting the trees as if they were leaves served on humongous plates.

Despite the 'torture', some were bearing fruits! 

p.s. curious me wonders if they are edible.

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Location

Chùa Linh Ứng Buddhist Temple,

Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam

Click here for my 8 Days' Itinerary to Danang (The City of Bridges) & Hoi An (The City of Lanterns) in Vietnam