At 62 thinking of getting my first tattoo, A Tau Cross?

[RENSHAW]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

 

[Turga]

Don't!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Don't do it.
They just turn to mud and the ink is not regulated in the USA and probably not in Europe either.
They can (literally) use anything.

Tattoo Inks

 

[Levi]

Do! If it's what you want...there are other threads about tattoos on the forum including recommendations for tattooists in Santiago. Have a look.

 

[Bradypus]

Walking in Japan I found the hot spring bathing was a real joy. Many onsens ban people with tattoos from using the facilities. I'd hate to bar myself from that experience in future and I definitely do want to visit Japan again. Enough for me to say no personally.

 

[henrythedog]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

If it’s meaningful to you - it’s your body.

Tattooing in the UK has moved on in my lifetime. An aged uncle who was ex-navy had a few which looked like they had been made whilst both participants to the process had been inebriated. And probably so.

Mrs Htd was a medical officer in a UK prison in the 80’s and says that 90% of the inmates had a visible tattoo on arrival and 99% on departure. A good proportion were on the knuckles and spelled ACAB; which they sometimes claimed represented ‘always carry a bible’; a more believable explanation referred to the alleged indeterminate parentage of police officers.

Now, various god-children have subtle well-executed tattoos in usually concealed locations, and they are works of art. And were expensive.

Sit in front of any bar in a Spanish city and I’d estimate one in three of the passers-by under 30 have a visible tattoo.

Times change.

Personal recommendation is the only way to go.

Perhaps try a temporary for a while and see how you feel about it?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I thought the OP was asking us what we think of the Tau cross design. I googled and it is rather attractive and seems to have a good meaning. It certainly gets my vote as it is a huge step up from skulls, evil looking dragons, vipers, and the like. If that cross has meaning to him, I say go for it.
I myself have a small ankle tattoo of a palm tree. It has a lot of significance for me and invokes many fond memories.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I'm not a fan of tattoos; I think jewelry and clothing can do the work for them and easily changed for variety. I can see it in some cases and I even recommended one once. Two sisters each with an identical palm tree to symbolize sisterhood. One died and I told the other to add another tree.

Edit: Oops. Chris and I submitted our posts at the same time. Identity blown. [blush]

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I'm not a fan of tattoos; I think jewelry and clothing can do the work for them and easily changed for variety. I can see it in some cases and I even recommended one once. Two sisters each with an identical palm tree to symbolize sisterhood. One died and I told the other to add another tree.

That's me, Rick! You remembered! My sister and myself had many tropical snorkeling trips together over the years.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

That's me, Rick! You remembered! My sister and myself had many tropical snorkeling trips together over the years.

Of course. I asked to see the tattoo in Barcelona when we met. BTW, I made an edit immediately but not fast enough for you to see it.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Edit: Oops. Chris and I submitted our posts at the same time. Identity blown. [blush]

No blush about it...all good, and it gave me a chance to expound on it a bit.

 

[woody66]

If you want one get one!

Tattoos are like Marmite you either love them or hate them!
Woody

 

[JMac56]

If it means something special to you, then why not? I got my first, and only, tattoo at 60 in Lisbon after my second Camino Frances. Make sure your tattooist uses high quality black ink, ask to see the brand new needle(s) taken out of the packaging, and follow the instructions for skin care in the following week. Buen Camino.

 

[Former member 102963]

Walking in Japan I found the hot spring bathing was a real joy. Many onsens ban people with tattoos from using the facilities. I'd hate to bar myself from that experience in future and I definitely do want to visit Japan again. Enough for me to say no personally.

I have a couple of tattoos from other treks and have been meaning to add a Camino one for a while though not happened yet. Yes they can present some problems if visiting Japan esp if you want to experience the onsens which is a must, and some accommodations offer the communal style bathing as their base bath options! I think there is a degree of flexibility somewhat but it may be a hassle. Was due to go back to a Japan last year for the first time with tattoos but was cancelled.

I would get the tattoo local to my home so maybe you can chat to the artist first and feel comfortable first. The odd person does faint!

 

[Simon B]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

Do not do it!!

 

[GPeachy]

Do you already have an idea of how you want it to look? If you haven't already, you can google "Tau Cross Tattoos" to get an idea of what others have done in terms of design, size and color. Then you could refine your idea, take it to a good tattoo artist and work with him/her to come up with a design that you like.

 

[WayWalker]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

I'm 63 and thinking the same but on my calf.

 

[woody66]

Hi again RENSHAW!
Final comment from me
By asking the question you obviously want one!
Cos if you didn't want one you wouldn't ask the question!

It's a bit like does my bum look big in this; no one wants to hear the answer Yes!
Woody
Ps My next tattoo will be in May for my 69th birthday and i will hopefully be back for one on my 70th!
I might be the first to get a Camino tattoo;that incorporates wrinkles as part of it's aesthetic appeal !
Woody

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I might be the first to get a Camino tattoo;that incorporates wrinkles as part of it's aesthetic appeal !

You can say you had that put in to remind you of the way in Galicia.

 

[benny aumala]

If you do not know, do not do it!
Leviticus 19:28.

 

[Dfehr]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

An old saying I've heard about Tattoos....a butterfly on your back becomes a buzzard in your crack. As we age and our beautiful taut skin becomes stretched and a wrinkle or 2 comes along.

 

[Marc Robert]

Tattooing is a process based on the injection of metals. This is what gives the colors. It results in a toxic contamination by heavy metals. So to avoid to stay in good health and to allow to redo the ways of Compostelle.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

As we age and our beautiful taut skin becomes stretched and a wrinkle or 2 comes along.

This is why I chose my ankle; I figured far less likely to wrinkle up in old age...I'll find out either way some day.

 

[TrvlDad1]

That pretty rose when you were young becomes a dull, long stem rose over time.

 

[RENSHAW]

That pretty rose when you were young becomes a dull, long stem rose over time.

I am 62 bud? Te He

 

[TrvlDad1]

I am 62 bud? Te He

Sounds young to me, unfortunately or perhaps fortunately.

 

[wayfarer]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

Go for it.

 

[Pilgrim1960]

Tattooing is a process based on the injection of metals. This is what gives the colors. It results in a toxic contamination by heavy metals. So to avoid to stay in good health and to allow to redo the ways of Compostelle.

Marc you are absolutely right. The immune system has a very hard time dealing with tattoos and they are not recommended. The tattoo is identified as a foreign invader and the body struggles to clear it up. I think over the long term, tattoos will become treated much like smoking is now- a thing of the past due to health issues.

 

[Levi]

I don't think tattoos will ever become a 'thing of the past'..or, at least, as they have been around as long as humans have been around, they are of the past. And (I think) will always be with us.

Some people really don't like them - some people really do like them.

At the age of 66 and (ahem) quite wrinkly I still love my tattoos. They are signifiers of important aspects of my life.

No one else can make the decision for you.

 

[wayfarer]

"Those who want go ahead with getting a tattoo anyway despite the risks should consider steering clear of colors derived from heavy metals. Dr. Kunin reports that black might be the safest permanent tattoo ink; it is often derived from a substance called carbon black and rarely causes any kind of sensitivity issues. If your heart is set on red in your tattoo, ask around to see if any tattoo parlors in your area are willing to work with non-metallic organic pigments that lend a red color such as carmine, scarlet lake, sandalwood or brazilwood. There are non-metallic alternatives available for many other popular tattoo ink shades, too."

There you go, safe alternatives can be used.

I think a lot of the problem people have with tattoos is not the safety issues but that they just don't like them, on themselves or anyone else. They should live their own lifes and worry less about what others do or want to do.

 

[David Tallan]

It depends on the significance of the Tau cross to you. If it were me and I were getting a Camino tattoo, I'd be much more likely to get a yellow arrow or shell symbol. But it comes down to what has meaning to you.

 

[Bob P]

I got my Camino tattoo after I got home, with much planning, not from cheapy shop on a sidestreet in Santiago. I was never a fan of tattoos, but by the end of my Camino, I knew I would get one.
Got it at 60, now 65 and still love it.
I do not equate the Tau cross to the Camino, but if it means something to you is what matters.

 

[mazzarina]

I got my first tattoo at 40 and love it, and the others I've had since, all in fine-line black ink: a trinity symbol, a shell, and a three hares design. I love the idea of a Tau cross: very Franciscan.
My recommendation is to research tattooists: find someone whose style you like and who is prepared to listen to your ideas. Also, take their advice on placement. Good artists have a good sense of what works well where on the arm and will take their time to ensure you're happy with it before they start inking.
Peace and all good!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Go for it.

Wayfarer, I think you were the guy who put the tats on that STOP sign when you walked the Frances.
P.S. You should have asked for the advice of a professional artist first.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

@RENSHAW, maybe your cross should be an outline first. If you still like it after awhile it could be filled in (if that is what you were thinking of).

 

[Gobsmacked by the World]

I got my first tattoo just prior to my 62nd birthday as a commemorative of my first Camino.
As a (former) punk rocker, I’d somehow never got around to getting inked.
Don’t listen to the nay-sayers. Tattoos are completely mainstream now. They are a traditional art form, from around the World.
I agonized about what to get, and settled on this. The Spanish is “the path is made by walking” from the poem ‘Caminante, no hay Camino’ by A.Machado.

Go for it. You’re never too old to misspend your youth.

 

[Gobsmacked by the World]

I have a couple of tattoos from other treks and have been meaning to add a Camino one for a while though not happened yet. Yes they can present some problems if visiting Japan esp if you want to experience the onsens which is a must, and some accommodations offer the communal style bathing as their base bath options! I think there is a degree of flexibility somewhat but it may be a hassle. Was due to go back to a Japan last year for the first time with tattoos but was cancelled.

I would get the tattoo local to my home so maybe you can chat to the artist first and feel comfortable first. The odd person does faint!

If I may offer a possible solution…go for those wild full-body Yakuza tattoos. You may find not only that you can use the spa, but you’ll have the bath to yourself! LOL

 

[woody66]

"Those who want go ahead with getting a tattoo anyway despite the risks should consider steering clear of colors derived from heavy metals Dr. Kunin reports that black might be the safest permanent tattoo ink; it is often derived from a substance called carbon black and rarely causes any kind of sensitivity issues. If your heart is set on red in your tattoo, ask around to see if any tattoo parlors in your area are willing to work with non-metallic organic pigments that lend a red color such as carmine, scarlet lake, sandalwood or brazilwood. There are non-metallic alternatives available for many other popular tattoo ink shades, too."

There you go, safe alternatives can be used.

I think a lot of the problem people have with tattoos is not the safety issues but that they just don't like them, on themselves or anyone else. They should live their own lifes and worry less about what others do or want to do.

Great advice in your post !
I was a biker for over 30years and now i know why bikers love tattoos!
It's the heavy metal!
Woody

 

[Annette london]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

Oh Lord
now you’ve put this idea into my head!
A nice little yellow arrow might be nice.
I have yellow arrows on a string around my neck
A yellow arrow broach on my coat
A yellow arrow on my sun hat
on the walls
On the car
Yellow arrows on my brain

i just mentioned to “himself”
A mild mannered man…
The reply is unprintable
Renshaw, you’re only 62
At 73 I’m now thinking the same thing…maybe
only problem is, I don’t like needles!

 

[Former member 102963]

Oh dear,
with what’s going on in Vancouver at the moment, tattoos will be the least of people’s problems!
Mods….delete if you want

What’s happening in Vancouver ? UK media full of Memphis, California and Pakistan.

 

[MichaelB10398]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

Tattooing the body is such a personal thing; it is often deeply personal. I have previous obligations or commitments that dictate my choice not to wear a tattoo of any kind.
Regardless, the Tau cross is something I value and respect. I most often see it worn on a chain. It never fails to inspire and gives a break from the thoughts of the day and allows me to refocus.
Do what you feel led to do.

 

[Annette london]

What’s happening in Vancouver ? UK media full of Memphis and California.

Sorry
Cant say here
The mods would throw me off
too political
its all on google

 

[Former member 102963]

Ah ok! Thank you! I will re Google!

 

[TrvlDad1]

It depends on the significance of the Tau cross to you. If it were me and I were getting a Camino tattoo, I'd be much more likely to get a yellow arrow or shell symbol. But it comes down to what has meaning to you.

Now where exactly do I want to position that yellow arrow?

 

[Tassie Kaz]

I got this compass tattoo on my R underside forearm a few years ago (in Aust). It's very symbolic to me & I love it.
I'm 56 now & if it goes wrinkly or saggy over time...well, they'll be my wrinkles & sags & I will have earnt them!
Each to their own...YOLO.

 

[natcire]

@RENSHAW, it is a personal decision and it seemed you have thought it through on the symbolism and its location. The forearm shouldn't show sagging but will wrinkle as we get close to exiting from this world. At that time, you could look at it and enjoy the memories of why you chose the Tau Cross...plus you would have had years of enjoyment looking at it and answering why you chose that design.

 

[Former member 102963]

I have not had a Camino tattoo but intend to get one. I had one for Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro and also have one with my life’s motto. ‘Die with memories not dreams’ and I am so glad I did. I am not into jewellery and watches and always wanted something personal and these were that for me. They are on my legs and I wear shorts most of the time so they are visible. They are quite cryptic in that part of the tattoos are the heights of the 2 treks so they both have a 4 digit number attached. People ask me about them and I say it’s my PIN number so I don’t forget!

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think

 

[Annette london]

View attachment 140591
I got this compass tattoo on my R underside forearm a few years ago (in Aust). It's very symbolic to me & I love it.
I'm 56 now & if it goes wrinkly or saggy over time...well, they'll be my wrinkles & sags & I will have earnt them!
Each to their own...YOLO.

Well at least you won’t get lost now

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Well at least you won’t get lost now

Yep, it's amazing...whichever direction I face, it's always north!

 

[CWBuff]

I got my Camino tattoo after I got home, with much planning, not from cheapy shop...
I do not equate the Tau cross to the Camino, but if it means something to you is what matters.

My thoughts as well.
My wife had her old tattoo completely reworked. Absolutely by accident we stumbled upon one off the best artists in the area and had to wait 10 months for the actual appointment date.
I knew that I wanted this artist to do mine after the completion of my Camino (and yes - cheap it won't be)... well here I am 7 months past still waiting for initial consultation (suggestion was to check around 4th week of February).
So... I will absolutely trust her...
And that said and with all respect due.... I am sure that there are folks who abhor tattoos "because they are dangerous for one's health "... and yet smoke a pack a day or put away a bottle of booze....
I agree with @Camino Chrissy I thought the OP was asking an opinion on Tau Cross.
I say go from it if youare attracted to the design.
Good luck and Buen camino

 

[woody66]

I have not had a Camino tattoo but intend to get one. I had one for Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro and also have one with my life’s motto. ‘Die with memories not dreams’ and I am so glad I did. I am not into jewellery and watches and always wanted something personal and these were that for me. They are on my legs and I wear shorts most of the time so they are visible. They are quite cryptic in that part of the tattoos are the heights of the 2 treks so they both have a 4 digit number attached. People ask me about them and I say it’s my PIN number so I don’t forget!

Yep that's the way to go i have always told my kids that !
So far they have both enriched their lives; by doing and not saying ONE DAY i will!
When it comes to getting older ignore the Nay Sayers; and follow your own path it will make you happier !!
I have always loved the sentiment in this poem by Jenny Joseph makes me laugh and think a bit at the same time.
It basically saying be yourself and be free of the expectations of others.

Warning by Jenny Joseph - Scottish Poetry Library

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple / With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me. / And...

www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk

Woody

 

[CWBuff]

I have not had a Camino tattoo but intend to get one. I had one for Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro and also have one with my life’s motto. ‘Die with memories not dreams’ ...

Being realistic Everett is out of the picture for me, but Kili is actually the "next conquest".
Perhaps next year or 2025 (I would be 65 or 66 respectively).

That's before Camino strongly becons back...

 

[wayfarer]

If I ever get around to getting a tattoo this is the one I'll get. When I finished my Camino in 2012 I went to the tattoo shop in Santiago and asked about getting a small tattoo of this but the girl I dealt with wanted to do a large one so I decided to leave it, never got around to it since.

 

[Annette london]

Yep that's the way to go i have always told my kids that !
So far they have both enriched their lives; by doing and not saying ONE DAY i will!
When it comes to getting older ignore the Nay Sayers; and follow your own path it will make you happier !!
I have always loved the sentiment in this poem by Jenny Joseph makes me laugh and think a bit at the same time.
It basically saying be yourself and be free of the expectations of others.

Warning by Jenny Joseph - Scottish Poetry Library

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple / With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me. / And...

www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk

Woody

Oh my

sorry to derail the thread so will shut up after this

This has always been my favourite poem
Apparently Jenny Joseph didn’t even like the colour purple
its the sentiment that counts
I’ve had these two photos printed and put on the wall in a frame
Will be printing them for the two daughters too

 

[stevepjq]

I just returned to the States from Barcelona attending a memorial service for an old colleague. While there, I got a wonderful tattoo which is similar to "Gobsmacked by the World's." Found on my calf, it is a scallop shell with the vivid red cross of St James in the midst. The words "Buen Camino" sits atop of the shell and some sentimental words commemorating my first Camino (2013) with my wife below. Its my 4th tattoo and I turn 68 in a month. I love it and I'm glad I got it. I had tears running down my cheek from the procedure - my wife has tears running down hers as well.

 

[Kathor1]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

I think that you probably want a tau cross tattoo because you once were a hospitalero at San Antón. I remember that you posted about this a few times. The tau cross is an iconographic symbol (attribute) of Saint Anthony and it can be seen in the rose window of the ruins there.

 

[stevepjq]

Was it St Anthony? I thought it was St Francis but I may be wrong.

 

[Kathor1]

Was it St Anthony? I thought it was St Francis but I may be wrong.

The tau cross is and has been widely used within the Catholic Church and faith, and it has a variety of associations. You will have to ask @RENSHAW whether he choses the symbol because of its association with Saint Anthony, with Saint Francis and the Franciscan order or with the ruins of San Antón or because he like the look of it or for another reason. Here is a photo of the rose window:

 

[Kanga]

Please members, asking for an opinion is not an excuse for personal attacks and rudeness. By all means express yourselves, but do it politely without making it personal. Some posts have been deleted.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

@RENSHAW asked for thoughts, not approval.

Is there a better location to have the tattoo, on the body and what shop. Is the tau cross appropriate for a pilgrim, what size, color. What ink, price, etc.

 

[RENSHAW]

@RENSHAW asked for thoughts, not approval.

Is there a better location to have the tattoo, on the body and what shop. Is the tau cross appropriate for a pilgrim, what size, color. What ink, price, etc.

The Tau cross is most appropriate. So many times I ask people wearing the cross what the meaning was and no one could tell me? So I had to do my own research. I understand that Pilgrims that walked to the Holy Land were given a cross on the forehead in ash by a priest to ward off evil and vagabonds to protect them.
It is most pertinent and I certainly would not be ashamed to show it.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Good that it's not on your forehead.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

You've survived 62 years in this world. You've walked lots of miles on a Camino or two. You've earned a badge of honor.

 

[kaylfrazer]

I never had any interest in getting a tattoo... but that changed after a recent run in with cancer made me realise how temporary life can be. I am 65 now and have had it for about 4 months. I forget I have it and am delighted daily to see it. Mine is camino related (over 20 years after my first camino) and reminds of the strength and joy I felt on my caminos and was comforted by during my cancer journey. Go for it!

 

[Barbara]

Oh dear,
with what’s going on in Vancouver at the moment, tattoos will be the least of people’s problems!
Mods….delete if you want

They will if they want. Your permission or not. That's what Mods do.

 

[@Ditts]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

Go for it. You only live once

 

[1elantra]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

I think its totally your choice. If its something you feel strongly about, then go for it. Only thing Id say, is if you get one make sure you have given alot of thought on the final design.
For some reason tattoos on a persons own body is a topic many feel they have the right to make negative comments around, even though they have no personal impact on them. There are definately worse things you could do in life, than ink yourself. Good luck and Good Way.

 

[Karl Oz]

"Those who want go ahead with getting a tattoo anyway despite the risks should consider steering clear of colors derived from heavy metals. Dr. Kunin reports that black might be the safest permanent tattoo ink; it is often derived from a substance called carbon black and rarely causes any kind of sensitivity issues. If your heart is set on red in your tattoo, ask around to see if any tattoo parlors in your area are willing to work with non-metallic organic pigments that lend a red color such as carmine, scarlet lake, sandalwood or brazilwood. There are non-metallic alternatives available for many other popular tattoo ink shades, too."

There you go, safe alternatives can be used.

I think a lot of the problem people have with tattoos is not the safety issues but that they just don't like them, on themselves or anyone else. They should live their own lifes and worry less about what others do or want to do.

The OP did ask for opinions Wayfarer.

 

[Kathor1]

The OP did ask for opinions Wayfarer.

It is a rather open question. Is it about: Getting a tattoo or not? Getting a first tattoo at age 62 or not? A tau cross or something else? On the inside of the right forearm or somewhere else? Dark or light - black or colour perhaps? And we have not even talked about size yet .

Or perhaps the OP just wants to hear from others who have done something similar in a similar situation and are ok / happy with their decision?

 

[wayfarer]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

The OP did ask for opinions Wayfarer.

Opinions on the op's question above, not advice on not getting one or many of the other negative comments, some of which were removed.

 

[Pafayac]

A tau cross would be more convenient for the Assise Way:

A way to Assise, a way of peace, pilgrinage

Way of Assise, from Vézelay to Assise, pilgrimage on foot, pedestrian way and inside way for "peace resarcher"

chemindassise.org

 

[Zoran K.]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

I got mine Camino tatoo at 62 and it was the first one and now I will add every Camino or VF I walk.
Look at my profile photo , taht's my tatoo

 

[Janade]

A tau cross would be more convenient for the Assise Way:

A way to Assise, a way of peace, pilgrinage

Way of Assise, from Vézelay to Assise, pilgrimage on foot, pedestrian way and inside way for "peace resarcher"

chemindassise.org

I walked the Way of St Francis Camino in Italy last year - what the scallop shell is to the Camino Santiago, the Tau is to the Way of St Francis. You’ll see them everywhere!

 

[Karl Oz]

It is a rather open question. Is it about: Getting a tattoo or not? Getting a first tattoo at age 62 or not? A tau cross or something else? On the inside of the right forearm or somewhere else? Dark or light - black or colour perhaps? And we have not even talked about size yet .

Or perhaps the OP just wants to hear from others who have done something similar in a similar situation and are ok / happy with their decision?

I agree Kathar1na. The responses reflected the ambiguity of the questions.

 

[wabana]

Nah, get the seashell with the red cross on it !

Tau to you later.

 

[onwayhome]

Yes why not? I was lucky to have an inspiring artist do mine. Even for something as simple as a tau cross it's worth thinking about the design in detail beforehand.

 

[gmarten]

On the inside of my right forearm and not too dark - what do you guys think?

Inside of the arm is good if you want to see it as a reminder. I have a memorial tat in that place that I see every day and it comforts me. For my Camino tattoo I am planning a shell and having it placed on my ankle to symbolize the walk. Cross? Not my choice, but it's not my tat. Probably if you are religious that would be the way to go. But the Tau cross? That sounds personal to you, which is ultimately why we get tattooed. But if you want it to specifically represent the Camino, you might consider the Santiago cross.

 

[Bradypus]

@RENSHAW Just saw this and though you might be interested.

The World's Oldest Tattoo Shop Has Been in Business Since 1300

For centuries, Razzouk Tattoo in Jerusalem has provided tattoos to both pilgrims and posers, using hand-carved wooden stamps, some of which are 500 years old.

history.howstuffworks.com

 

[Pilgrim1960]

Ok I put a comment out about tattoos being a negative thing. The post was removed. I have had a few moments lately where I realize that perhaps life should not be seen in a rigid way. Lately I am embracing humanity more and frankly we make little sense most of the time. We pilgrims are gripped by a walk in Spain- does that make sense? Do tattoos need to make sense? No because they only need to make sense to ourselves and they are reminders that we do crazy things and if we do not do those crazy things we might miss living our lives. If you embrace a concept, a thought or a person, why not tattoo it on you? It has been done since we lost our hair thousands of years ago!
I guess I was a prude...... I hope you find a tattoo that embraces what you cherish!

Hope your tattoo makes you happy!!!

 

[Bradypus]

An article today on the website of La Voz de Galicia about a tattoo artist working in Santiago

El tatuador de Santiago que el verano pasado plasmó la vieira sobre la piel de 6.000 peregrinos

Clay vendió sus negocios de restauración y recuperó su vieja pasión por el dibujo en piel

www.lavozdegalicia.es

 

[CWBuff]

It's a bit like does my bum look big in this; no one wants to hear the answer Yes!
Woody

I respectfully beg to disagree because (as most of us DO know) - there is NO RIGHT ANSWER for this one!

 

[CWBuff]

Well... no Tau Cross and somewhat reminiscent of the @Gobsmacked by the World 's .... almost 10 months to the day from the date I left the house to start the Camino - here it is (just started scabbing so still pretty fresh):

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Yea!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Well... no Tau Cross and somewhat reminiscent of the @Gobsmacked by the World 's .... almost 10 months to the day from the date I left the house to start the Camino - here it is (just started scabbing so still pretty fresh):

CW, very nice. You can keep adding more dates under the original if you keep going back for some "repeats"; maybe some day they will trail down to your wrist.

 

[CWBuff]

LOL yes @Camino Chrissy . After I did it I thought darn should have gone slightly higher and then just keep on adding "Camino X" with the date - make a sleeve out of it

 

[Camino Chrissy]

It can still work, CW; you can start on the other arm if needed...you are still rather youngish I think.

 

[CWBuff]

Other arm has been dedicated to the city of my birth as it has a tall ship sailing across the blue (make it Black) Sea
Been there for 30+ years

But, hey - there are still 2 legs LOL

 

[BoulderGT3]

Do it.
I'm getting a shell on my calf at the end of this trip in May. First tattoo for me.

 

[Bradypus]

Apparently a church in Austria is offering free tattoos!

The Catholic church offering free tattoos? It’s a cross I’d be happy to bear | Bidisha Mamata

A monastic group in Vienna is offering to ink followers: with its cycle of pain and regret, it’s pure Old Testament, says Observer columnist Bidisha Mamata

www.theguardian.com

Kreuzstich am Stephansplatz: Kostenlose Kirchen-Tattoos

Am Stephansplatz surren am 15. April die Nadeln: Das Ordenszentrum "Quo Vadis" lädt zum Tattoo Walk-in. Mutige Gäste werden gratis tätowiert.

amp.heute.at

 

[alexwalker]

About getting tattoos: EU (Europe) has imposed new and strict rules on the use of hazardous ink:

Tattoo inks and permanent make-up - ECHA

echa.europa.eu

Safer in Europe, maybe? There are several tattoo shops in Santiago.