Tattoos

You get to see a lot of tattoos at Centerparcs. Most of the time we were there last week was spent in or by the pool, and I amused myself by checking out the variety of tattoos on display.

They ranged from the tiny – butterflies, birds or flowers, to intricate and ornate scrolls and tribal symbols, right up to the full arm, leg or back. There were some stunning designs on display – one guy had a giant eagle across his back in glorious technicolour. Another had a dragon curled around his upper arm and shoulder.

There were a lot of names too – gothic script seemed popular, on the shoulder, forearm or across the shoulders. Skulls and grim reapers seemed to feature heavily too.

Now, I’ve often wondered what I’d get if I got a tattoo. But I can never think of anything that I’d particularly want on my skin in perpetuity. I’m not a football fan, so team logos are out. I’m not into any particular religion, so religious iconography is also out. I don’t like the tattoos of cheeky cartoon devils or cherubs, and can’t see the point of a cartoon character gracing my shoulder. Tribal tattoos are everywhere, and I think if you’re going to go for one of those it’d have to be a really bold statement – both arms from shoulder to wrist (I like symmetry, what can I say?)

I tried to think of what things I’m particularly into which would make a good tattoo. The Star Trek logo, perhaps? Or the Klingon three-pointed star? Stylish. But what would it say about me? Geek? Trekker?

Hmm. I really like my coffee – what about something related to that? Nothing really springs to mind, and getting the Starbucks logo emblazened across my back seems a little… corporate. How about a subtle coffee bean somewhere inconspicuous?

Maybe not.

Then sometimes I see tattoos like that of my friend Alex:

Which just suits her down to a T. It reads Curiosity > Enthusiasm > Action, in case it’s not clear.

So, dear reader. Do *you* have any tattoos? Do you want one but don’t have one yet? What graces your skin? And what, if anything, do you think would suit me?

Answers on a postcard, to the usual address…

Author: dave

Book reviewer, occasional writer, photographer, coffee-lover, cyclist, spoon carver and stationery geek. View all posts by dave