It’s interesting watching the people here – there seems to be every nationality, every age, shape and size, single travellers, couples, small and large groups and I discover that the one thing everyone has in common is a tattoo. These are in the same wide variety as the people, some are small, pretty and discreet, some are huge and ugly and cover virtually the whole body, but I seem to be the only person of any age, male or female that doesn’t yet sport one. It’s also big business here, with lots of studios all advertising their hygiene and huge variety of “body art” designs. It also appears to be the traveller’s most taken home souvenir and at the pool (it was the same in Cambodia) you will always hear discussions about where is the best place to go, and people talking about the history of their personal collection. They appear to be a bit like a travelling blog – the story behind each new addition is related to the country where it was obtained. Each day on the beach you see a number of people with one part or another of their anatomy shielded from the sun – apparently your new tattoo needs to be kept out of it for a time. So a few days ago I decided to take the plunge. As you can see, I didn’t go for anything too small, but it’s just on my arm so is easy to cover up at home if necessary. Apparently it’s a traditional Thai design, telling the story of Buddah entwined with the ancient history of Thailand, and something to do with white elephants which are portents of great things (hopefully that lottery win….). It was a bit sore to start with but it’s healed really well. I hope you like it, and at least now, I feel a real part of the travelling community. I’m still lovin’ being in Asia, the days all melt into one another and the commercial world of shopping and bars runs in parallel with the spirituality of the place. There are spirit houses everywhere (there are two just outside my room) and it’s incongruent seeing a young girl in the briefest of outfits outside her bar before the evening rush lighting incense, placing an offering and praying to a colourful makeshift mini temple on the pavement. The two things seem to exist together here really easily. It’s a bit like the dates here – there’s always some special day – full moon, new moon, family days – no idea what today is, but am sure it means something to somebody.
