AUCKLAND 2
I woke up today from what felt like a deep slumber at 5:30AM. I guess it makes sense, since I’ve done nothing but sleep and wake up only for meals since I got here yesterday.
Today is the day that I finally get my tattoo from Tritoan. I’ve only mildly stalked him since probably 2014 or 2015, and have been obsessed with his style of fine line floral tattoos. I had always wished that one day I could get one of his hip and shoulder pieces, but was way too intimidated by how beautiful they were and that I wouldn’t be able to carry it well. I think because I’ve been insecure about my weight for so long, it was always a thought that when I feel as beautiful as those pieces, that’s when I’ll get one or both to do them justice.
After the 7 months I had had the previous year, I figured 2026 was going to be my year. I’m no longer waiting to do the things I wished I could do- I’m just going to do them. I’m not waiting to lose just a little more weight, earn just a little more money or wait for life to slow down just a little more. I’m turning 40 this year, and it feels like my life is just passing me by in these waiting periods, and they will soon turn into regrets.
With this in mind, once me and Laura started packing for our trip in the first week of January, I figured— let me try emailing him an inquiry and see what happens… his books are usually closed right? Well, next thing I knew we were talking about cost and deposits and I was well into the process of booking it, all that was left to discuss was the matter of his availability during the limited dates I would be in Auckland. 2026 was off to such a great start.
Little did I know I was about to face the biggest loss of my life and it was about to be turned upside down. Tritoan got back to me by confirming the dates he had available on the day that dad died. The only date available— January 28th, or else it would be May or June. If I accepted the January date, I would have to be on the flight on January 25th (which was oversold by the way), the day of Dad’s celebration of life.
Since Dad was the first person I actually told about the tattoo and he was so excited for me, I figured I should book it for him. I explained the circumstances to Tri and asked if my deposit can be moved to a later date if I’m unable to leave or am too grief stricken to travel and make it for January 28th, which was no problem.
But alas, I made it to NZ and today is the day. I woke up rested but anxious. I’ve never committed to something like this ever in my life, and I knew Mom didn’t really approve. Damn my people pleasing tendencies. Part of the instructions for the tattoo were to have a big breakfast and be well rested. I was off to a good start.
Uncle Von helped me pay my balance to Tritoan, and we could figure out how to pay him back later. I went for breakfast around 7:30 and Uncle had a spread of fruits and veggies with granola, yogurt and Manuka honey. He then also heated up some of his scones from yesterday which I lathered with butter, jam, chilli oil, habanero sauce and the honey— delicious. I was deliciously full. The good thing about my anxiety about the tattoo, I temporarily forgot everything about my new current reality. Maybe that’s why Vind, Sukh and Mom were pushing me out the door.
Despite the circumstances, it was hard not be excited in anticipation of someone that seems like you’re own personal celebrity. I got to his studio and it was just SO cool. Intimidatingly so. I wish I could be that effortlessly cool.
I walked in and it seemed there was no one there. So, I just sat down, drinking in the decor, and became even more intimidated and anxious than I thought was possible.
Eventually Tritoan came downstairs because he finally heard me moving around downstairs in his studio. And did I mention he is just so cool. We talked a bit, he asked about Dad, about my tattoo journey that led me to him and what I was looking for.
The cool thing about Tritoan is that he was a pioneer in the fine line floral design tattoos, and he did it all self taught. He freehand designs directly on your body working with your contours so it’s incredibly dainty and feminine and unique to you
When he drew on me with the sharpie I panicked.. it looked so much more bold and bigger than I imagined. But he talked me off a ledge pretty quickly and I decided I came all this way trusting my gut and committing to such a huge piece based on his expertise to trust him also. And man am I glad that I did.
Stupidly this is the only picture I got with Tri, as a progress photo. It already looked so pretty I could’ve cried.
To say “I love it” seemed like such an understatement. Turns out Tritoan wasn’t even supposed to be in town in January, and he literally just opened up his books this month because he came from vacation early and was bored. I feel like there was some serendipity at play here or maybe this was Dad helping me along the way.
Dad loved his plants and flowers, and this just seemed so fitting that he helped me get here and get this tattoo.
This ones for you Dad, Cheers.
Once I got back home the exhaustion kicked in again and I slept for a few hours like the dead, only to be woken for dinner cooked by Uncle Von. The aroma was so delicious, as was the dull pain on my shoulder. I will trade physical pain for the emotional one that’s torturing me any day.
Uncle made his take on a seafood paella and it was delicious. Spiced and cooked perfectly. I ate like food was going out of fashion. The constant sleeping and waking up to eat ravenously was starting to confuse me a bit. But for now, Bon Appétit.
