Getting a shell tattoo on the Camino Francés

[Balzanom]

Hello, my gf and I will be working our way down from Paris to SJPP this Friday eve. Heading out on our journey on Sunday. We are both so very excited Thinking about getting a shell tattoo Along the way. Does anyone have any experience with cities and places where that may be an option? Mike

 

[alexwalker]

Several in Santiago.

 

[Balzanom]

Perhaps waiting till then makes sense

 

[sun is shining]

Hi there!

I've got a shell tattoo after my first Camino too. Couple of thoughts (assuming that you are new to the world of tattoos):

- even though the tattoos will probably be small you want them to be *good* - so research the specific artists is a must. That might be more easy to do for people located close to you (reading reviews in Spanish might be tricky)
- your bodies / skin might be pretty messed up during / right after the walk. This is problematic for several reasons: a) you are more prone to feel pain if your body is already stressed and b) damaged (sunburned) or bloated (salt levels) skin wont retain ink well
- think about the location. Say you want the shell on your feet - how are you going to walk in hiking boots afterwards? If you have them on your arms, how are you protecting them from the sun. Plus potentially questionable hygene in the albergues. If you *need* to get them in Spain (I get that completely) do it after the walk and at least *two or three* days rest in Santiago. There are a few threads about Santiago-based tattoo artists here - I'd also suggest checking out their online presence to see the actual work.

 

[Balzanom]

Hello, my gf and I will be working our way down from Paris to SJPP this Friday eve. Heading out on our journey on Sunday. We are both so very excited Thinking about getting a shell tattoo Along the way. Does anyone have any experience with cities and places where that may be an option? Mike

Hi there!

I've got a shell tattoo after my first Camino too. Couple of thoughts (assuming that you are new to the world of tattoos):

- even though the tattoos will probably be small you want them to be *good* - so research the specific artists is a must. That might be more easy to do for people located close to you (reading reviews in Spanish might be tricky)
- your bodies / skin might be pretty messed up during / right after the walk. This is problematic for several reasons: a) you are more prone to feel pain if your body is already stressed and b) damaged (sunburned) or bloated (salt levels) skin wont retain ink well
- think about the location. Say you want the shell on your feet - how are you going to walk in hiking boots afterwards? If you have them on your arms, how are you protecting them from the sun. Plus potentially questionable hygene in the albergues. If you *need* to get them in Spain (I get that completely) do it after the walk and at least *two or three* days rest in Santiago. There are a few threads about Santiago-based tattoo artists here - I'd also suggest checking out their online presence to see the actual work.

Thx, great insight.

 

[JMac56]

View media item 5650If you happen to be going to Lisboa after your Camino I can recommend an excellent tattoo artist there. Buen Camino.