15 Sep 2011
by iLoveMySleepin Argentina, Art, Randomness & Inspiration, South America, Tattoo Tags: Argentina, art, Sout America, tattoo
Now what could I say? this really has been long time coming for me. For many years I’ve been thinking of getting inked and now I’ve finally got to it and it has been a journey of its own, trust me.
One thing that I always had clear in my mind was that I would get inked only if I would have designed my own tattoo. There was no other way for me. It had to come from my heart, simple as that.
So, let me take you through the process and believe me, for a designer there is not worse project or mission than designing your own website, for example. Now can you imagine how challenging is to design your own tattoo that will accompany you for the rest of your life?
How exciting!!!
Really special time and I’m so grateful for it.
All started in my sketchbook with pencil and desire to sketch. I had certain images, landscapes, icons, ideas and family on my mind, so just started with bit of verbal brainstorm on my own and nailed it down to paper.
Then I strongly felt to include my close dear family. I’ve started to scribble and play with my own handwriting and the initials of my mom and bro came to life. So, here was the birth of the first ever tattoo I’m carrying on my left-hand wrist.
Here is my first ever tattoo artist Alejandro. Appearance doesn’t tell how sweet this guy is and I’ve enjoyed every moment of his time and skills.
After this first experience that came out of nowhere really, I was ready to truly design my bigger piece that was always going to go on my left shoulder.
Don’t ask me why there, I just always wanted a tattoo on that spot. So, here we go. Meaning and all elements that came out of 2 weeks of tasting and digestion of design was tough emotionally. I am so happy that it worked out such a wonderful way and I’m thankful for every moment of it.
Here is the process of getting it tattooed.
Danny the Tattoo Artist who’s done a great job.
Time it took to get it done was 7 hours. I must admit that after 5 hours it really and I mean really started to hurt a lot. I guess just general skin aggravation and me being tired was taking its toll. When I’ve seen how Danny was into his work I decide to take the pain and stay there with him in his work in his zone and Yes, he was in it with all his soul. Me being a designer, I know how it is sometimes when we unconsciously slip into to this strange creative territory ‘zone’ when we just create and get things done.
So, here it is, my tattoo:
Here is my original & final artwork I’ve concepted and illustrated.
I am very happy with result and it feels very strong and familiar having it on my skin and shoulder. It’s me and it feels great to be inked for a life. Concept that spooked me for such a long time, but now it’s part of me and it truly feels right.
08 Mar 2011
by iLoveMySleepin Antarctica, Argentina Tags: Antarctica, Argentina, Sout America
Being a last-minute passenger on the trip to Antarctica does not leave you with your bagpack being delivered to your cabin door, neither it provides with special Canadian Goose Winter Jacket, but that’s not why I’ve embarked on this journey in the first place. To be an around the world traveller, extra jacket would give me just additional cost of having to sending it back home, like I’ll have to do with my Antarctica book and journey certifications after my trip is finished.
My last day in Ushuaia before embarking went fortunately fast with my heart beating faster then usual under huge excitement. I had this strange moment of compulsory need for getting myself Smoking Pipe and Nougat flavoured Argentinian tobacco. Don’t ask, it’s part of me that crawled out and just done it’s own thing, funny to watch for the rest of me. Then I had juicy steak with beer that I’ve got invited to from Martin (Snopek) my Argentinian friend with Slovak roots.
Walking down the streets to harbour was a joy. I was accompanied by other fellow backpacker, Udesh from South Africa who was staying at same hostel as me.
We both smiled and hoped to be on the ship very soon. Once on board and checking in they couldn’t find me on the list for a moment and I was ready to chain myself to door refusing to leave. Bit of panic in my eyes sparkled new idea and I’ve tolled them to search by my name Zuzana. There I was, cabin 207 smiled at me steward. they’ve obviously screwed up my surname, oh boy what a surprise over these years…
I’ve dropped of my backpack, said Hello to my two new cabin mates and went off on ship discovery mission. Announcement said we were free to wonder all around the ship and that was all I needed to hear. Obviously there were restricted areas unreachable without knowing the code (later on I’ve managed to see much more from ship, but that’s an other story you’ll read later), but all the rest was an open maze. I’ve grabbed my camera, snap some photos of Ushuaia just like the one bellow.
I managed to find the bridge door which was open and politely stood outside with eager eyes trying to see as much as possible on what was going on inside. An officer has spotted me and kindly invited me inside. First I was bit hesitant thinking he’s joking, but then I’ve stepped in questioning him. Is this really possible to enter bridge? Silly me, ‘don’t give people ideas, so they can change their minds!’, I’ve reminded myself.
Fortunately, it was all good and we started to chat immediately. I’ve noticed officers Eastern European accent and introduced myself. This was received with strong handshake and big smile. I was speaking to Nicolay from Odesa – Ukraine. Such a warm welcome on board made me feel great and I’ve asked myself quietly. Could this get any better?
- Oh, Yes it did!
Just about when radio message to bridge sounded in background, other officer came to us turning towards Nicolay saying: Captain, all the passengers are now on board, we are ready to leave. I suddenly realized, I’ve been happily talking to the most important man on the Expedition, our Captain = Ice master!
I’ve also understood it was time for me to leave the bridge and find my way back to my ‘engine cabin’. All the time I was smiling and saying to myself, what a glorious start and what a charismatic man. I felt very calm knowing, I’ll be in good hands sailing on open sea, idea that was bit haunting, as I’ve never done it in my life before. Especially after hearing about returning journey of last passengers, big storm with 10 – 15 meters waves and sea sickness struggle.
23 Jan 2011
by iLoveMySleepin Argentina, South America Tags: Argentina, Sout America
One of my big concerns was entering Argentina. First of all I have to come back to a fact of getting on the plane at all. As I’ve read and been warned by people, that without having return or onward ticket from/to South America, the airline will most probably refuse my plane boarding.
Pretty worrying fact, if they happily sell you the single ticket anyway. I was flying with Air Europa from London to Madrid then waiting 2 hours at Barajas to board my plane to Buenos Aires.
Despite of all warnings, I’ve decided to take a risk and go with single ticket only. Flying out of Gatwick, I had smoothest check in ever. I didn’t have to wait at all, I mean no queue at all; take that for a start of the journey! All went well, no silly questions, if I have enough money or onward ticket, just very nice flight attendant and good vibes.
I must say, I had Annie to support me with good energy and her advice to print out Bank Statements from my accounts to have them as proof of my funds. Very simple, but great advice. Thank you! (and also for driving me to the airport and cooking delicious chicken soup with dumplings = priceless. With me being still ill it was a massive help. Don’t worry I’m not going to post that video of you driving and swearing, ha-ha-ha).
At the airport security checks, I’ve been held up with thorough search and to my own embarrassment, (brother, stop reading this paragraph now) I’ve forgotten to put into my checked in luggage my special Swiss Army knife that I’ve got from my lovely brother on Christmas. Damn it! All the possible swearwords in all languages I know were floating in my head. I had to say goodbye to my knife, my own fault, so it’s gone now.
Entering the Argentinian boarding control was smooth. I didn’t get asked any questions at all and my old passport that is valid until 2013 was just fine, despite of Slovakian embassy in Buenos Aires stating on their website that I need new passport with chip.
All the way I stayed positive, saying to myself: “Everything will be fine, I’ll get through.” I did!
Well, Hello Argentina, here I come.
22 Jan 2011
by iLoveMySleepin Argentina, South America Tags: Argentina, Sout America
Waiting in Barajas Madrid, sitting by the window and checking my big Jumbo Plane, which would take me to South America. I still find it amazing how such a big, heavy flying monster can actually take off, fascinating for the laic eye.
Argentinian Airlines were good to me. Think any English only speaker might not say the same, as on such a long flight they’ve put only one movie, all in Spanish and with old style TVs in corridor. Dream on about luxury of having your own TV in the seat in front of you with your own selection of entertainment. I certainly didn’t mind, as I had a big fat smile on my face as soon as we took off. Not only I had cool window seat, but two seats next to me were empty. I was one of the few lucky ones that had space to stretch and sleep. Take that for Tourist class = luxury. I slept well.
One of my highlights of the Aerolíneas Argentinas was dinner, not only served by great looking woman with sexy accent, but her first question was: “quiere carne o pollo?” (do you want meat or chicken?)
I immediately settled into the notion of country where meat is the way of life. Just how good Argentinian meat is! It surely deserves a story of its own. Best plane dinner I’ve had so far was stew beef with rice served by Aerolíneas Argentinas, of course had to be accompanied by red wine and my shiny appreciative smiling eyes.
That was start of my journey and somehow I knew it’s going to be special.
