Siem Reaping

Her lips quivering, sweating bullets, on her knees, hands straight up in the air, like an owl, turns her head 360 degrees to find herself in the middle of a Cambodian police squad that circled her. Each one, gun pointed and caulked straight at her. She, begging for justice!

Now, let us rewind a bit.

Have you heard of Anchor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia? It is known as the largest religious monument on the planet and featured on the Cambodian flag. According to inscriptions, the construction of Anchor Wat took 35 years, 300,000 laborers, and 6,000 elephants to build. Along my 6-month solo trip around South Asia, I visited Anchor Wat at sunrise. Breathtaking would be an understatement!

As an artist, I often get tattoos at places I travel to not only as momentum but also it is the art I keep with me for life, unlike the art I produce for others to enjoy. To represent and remember Cambodia, I decided to get a tattoo of Anchor Wat. The hostel in which I was staying a few nights in Phnom Penh, had a large banner promoting a tattoo parlor nearby. I thought to myself, why look any further? This place must be reputable. So I hopped in a tuk-tuk and went straight there the next morning after a delicious breakfast.

The owner of the tattoo joint greeted me, and I told him of my idea. Anchor Wat mirrored and turned 45 degrees to create a diamond-like shape to fit over my left calf muscle. With the language barrier and my perfectionism, I believe we got into a bit of a scuffle, as I wanted to make sure he understood what I wanted, but I think he may have taken it as an insult. I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Lesson learned. Always trust your gut!

I lay down, and he started to work. I woke up when the tattoo was complete. Wait. Did I just say woke up?

Yes! You heard me right. I fell asleep during the tattoo! Let me tell you, I have gotten many pieces done in the past, and not once have I ever fallen asleep! You don't "fall asleep" during a tattoo session. It is far too painful!

So what happened? I believe I was doped! WHY? My cell phone was the target. As an artist, my cell phone was the absolute worst thing that could have been taken from me. It held photographs from several months of travel before Cambodia. Photos and memories I will never know again. Besides, it was my only lifeline to my loved ones back home. As a young, single girl traveling on her own, my family would be quite worried if I didn’t check in at least once a day. This ignited a massive panic attack within.

The next day, I went back to the tattoo parlor escorted by the owner from the hostel that was promoting them. I walked into the shop, initially playing the calm, sweet, girl approach, stating, keep the phone, I don’t care about the phone, I just want my S.I.M card, it’s of no value to you, but to me, it is my life! The tattoo artist pretended he didn’t understand me and denied taking my phone while ginning strangely with a sly expression. Within seconds, I found myself on a rampage, turning over his couches, flipping desks upside down and in front of customers waiting to get tattooed. A horrific scene! Blood boiling in my head! Can you imagine? What was supposed to be a memorable moment, well, turned into one. Just not of the caliber I expected.

Which, brings us to the opening. I went to seek justice. How I found myself surround at gunpoint by ten or more Cambodian Police? I said the word F*ck! Not directly at them but in front of them about my situation. Let me tell you, Cambodians do NOT like that word! And for anyone planning to go there, I highly recommend refraining from using it.

Now, this may seem like a tragic story, but it had quite a positive effect. Each time I gaze upon my tattoo, I count my blessings. It could have been a lot worse! It taught me and still does to be grateful for what I have. Health, family, friends, things that matter. It taught me to let go of materialistic items, as I cannot take them with me in the end. It gave me the incredible ability to forgive in general. I forgive people for all transgressions at the drop of a hat, as they seem much less than what happened to me in Cambodia. And that is the biggest of all. Those who cannot forgive are hurt more than their wrongdoers. Holding grudges kills one slowly.

So when I look down at my tattoo, instead of feeling anger, remorse, regret, I feel blessed. It may seem crazy, but true. And despite all the madness, I would go back to Cambodia in a heartbeat! It is truly an incredible place to experience.

TIPS PLEASE :) I hope you enjoyed my true story. If you'd like to help support me in either of the following: 1. My battle as a visual artist 2. my passion for ink or 3. future travel that will provide me with more material such as this story to continue writing. I greatly appreciate all my readers!

Cheers!

Laydee Lemonade~