Inked: Alchemist Tattoo, Viña del Mar

If you are visiting Viña del Mar in Chile, and wanting a tattoo, I highly recommend Alchemist Tattoo.

Upon arriving at my Valparaíso accommodation, I befriended a couple of girls who had recently received tattoos at Alchemist Tattoo in Viña and highly recommended the place.

So I messaged them on Facebook, and they were so responsive and friendly. The messages were with Niko, one of the artists there, and we were able to scope out what I wanted, and best of all the price. As I was on a budget, it was a wallet friendly $20,000 Chilean Pesos (approx $30 AUD).

I booked in with Niko for later that day (1pm) the 31st December, New Years Eve.

I was just after a simple text tattoo, so it wasn’t very time consuming, and quite easy to do.  Niko is absolutely wonderful. He spent time making sure I was happy with the draft, and his attention to detail is next level!

I’ve got a couple of tattoos already, so I knew what to expect. But near the start of the inking, my body decided throw a loop. My vision whited out, and I felt on the verge of collapse. What the heck?!  It’s annoying as when my condition makes an appearance, after being dormant for ages.

Anyway, one of the other artists asked if an energy drink would help, and I thought that was a great idea. Can’t go wrong with a bit of caffeine! The RedBull worked a treat, and I was able to get the tattoo completed. Phew!

Inked on my back left shoulder is ‘semper ad meliora‘

A Latin phrase, it means ‘always for the better’. This timeless phrase embodies my personal journey of continuous self-improvement and growth.

I think it’s in a great location on my back, as I look to the future – very special that it was an upcoming New Year. Having the Latin tattoo made in Vina del Mar, in Latin America, also added a layer of adventure, making the tattoo much more than skin deep to me.