les tatouages

Les tatouages, or in English, tattoos. They might not be for everyone, but if you are interested I found a great tattoo shop near the campus of Université Laval. I have never thought of myself as the "tattoo-type" of girl, but then again, I've always wanted one. For years I've wanted to get a "fleur-de-lys" (which is what is on the Québec flag, pictured below)

Back at home, I'd always say I wanted one, but never went to get one. Particularly I didn't want to go alone. Even in Quebec, I almost chickened out and didn't get one. I figured, while I was here in Quebec, what better place to get a "fleur-de-lys" than in Québec? So I did. Well, not just the ""fleur-de-lys"", but also I wanted to add something synonymous to Canada as well (which was the red maple leaf as in the country's flag. (see below again)

I wanted something that would merge those two ideas. At first I wanted to use half of the leaf and half of the "fleur-de-lys" symbol. In theory, it sounds like a good idea, but when I saw the draw-up, I didn't like the symmetry of it. Instead, I thought it would look nice if the "fleur-de-lys" was put inside the leaf. So, it turned out like this: Yes, I am American. So, you might think it crazy that an American would get a very-Canadian tattoo, right? For me, it wasn't anything anti-American. I found out, just before heading to Quebec, that part of my heritage is French-Canadian. So, the "fleur-de-lys" symbolizes part of that. I also like that is shows my stay in Québec and Canada.

Now, it would help if I mentioned the name of the place. It is called Paradoxe. They are located about a 10 minute walk from the campus. (Address: 2383 Chemin Sainte Foy, G1V 1T1) They are very clean and also offer clothing product that feature their name. They are also good for piercing, from what I hear, although didn't get any. They have a few tattoo artists. The one who created my tattoo was named Philippe. He was pretty new and didn't have many clients. I liked that he spoke a little bit of English, so that made me feel a little more comfortable. At least I knew that he knew exactly what I wanted. The owner, Hugo, speaks English and French as well. So, if you don't speak French, at least he'll be able to translate what you want to the artist for you. The price was pretty reasonable (from what others who have had other tattoo's have told me). It was a hundred dollars an hour, or a $55 minumum. Mine took 20-25 minutes, so it cost the minimum. I also tipped, $10, as well. I'm not sure what the protocol on tipping tattoo artists, but I think he was happy with it.