by Rich Cahill | May 2, 2014 | drumming, mountaineering, new jersey, Rich Cahill Tattoo, tattooing, trek, trekking
Headed to Bhaktapur on Tuesday to go shopping and see the beautiful scenery. Bhaktapur history goes back as far as the early 8th century. It was a 40 minute ride from our hotel by taxi. The ticket to enter costs 15 bucks. Upon arrival everyone wants to be your tour guide. after being in Kathmandu for a week, you learn to put up a force field because everyone wants your money. We chose to tour ourselves.
There are lots of temples and merchants in Bhaktapur. Walking through the city, I stumbled into a music shop. Lots of drums where lined up along the walls. I grabbed a Madal off the wall and started playing. The merchant quickly gave me another one and said “this is the one you want.” It did sound better. A Madal is used for traditional Nepali folk music. It sounds like a cross between a Tabla drum and an African talking drum. I really started to gel with the instrument. As we where jamming, a few teen kids came into the shop, Dennis and his brother. They hung out with us the rest of our time in the music shop. Then carried our stuff around for the rest of our shopping spree. These kids reminded me of the Bowery boys in NYC in the 30’s with some punk rock mixed in there. I started referring to him as “Dennis the Menace,” feeling comfortable with him right away.
After finishing up in Bhaktapur we started our exit. Dennis the Menace asked if I could buy him a book. Didn’t take much–how could I not buy him a book? Books are good! I said no problem, and followed them to the “book store.” As we walked I started to get the feeling I was being hustled. When we get to the book store, the “uncle” wants 4000 rupees (about 40 bucks) for the two books. I say no way. I offer to buy one book for the kids. After I leave, they bring the book back and do it all over again to another tourist. The Nepalis are very proud people and tipping is not part of their culture. So the street hustle is a job these boy took on. As an old punker, I can respect that. It was only 20 bucks, and I liked these kids. So I handed over the money.
And after all, the photo I got of Dennis the Menace and his brother is priceless.
by Rich Cahill | Apr 25, 2014 | immortal ink, Immortal Ink tattoo, Instagram, japanese tattoo, kathmandu, mehndi, nepal, new jersey, new jersey japanese tattoo, Rich Cahill Tattoo, tatoos, tattoo, tattooing, tattoos
Three days into my trip here in Kathmandu, Nepal. It’s a very interesting place and very different from what I am used to. It’s dusty and there’s lots of pollution, but past that, it’s a bustling city with a rich culture and beautiful people. Sacred cows sunbathe in the street, while cars and motor bikes play a chaotic symphony of honking and beeping.
Walking around, everyone wants to sell you something. And there’s lots of “stuff” to buy. American money is strong here so you can really get carried away. A fun part is the bargaining game. They give you a high price with room for you to make a deal. Very much like American Pickers and Pawn Stars in the US. Apparently that’s how they get to know you, and it’s expected for you to play the game. It’s actually really fun!!
Tattooing here is challenging. The power goes out from time to time and it’s kind of warm on the convention floor. Once we got going, it felt like a typical convention. Tattoos are cheap here. A small one goes from 10$ to $50. For me, it’s really more about the adventure than making money. I’m just happy to be here. The tattoo scene here reminds me of what it was like in America in the 80s. It’s raw and still has a heartbeat. Not like the huge ego-fest, non-tattooer shit shows in the States now. I’m looking forward to the rest of the show.
by Rich Cahill | Apr 8, 2014 | art, brooklyn, frenchtown artist, immortal ink, Immortal Ink tattoo, Instagram, new jersey, new jersey japanese tattoo, Rich Cahill Tattoo, tatoos, tattoo, tattooing, tattoos
I’m getting into doing these micro tattoos. Let me know if you would like to have one done. They are really fun!
by Rich Cahill | Sep 21, 2013 | artwork, dragon tattoo, frenchtown, frenchtown artist, Frenchtown NJ, Immortal Ink tattoo, japanese tattoo, new jersey, new jersey japanese tattoo, Rich Cahill Tattoo, tatoos, tattoo, tattooing, tattoos
Stoked to start a dragon sleeve on Juan. Drawn on with makers. I’m going to add the scales and background next session.
by Rich Cahill | Apr 30, 2013 | art, artwork, Frenchtown NJ, immortal ink, Immortal Ink tattoo, Instagram, japanese tattoo, mehndi, new jersey, Rich Cahill Tattoo, tatoos, tattoo, tattooing, tattoos
Summer is almost here and I am taking appointments for whatever you have in mind. Send me an email at changfreely@gmail.com and let’s talk. For the most recent work click on my Instagram feed.
Her are some recent tattoo photos.
by Rich Cahill | Feb 5, 2013 | japanese tattoo, new jersey, Rich Cahill Tattoo, tatoos, tattoo, tattooing, tattoos
Michael is a great client. I’ve done both his arms and just finished his back. We are onto his ribs next.
