Matthew and I share many interests in common and tattoos are one of them. So it’s safe to say that we woke up pretty excited indeed. We’d arranged to head to a tattoo studio that is a short 10 minute walk from our apartment, and had this booked in for some time. We’d sent over some ideas for the artists to look at, as we were getting a couple tattoo, but by 2 different artists.

We slowly got ourselves together and made our way through the streets of Clerkenwell as it begins to rain. We step in and are greeted by both the artists. They are super warm and friendly and get to work on completing a design to meet the brief. My artist, David, sets our to find just the right lock, and jewel picture, meanwhile Jozsef has started to work on the key for Matthew’s. It’s cool to hear that they’ve never done anything like this before in having somewhat of a matching design, but 2 different artists working on it.

We settle in and chat with the guys as they start their work. I overhear Matthew chatting about cars with Jozsef and I hear about David’s love of travel. It’s interesting how we’d been placed randomly with each of them, but suited us both perfectly.
The tattoo studio is very simple at the moment as they have secured a newer, and bigger location, just next door. But while the renovations happen, everything has been stripped in preparation for the move. There was even a sign on the door apologising for the simplicity, so as not to ‘offend’ anyone who normally is used to walls filled with artwork and images.
We aren’t in the chair all that long, and we quickly grab a picture of the finished product side by side. We are both so pleased with how they turned out.

It’s always a very intimate experience, getting tattooed, and you become instantly connected with the artist. I think it’s due a number of things, but believe that the closeness in proximity and the types of conversations that you have about life, why you’re getting your tattoo etc. The guys really enjoyed our company too, and were more than happy to have a quick picture with us all together.

We farewell the guys, and grab some lunch at an Italian restaurant before realising that we don’t really have huge amounts of time before we head into the city. Matthew had made plans to introduce me to some past work colleagues, and we also wanted to grab a game of pool at a pub nearby where were headed to.
The tube isn’t too busy as we’ve managed to head in just before peak hour. It’s so interesting to me that the surrounding buildings look familiar after spending many of Matthew’s mornings video chatting while he walks to work. And interestingly enough, the pub where we are headed is where I’d catch him for a chat during his lunch time. As is common with long distance relationships (and particularly those with time differences to deal with) you catch any time you can, but also as a result end up interacting with those they come into contact with regularly.
As we walk in and head to the pool tables a young man is sitting having some food, and he recognises me instantly. He can’t believe I am there. AJ had often said hello to me through the video chat, so it was nice to finally meet him in person. He greets us both warmly and we spent the next hour playing pool, interacting with him and other staff. Unfortunately I lost all 3 games, but as always we have fun anyways.

Before we farewell AJ, we grab the rare opportunity to capture a picture altogether as he goes on with his evening, and we begin to chat with a guy who looks very serious at the dart board.

Phil, at the dart board, is not a very serious player really, but he does come with his own darts. I asked him whether he was training for something, of which he laughed. He is part of a competition later on that night, but just with friends. He chats with us for a bit and lets me have a try. I was concerned about ruining his darts, having no experience at all, Phil insists I have a go, and with a bit of beginners luck I don’t do too poorly.
I thank our new friend and we farewell him and wish him luck on his competition later, and make our way down to the pub we will be meeting the crew at. While we sit and wait for everyone, my excitement is building. I’ve heard about all these people, and finally get to meet them all in person.
Tonight’s crew are Davin, Seema, Max, Fish, Vinny, Matthew and myself. What an incredible bunch of people. They all welcomed me so warmly and were amazing and friendly. We all chatted the night away, and one by one, they excused themselves to head home to their partners and families.

I was so proud to be there with Matthew, and it came as no surprise that each of them had something lovely to say about him, or how he in some way helped their career. How lovely to be spending time with people who really value your partner, and also get the opportunity for them to get to know a bit about me too. I’ve definitely made some new friends.
After a short cab ride home, we fall into bed knowing tomorrow’s plans have yet to be written.