The thought of paying someone to push a sharp metal needle through your flesh may seem like the most off-putting thing in the world to most people, but to me getting a piercing was something I craved for most of my teenage years. It took me five years and a trip to the other side of the Atlantic before it became a reality. Piercing has always fascinated me and at the age of 14 it was something I thought about constantly.  | | Massive needles for tiny holes! |
However, being one of those kids who followed rules, I was forbidden; school would have suspended me, my mother would have disowned me and to be frank, I was scared. As the years past I left school, but there was still my mum. You probably think I was a wuss for not just doing it, but if you’d had seen my mother’s eyes every time I half-jokingly suggested it, you wouldn’t have got one either…trust me! At the age of 18 I embarked on a four month solo trip to America, so suddenly I found myself completely free to do as I pleased. One day in Boston I bit the bullet and walked into a studio. “One lip piercing please.” Putting down my 30 dollars I felt ready for it - but no! | "After what seemed like a lifetime, a burly guy, with more holes in him than a cheese grater, called my name." | | Chris Ackerley |
“You’ll have to wait for an hour, we’re pretty busy.” After what seemed like a lifetime, a burly guy, with more holes in him than a cheese grater, called my name; this was it, my palms moistened, I could feel myself starting to shake. But pulling out now would be a personal letdown. As I sat on the chair I could feel beads of sweat trickling down my sides and the blood rushing to my face but then before I knew what was going on I had a hand in my mouth and a sharp metal object wedged in my bottom lip! I opened my eyes and looked in the mirror with a massive feeling of satisfaction. The piercing looked great and to be honest it didn’t really hurt much.  | | This one looks painful! |
I thanked the studio and walked out on to the street with a proud swagger in my step. Adulation was rapidly replaced with a dull throbbing in my face but I was still a happy young man. Now I had another three months travelling to do and by Christmas I had completely forgotten about my mum's disgusted look awaiting me at the airport. However, here lies the genius of my plan. Having not seen me for four months I assumed she would be too happy to see me to care about the hole in my face and against all odds it worked!
I now own six piercings and love them all; it may sound naff but a piercing is not just a fashion statement, it’s an experience that will stay for you for life. The adrenalin rush is immense every time, but for me, my first will always be the most memorable. | 
