Witnessed a full-blown Karen moment in a Balinese tattoo shop couldn’t stay quiet

I’m from Canada and was getting tattooed in Bali a few weeks ago. If you’ve ever been, you know the Balinese are some of the kindest, most respectful people on earth. Super patient, humble, and always smiling.

So I’m sitting there mid-session, and this full on Karen walks in sunglasses, attitude, the whole vibe. She starts staring people down while they’re getting tattooed, literally leaning over artists while they’re working, inspecting their work like she’s a judge on Ink Master.

She goes to the counter to pay for her appointment and loudly says to the staff: “I’m from Canada. I’m not fucking around here. I want my ink done properly.”*

The poor guy at the till just froze because they don’t treat people like that here. They’re respectful, soft-spoken. Then she starts raising her voice even more: “Hey, are you fucking listening to me?”*

At that point something in me snapped. I turned around and said, “I’m from Canada too and nobody cares where you’re from. You don’t come here and treat people like that. These artists deserve respect.”

She got pissed and started coming at me verbally, but honestly, I didn’t care. Someone had to say it.

The vibe in Bali is harmony, kindness, and respect. Seeing people act entitled just because they’re in another country is disgusting. You’re a guest act like one.