The prompt of ‘compromise’ raises all sorts of thoughts. Does it mean one person must give up something to keep another happy or do both give a bit and settle for a little bit less to keep each other happy? In some ways compromise is more of a negotiation between parties to achieve an outcome. For example when building or buying a house you often compromise on what you want because of budget or availability.

However for me working on this series, based on my travels to Canada and the USA in 2019 (seems a lifetime ago now due to COVID) I thought about the compromises one makes when travelling with their partner. My trip was based on an event in Ailsa Craig, Ontario, Canada which was the starting point. Once that week was completed with my fellow kiwis I was free to go anywhere so the planning began.

My husband was happy to go anywhere I suggested but had one request: go to Saratoga Springs to visit the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame! Initially I wasn’t very excited about it although I am a horse person but it was a little bit out of the way and required some thought of how we can make it happen. We worked out that we could drive from Montreal, Canada, to Saratoga Springs, USA, on our way to Boston. Anyway once the decision was made I didn’t think about the visit as being one of the highlights of the overall trip but indeed it was! The town was stunning as was the Hall of Fame and the added interest of the ballet shoes! We stayed in a new hotel and when we checked in the duty manager heard our voices and immediately came out to say hi and upgrade our room! He was a kiwi and was thrilled to talk to someone from home.

So sometimes when you compromise on something you can end up with a much better experience than if you hadn’t compromised. I loved Saratoga Springs and would go back in a heartbeat!

How will I reflect this in my work? you will have to wait for the reveal at the end of the month but I do know that everyone’s interpretation will be quite different which will be very exciting!