This Week in the World: Week 22

Hello again! Hope you’re enjoying your weekend (and especially if you’re celebrating a long weekend in the US or the UK!) I’ve definitely been taking full advantage of an extra day and glorious weather! I went down to Kent with my friends Jo and Victoria on Friday for an overnight trip so we could tour Squerryes Winery on Saturday morning (more about that in a minute) and have some fun outdoor activities planned… like picnics and pub patios!

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a weekly recap of content ranging from around the globe. My hope is that each week, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious. Let’s dive into the content I sourced for week 22.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• I loved this piece titled “As Italy Opens to International Travelers, One Local Reflects on the Return of Tourists”.

• The EU Travel Certificate Program will launch this summer.

• 6 things you should know about traveling to Europe this summer.

• I am traveling to Greece on Friday and found this “need-to-know” piece to be very helpful.

• What does it mean to travel sustainably in 2021?

AROUND THE WORLD

• I laughed a lot reading this list of “21 Things You Only Learn Once You Move To London.”

• The Louvre is getting its first female leader in 228 Years… we love to see it!

• Seven of the best new UK restaurants to try in 2021 (adding to my list!)

• This Italian Region Is Enticing Tourists With Free Extra Nights.

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• FAVORITE LISTEN: If you haven’t heard about the commercial RyanAir flight that was forced to make an unexpected landing in Minsk… you need to listen to this.

• FAVORITE PURCHASE: A few weeks ago I bought THIS DRESS from one of my favorite London retailers (and the weather was finally nice enough to wear it this week!) Bonus: It was made with sustainable materials.

• FAVORITE FIND: As I previously mentioned, my friends and I went to Squerryes Wine Estate this weekend to tour the vineyard and taste some of their English sparkling wines. I’ve been hearing so much about the bubbly scene here (if you’re not already familiar with why the south of England is being referred to as the “new Champagne”, read HERE) and loved getting to see it firsthand… it did not disappoint!

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!

xx

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 14

Hello again! Hope those of you who celebrate Easter had a nice holiday weekend. I took yesterday off to celebrate my birthday and to enjoy the sunshine, some of my favorite treats and time with my friends. It was a really sweet day and I feel so thankful for the people in my life!

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a weekly recap of content ranging from around the globe. My hope is that each week, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious. Let’s dive into the content I sourced for week 14.

TRAVEL NEWS + INSPIRATION:

• The CDC says that vaccinated people can travel safely again!

• 5 things we know about flying this summer.

• 9 of the best places to retire in Europe.

• The Lourve just put its entire collection online.

• Restaurant scenes have changed everywhere because of COVID. Here are the best new restaurant openings in London this year to visit next time you visit!

WEEKLY FAVORITES:

• FAVORITE LISTEN: This podcast on how to be a better listener was…a good listen.

• FAVORITE FIND: This map shows the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants around the world.

• FAVORITE READ: I loved THIS INTERVIEW with Holly McKinlay from the World Wildlife Fund where she shares about her mission to create big scale solutions to save our planet, how roses and rosé have got her through COVID-19 and why ‘It’s ok not to be ok” is something we can all learn from.

MISCELLANEOUS

• I start tennis lessons next week, so I enjoyed THIS VIDEO on some techniques you can practice… even if you’re playing solo!

• A recent landmark report claims that the UK is no longer a country where the “system is deliberately rigged against ethnic minorities”, but this has been largely criticized by many who feel it does not address structural issues.

• Nine destinations that should be on every cheese-lover's bucket list.

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!

xx

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 8

Welcome to another issue of “This Week in the World!” I am feeling so re-energized after a weekend in London that felt a lot like Spring. The temperature yesterday got up to 60 (F), the trees are starting to bloom, flowers are budding everywhere and the streets were buzzing with energy yesterday. We rented bikes and spend the day riding around the city, and it felt like everyone had just woken up from hibernation yesterday after a long, hard winter (not to mention, lockdown!) Tomorrow Boris Johnson is announcing our roadmap to come out of lockdown and I’m feeling a lot more hopeful about the road ahead.

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a weekly recap of content ranging from around the globe. My hope is that each week, no matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to feel more connected to it: through news, travel, food & wine… really, anything that appeals to the culturally curious. Let’s dive into the content I sourced for week 8.

FIRST UP: It’s not too late to register for this afternoon’s class: “So you want to move abroad?” from 4-5pm CST

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• The latest on vaccine passports (as of yesterday). Here is everything you need to know.

• Where you can travel once you’re vaccinated: a country by country guide.

• Vaccinated international travelers are not exempt from quarantine or the CDC's requirement to get tested before boarding a flight to the U.S.

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• FAVORITE LISTEN: I listened to several episodes of NPR's "Life Kit" podcast this week. I love how they cover a diverse range of topics, but

• FAVORITE FINDS: I ordered a few basics for spring from Sézane, one of my favorite sustainable brands from France. THIS short sleeve knit top, THIS long sleeve knit top in one of my favorite colors, and THIS striped basic all arrived, fit beautifully and I know I'll get a ton of wear out of for years to come.

• FAVORITE WATCH: This 5 minute video on “What Everyone Really Wants” is a good reminder.

AROUND THE WORLD

• The Italian government recently revealed that it's planning to add a retractable floor to the Colosseum to host performances and give visitors the chance to see the basement.

• I just purchased tickets to go to the "Bags: Inside Out" exhibition at the V&A in May (fingers crossed it will be open by then!) which explores the style, function, design history and craftsmanship of handbags… I am so excited to go to a museum again!

• Naomi Osaka (a 23 year old badass from the US) just won her 4th Grand Slam Title at the Australian Open, meaning she has now won every Grand Slam final she has reached!

• Italy’s new prime minister, Mario Draghi, was sworn in last week.

WINE

• I want to do a better job of sharing some articles each week that can help give a baseline knowledge of wine. You’ve likely heard lots of terms thrown around, but may not know what they all mean. So this week, have a read about how to understand acidity in wine so you know what to look for and how to taste it.

• The Loire Valley is home to the grandest Châteaux in France — and some of the boldest new winemakers in the country.

• Looking for a great bottle of wine for under $20 as we inch closer to spring? I love this Chateau Guiraud G Bordeaux Blanc 2016 (usually $19.99 online) . The Bordeaux region is best know for it’s Cabernet Sauvignon, but you may not realize that one of the parent grapes of Cab. Sav. is Sauvignon Blanc! This blend is 50% Sauv. Blanc (and 50% Semillon) and is a great, easy-drinking wine for warmer weather.

ACTIVISM

• The winter weather leading to crisis in Texas has been heartbreaking to see. Brené Brown, one of my favorite Texans, shared some great resources of how to help in THIS POST.

• Furthermore, @sharonsaysso started THIS SPREADSHEET of people with urgent needs that you can help directly.

• When we see a winter storm sweep the US like this last week, it’s common to hear comments like “yeah, so much for global warming!” Yet exacerbated weather patterns (both heat and cold) are usually direct signs of the impact of climate change. THIS ARTICLE explains how the wintry weather that has battered the southern US and parts of Europe could be a counterintuitive effect of the climate crisis.

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!

xx

Whitney