This Week in the World: Week 31
Happy first day of August. I’m still sharing photos from Italy (even though I’ve been back in London for a week now). As much as I loved everything about our trip, it’s also been really nice to be back home to my routine and to be able to catch up on a lot of work. This month will bring a lot of travel in the weeks ahead, as I prepare to go back to the US to see family, friends and then head to Belize to host my next Atlas Adventures trip—I can’t wait! Until then, I’m very much enjoying some relaxing time at home.
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 31.
TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION
The U.K. has reopened (without quarantine!) to fully vaccinated Americans!
UNESCO adds 33 new sites to its 2021 World Heritage list— have you been to any of them?
AROUND THE WORLD
Simone Biles was a popular conversation topic this past week when she opted to prioritize her mental health by withdrawing from her participation in Olympic events. I, along with so many, applaud her decision and am frustrated hearing those who have criticized her decision. I saw several people share that “Simone Biles probably won't hear your tweets about her "quitting" or "playing the mental health card" but your friends who struggle with mental health issues will”. This podcast episode is a great listen about how incredible she is. I highly encourage anyone, but especially her critics, to listen to this inspiring story.
“King Richard”, film starring Will Smith, will tell the story of Richard Williams (Venus and Serena’s father) in cinemas this November— I’m so excited for this!
In honor of London reopening to American travelers in August, here are 73 amazing things to do in my favorite city this month.
I love National Geographic and have so much respect for their reporting. I really appreciated this piece they did on why vaccines are highly unlikely to cause side effects long after getting the shot, as their science shows that even the most serious side effects for any vaccine, including COVID-19, occur within just a few weeks. A good read if you are apprehensive about the vaccine or know someone who is.
WEEKLY FAVORITES
FAVORITE READ: I loved this piece on why “our biggest enemy is no longer climate denial but climate delay.”
FAVORITE FINDS: While August is always one of the warmest month of the year, I always can’t help but to start thinking about the cooler temps right around the corner, so I’ve been eyeing some sustainable transitional pieces lately. Here’s what I’m looking to snag:
THIS ANORAK is sustainable, affordable and great for wet weather (which we have plenty of here in London).
THIS BAG is so timeless and elegant- I have had my eye on it for a while now.
THESE PANTS are made at a zero waste facility and look so comfortable- perfect with a tank and sandals in the summer or loafers and a cardigan as we enter into cooler temperatures.
FAVORITE WINE: Ever since our trip to the Alto Adige region, I have been constantly craving an aromatic glass of Gewurztraminer (a popular varietal of this region). Highly recommend asking your local wine shop to recommend one to you (try to find one from Sudtirol specifically if you can) or you can order THIS ONE online.
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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 11
Hello again, and Happy Sunday. I just finished eating some pancakes I made from scratch, which is quickly becoming a new weekend tradition (recipe below). I’m trying to drink in little luxuries like that… things I know I won’t have as much time for when life starts getting normal again (which, don’t get me wrong, I am very ready for!) It’s nice to feel like things are finally looking promising . I’ve seen a surge in travel planning inquiries (more HERE) and some more people have been watching online courses. It’s clear that travel is on people’s minds and we are all keen to get back out there!
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 11.
TRAVEL NEWS + UPDATES:
President Biden pushes for all adults to be eligible for first vaccine by May 1…
So, here’s where you can go once you are vaccinated: A country-by-country guide.
WEEKLY FAVORITES
FAVORITE LISTEN: There has been a lot of commentary about the Oprah interview with Meghan + Harry last week. I appreciated the well-balanced conversation from THIS PODCAST on the subject.
FAVORITE RECIPE: The last couple of weekends, I’ve been making pancakes from scratch… which is oddly satisfying (and tastes better than just buying mix at the store). THIS RECIPE is the one I’ve been using— very easy and tastes great. Highly recommend to add a bit of novelty to your weekends!
FAVORITE PLAYLIST: I’ve been listening to “The Great British Breakfast” on Spotify for years now (cheery tunes that are great for making breakfast on the weekends) but I might add that it pairs very nicely with the aforementioned pancakes.
FAVORITE FIND: THIS POST I found on Instagram is a very helpful financial cheat sheet.
MISCELLANEOUS
This Wine Company Will Pay You $10,000 a Month and Pay Your Rent to Work in Sonoma
Outdoor dining in London opens four weeks from tomorrow! These Kensington and Chelsea streets have decided to close for pedestrian use only to accommodate for outdoor dining soon.
You’ve likely heard about Sarah Everard: a 33 year old woman who went missing in London last week. Thousands of women have since shared stories on social media of harassment and fears of walking home at night. THIS ARTICLE shares some things that men can do to help make women feel safe.
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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.
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
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!
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.
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