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 23
Hello from Myknos! I am so thrilled to be traveling in Europe again for the first time since COVID. While I feel very fortunate to have come out of this last year with so few “bruises” compared to so many others, it was still a really challenging year not being able to do so many parts of my job. Now that destinations are re-opening and people are being vaccinated, I’m so happy to be able to get to places first hand so I can report on the current climate and better serve clients so everyone can stay make sure we’re traveling in a safe and informed way. I feel so incredibly thankful to be back to work doing what I love. I will never take it for granted. I will share more about my experience in Greece in just a moment…
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 23.
TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION
Are you keen to visit Greece too? Here are a few things you need to know:
Travelers must complete this passenger locator form before arriving to the airport for their flight to Greece.
Travelers also must present either their vaccination card (showing you’ve been fully vaxed for at least 14 days), a negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours of arrival) or a proof of antibodies from a laboratory.
COVID safety has felt really comforting thus far! Hotels/ hospitality in general are being fastidious with precautions, and we’ve spent all our time outdoors (except when in our room to shower/sleep). Many hotels also offer on-site testing so you’re all set for your journey back.
If you want help planning a trip to Greece, book a consulting session with me (I’m scheduling from late June onward at the moment).
Both France and Denmark are opening to vaccinate travelers this week!
I’m currently planning a trip to Italy this summer, but keeping a watchful eye out for developments as they happen. I found THIS ARTICLE to be helpful for those of you in the same boat.
Have you seen the news this week from United? These futuristic jets set to launch in 2029 could half the flight time of international journeys (including New York to London in ~3 hours!)
This little known region in Italy is meant to have some of the best wines.
AROUND THE WORLD
Happy Pride Month! While many often associate this month with fun parades or various posts we see on social media, it’s important to make time for education and advocacy. I enjoyed THIS ARTICLE on some LGBTQ+ history and THIS ONE from a few years ago to help with the “ABC’s”of LGBTQUIA+.
Yesterday the world celebrated Environment Day. While it’s great that awareness is increasing, climate change and toxic air remain issues of deep concern.
Naomi Osaka, a superstar in the tennis world, pulled out of the French Open after she was fined for skipping a news conference. I enjoyed this article, highlighting mental health and asking if it really had to end this way?
WEEKLY FAVORITES
I love THIS STRAW BAG that I picked up for my trip to Greece (I love it because it’s great for a resort type of destination, but also works nicely for any destination in the spring/summer).
I tried some Assyrtiko wine from THIS PRODUCER out of Santorini the other day and fell in love with it! We are going to try to go next weekend when we’re in the area… but I highly recommend checking out their wine!
I’ve been listening to these playlists non-stop since arriving in Greece:
Aperitivo Time (have loved this one for a couple years now! Discovered it on a trip to Puglia).
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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 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”.
I am traveling to Greece on Friday and found this “need-to-know” piece to be very helpful.
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!)
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