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.

• The most popular question asked lately: “When will I be able to travel to Europe?”

• Here’s what you need to know about buying travel insurance with COVID protection.

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 10

Hello again, and welcome to another issue of “This week in the world”. I was really feeling the lockdown blues this week, as our temperatures dropped back down to feel like winter. On top of the grey, cold weather, I was feeling really disconnected from the world (social media has a way of exacerbating that when you scroll and watch other peoples lives, without actually being there with them in-person). I decided to delete my social apps for the weekend and do my best to plug into the positives in my own life. It ended up being such a great weekend (despite the cold and grey!) making pancakes, biking to Borough Market, some great conversations and appreciating London… even in it’s current state!

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 10.

TRAVEL NEWS + UPDATES:

• Europe could have COVID-19 Vaccine Passports by summer

• To disperse crowds, Florence’s Uffizi Gallery will send its art around Tuscany

• Can you guess the percentage of Americans who would give up sex to travel right now?

• Flying from the UK is about to get more expensive

WEEKLY FAVORITES:

• FAVORITE READ: With tonight's Harry and Meghan interview looming, I really enjoyed THIS READ from The Guardian and THIS ONE from Glamour UK.

• FAVORITE LISTEN: I really appreciated THIS EPISODE on deciding when to have a baby… not just for the fair points made but also how they normalized every decision and encouraged doing what's best for you.

• FAVORITE WINE: I picked up a bottle of this Sybille Kuntz Mosel-Riesling for a tasting in my WSET course and it was SO good. It had the perfect amount of residual sugar without being too sweet. Don't sleep on it!

AROUND THE WORLD:

• While progress may have been made cutting CO2 emissions, the rate of reduction needs to increase tenfold to tackle climate change

• Pope Francis met with Iraq's Grand Ayatollah, forging closer bonds between the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim World

• I just bought tickets to this floating jazz bar with a view of the London Eye

• This luminous multi-sensory Van Gogh Art Exhibition it making its way around the world (including London!)

• The most extreme wine tastings around the world

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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 9

Outfit Links: Jacket, Sweater, Jeans, Bag, Shoes

Welcome to another issue of “This Week in the World!” We had some optimistic news about the weeks ahead here in the UK this past Monday (more about that in the links below) so I’m finally starting to make some plans! Between nail appointments, buying museum tickets and planning some domestic weekends away… it’s so wonderful to feel like normalcy is inching closer by the minute. Not to mention, travel planning has picked up significantly— I think we’re all so excited about the hope that lies 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 9.

TRAVEL NEWS + UPDATES:

• Big news for us Londoners this week! The UK has announced dates to lift restrictions on dining, travel, and nightclubs.

• If you’ve been plugged into travel news during the pandemic, you’ve probably heard the term “vaccine passport” or “immunity passport” more than once. Here are 5 things to know about IATA’s Travel Pass app right now.

• With travel stalled for the past 10 months, its sustainable comeback has been a popular topic. Here are some of the many sustainable initiatives that have been started during the pandemic, awaiting the return of travelers.

• I really enjoyed listening to this discussion around immunity passports and what travel could soon look like (plus major trips people are starting to plan!)

AROUND THE WORLD:

• I always love anything James Corden does, but it was especially fun to watch his latest video featuring Prince Harry! The whole thing felt so refreshingly human.

• I loved this list of 10 eating and drinking rules that Italians live by.

• Should school meals be meatless? This is a hot debate in France at the moment, as Green mayor’s decision to serve lunches sans meat turns into heated beef among ministers and MPs.

• London’s West End will be turned into a huge outdoor dining area this summer (and I am so excited about it!)

• These six European cities are going green in 2021 (we love to see it!)

• Three excellent International Women’s Day events coming up in London (and online!)

WEEKLY FAVORITES:

• FAVORITE READ: I loved this piece from the NYT about why tea might be the perfect drink for the pandemic malaise. If you’re willing to splurge on £25 shipping, you can even get your tea and biscuits directly from Fortnum & Mason: one of the most iconic stores in London that’s loved by locals and tourists alike. Which brings me to…

• FAVORITE PURCHASE: I recently topped up some of my favorite Fortnum and Mason items (they’re one of the few shops still open during lockdown since they are largely comprised of food items). Whether you’re placing an online order or making a list for when you come to London, here are some of my “musts”:

  • Teas: Rose Pouchong, Fortmason & Countess Grey.

  • Biscuits: Rose, Piccadilly Lemon Curd, & Chocolate Orange Afternoon Tea.

  • Condiments + Spreads: Fig Cheese Spread, Chef’s Truffle Honey, Blood Orange & Rose Petal Marmalade, and Dill & Mustard Sauce (great on salmon!)

• FAVORITE WATCH: I take my WSET exam tomorrow so I’ve been watching a lot of wine-related videos to sharpen my knowledge. A few of my favorites have been Jancis Robinson’s YouTube videos (especially the ones from the 90s- they’re a real vibe) as well as the “A closer look” series on different varietals from the Somm streaming network. If you want to learn a bit more about wine these are some helpful starting points.

• FAVORITE FIND: I purchased a version of this picnic basket last year and used it so much (and am excited to start using it again soon!) With outdoors being the safe play during a pandemic, now is a great time to invest in a nice picnic basket.

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

xx

Whitney