This Week in the World: Week 21

Happy Sunday from the Cotswolds! It has been a wonderful weekend (and it kicked off with me getting my COVID vaccine before I left town!) I’m in Stow on the Wold for the next couple of days to take advantage of shops, restaurants, pubs and holiday homes finally being fully reopened (and to explore a new town!) Even though I’ve been to the Cotswolds several times before, I’ve never made it to this town. It might be my favorite one I’ve visited yet! It’s the perfect size (still feels like a cozy small village but has plenty of great shops and restaurants). If you ever come here, be sure to shop at Cutter Brooks (pictured above), have dinner at The Porch Cafe (a pub dating back to 947 AD!) and be sure to get a scone at Huffkins!

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 21.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• I’ve had several people ask where they can travel lately, so I’m re-sharing this list of “these countries are open to vaccinated travelers.”

• Similarly, here is a country-by-country guide to re-opened Europe.

• My friend sent me this article titled “Why we travel — and why we shouldn’t stop” and it’s worth a read!

• If you’ve been wanting to go to Canada, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. Canada has extended the border closer to the US until at least June 21st.

• Iceland Has Opened A New Oceanfront Geothermal Lagoon With Views Of The Northern Lights.

AROUND THE WORLD

• After being closed for some time, The Eiffel Tower is reopening in July!

• Another reason to care about the plastic crisis? It could be impacting our fertility.

• I loved reading about the leading women diplomats representing Britain around the world… some inspiring women!

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• I really enjoyed THIS PODCAST EPISODE on how to be a better bystander. It points out that most of us like to think we’d be able to help in a crisis situation, but would we actually? I found several helpful tips that gave me more confidence to be able to (hopefully) be supportive to someone in need in the future.

• I just started reading The Dutch House by Ann Patchett and am really enjoying it already (only a chapter or two in!)

• I finally picked up a dress from this brand that I’ve been lusting after for months now (I purchased here in The Cotswolds, but they are sold online HERE).

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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 20

Hi all! I am hitting “publish” on this a couple days early, as I’m off to Snowdonia in Wales bright and early tomorrow morning. While the weather looks a bit rainy, I’m excited to be traveling again (and to technically, visit a new country!) We found a cool “glamping” site that looks quaint and cozy, regardless of what the weather brings. It’s been a crazy month (and the next few months will be just as busy) so I’m really looking forward to a weekend of sitting by a fire, doing some hiking, reading + playing cards.

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 20.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• CDC approves at-home COVID tests for international travel.

• Italy is reopening to all Americans aboard Delta’s COVID-tested flights.

• These countries are open to vaccinated travelers.

• 5 classic European hotels to book now.

• Everyone is waiting for U.S. / U.K. travel reciprocity to begin.

• Scientists are concerned about unregulated feeding of ocean wildlife by tour operators.

AROUND THE WORLD

• I’ve been digging into resources trying to educate myself more on the complex Israeli and Palestinian conflict. I found both THIS PODCAST EPISODE and THIS PODCAST EPISODE to be highly informative.

• London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral may be forced to closed soon if visitors don’t return.

• Prince Harry sat down with Dax Shepard on Armchair Expert this week (we’re listening on our drive to Wales!)

• The value of cryptocurrency has been skyrocketing. This fascinating podcast episode highlights one that started as a joke, but has taken off significantly.

FAVORITE travel gear

With travel making a comeback, here are a few staples to bring on your next adventure:

• This tote and these pouches from one of my favorite brands are the perfect little chic travel bags for carrying on or organization (and are very reasonably priced).

• This zero waste leather pouch is a great organization piece (that’s also sustainable!)

• This sustainable backpack is from one of my favorite ethical brands and great for travel.

• I love these reusable TSA approved liquid bags because they’re chic, sustainable and great for keeping organized.

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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 19

Hello again, and Happy Mother’s Day to all who celebrate! I know there is a wide array of emotions that can come with this day: for people who have lost their mom, who are struggling to become a mom, who have a complicated relationship with their mom, or who are lucky to have a great relationship with their mom, but haven’t been able to see her in a long time due to COVID. Wherever you are on the spectrum (including possibilities I didn’t name), I hope today you feel loved and thankful for people in your life who have taught you, nurtured you and made you who you are today. Furthermore, I hope we can all celebrate all the diverse ways that someone can be a “good mom”. I’m know I’m so thankful to so many people in my life who I’ve watched be a great mom (especially my own!)— all in their own unique ways. Working moms. Traveling moms. Stay at home moms. Entrepreneur moms… and so many other titles. Hats off to all of you for the unique and wonderful ways you show up for your families.

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 18.

TRAVEL NEWS, UPDATES + INSPIRATION

• Italy’s green pass (which will be used to welcome tourists this summer) ‘will be valid for US and UK visitors’, says tourism minister.

• Tahiti and the rest of French Polynesia has reopened to travelers from the US.

• Need a new U.S. Passport? The wait time Is up to 3 months right now.

• These are all the countries that UK residents will be allowed to travel to (quarantine free) starting May 17.

AROUND THE WORLD

• In honor of Mother’s Day, I loved this story on “13 ways to raise a travel-obsessed child.”

• For young climate activists, the pandemic is the defining moment for action.

• Sadiq Khan has been re-elected as Mayor of London.

• A three-week rosé festival is coming to London!

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• FAVORITE LISTEN: One of my favorite UK-based news podcasts had an episode this week that I really enjoyed titled “America’s gun debate— why we’re getting it so wrong.”

• FAVORITE WATCH: I’ve heard about the film “Bottle Shock” for a while but had never seen it before this weekend (after one of my WSET teachers insisted I watch it). It’s based on the true story of the "Judgment of Paris", when California wine first started to become famous after it defeated French wine in a blind taste test. It’s an easy watch and a great way to learn a bit about wine’s history.

• FAVORITE FOOD: I ordered THIS COOKBOOK a while ago, but I love it because everything in it can be made in a single pot, pan, or tray, and it comes with suggested tweaks for making vegetarian dishes fully plant-based. It also includes chapters on how to eat more sustainably and waste less food. If you want to try a few recipes before you buy, HERE are a few.

• FAVORITE FINDS: Sézane (arguably my favorite store in the world) just launched a new collection and I want so many things!

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

xx

Whitney