This Week in the World: February Edition

Hello from Thailand! This country is a beautiful place that's brimming with unique culture, incredibly kind people and delicious food. We’re about half way through our trip now, and I’ve really enjoyed so much about our visit. With that said, I've also been a bit caught off guard by some aspects— mainly regarding animal welfare. I know it’s an issue all across the globe, but it’s one I’m especially sensitive to. I’m still digesting and processing everything, and want to make sure I share everything in a way that respects nuance (so for now, I’m mainly sharing the highlight’s of the trip on Instagram stories… more to come soon about our full experience). Nevertheless, I’m so thankful for the gift of travel and the way it challenges our thinking, sparks some of our fiercest beliefs and invites us to have a more nuanced world view.

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a recap of content ranging from around the globe. Usually a weekly offering, this newsletter is currently sending as a monthly edition (hopefully will return to weekly eventually!) My hope is that 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.

AROUND THE WORLD

There is a lot of doom and gloom lately: the train derailment in Ohio polluting terrible chemicals into the air, unidentified objects flying across North America, a catastrophic earthquake impacting Turkey/Syria…the list goes on. While I know it’s important to be informed, I also know it’s A LOT to digest (on top of all our own personal worries). I was pulling these articles while I’ve been processing some of my emotions regarding the animal welfare I referenced above, so you’ll notice this month most of the global issues are a). ways to help or b). some lighter topics in case it all feels a bit much right to you right now.

• To my fellow animal lovers: Tattered Paws Golden Hearts is raising money to help rescue and care for the animals impacted by the earthquake in Syria/Turkey. You can DONATE HERE to support.

• Another way for fellow animal lovers to help right now: Juniper Fox (an IG account I love to follow) has started a GoFundMe for animals injured & displaced by the train accident in Ohio.

• White Lotus fans: here is a list of the best guesses for which hotel and location will be used to film Season 3 (one I visited the Golden Triangle one yesterday!)

• #CaviarTok is trending on TikTok and GenZ is obsessed. In a world that feels like it’s falling apart in so many ways, it’s probably no surprise that we’re leaning into enjoying life’s little indulgences where we can.

TRAVEL NEWS + INSPIRATION

• 10 ways to reduce your flying footprint this year. I also would add “try to combine trips.” For example, I need to go to Puglia to do some final work before our Atlas Adventures trip in April… so I’m taking the train down when I’m in Rome next month for that Atlas trip. Even though it’s a longer stretch away from home, it saves me a journey back (meaning one less flight!)

• I loved this list of 29 historic hotels you must visit before you die (includes one of the hotels where we just stayed in Bangkok!)

• For those in my DM’s who have asked the very frequent question: “What are the best places to eat in London?” I’ve tried a handful of these spots and they were all delightful!

• We’ve announced the rest of our Atlas Adventures trips for 2023! (Technically, only to alum and subscribers officially… this is still a soft launch. We’ll be announcing on social media in the weeks ahead). The first two are on sale now, and the rest will be on sale soon (details to come). Learn more about each trip below:

  • London in the Spring (Final Spots Selling Now!)

  • South of France (On Sale Now!)

  • Florence (On Sale Soon!)

  • Scotland (On Sale Soon!)

  • London + Paris at Christmastime (On Sale Soon!)

  • Cosy in the Cotswolds (On Sale Soon!)

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• If you’ve been to any of the Big Mamma restaurants, chances are you’ve tried their mafaldine al tartufo pasta (and if not, you should correct that swiftly). Here’s the recipe to recreate it yourself at home!

• I discovered this ever-so-slightly oaked Sauvignon Blanc while I was in Africa… and it is DELIGHTFUL. Highly recommend getting your hands on a bottle!

• There’s absolutely a time and a place for a white wall…but I love these colors!

• I enjoyed this article: “A French girl on the problem with the French Girl Aesthetic”.

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and thanks for being here!

xx

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 37

Hjem is my favorite local neighborhood coffee shop (and where I go for my flat white a few times every week!) The dress I’m wearing is HERE.

Hello from a very somber London. Queen Elizabeth II passed on Thursday and even though we knew this day would eventually come, it’s still shocked the nation and greater world. Growing up in the US, I was always aware of the Royal Family, but I categorized them the same way I did any other cultural “celebrity. It’s only since living in the UK that I’ve really grown to understand (and properly appreciate) the Royals— more importantly, the Queen. First, it’s not lost on me that British colonialism has a very dark history. Though modern times have steered away from forced control and more towards public service, this institution is still dripping with imperfections and shortcomings. Nevertheless, I’ve witnessed the Queen (and the greater Royal Family) serve as steady, non-political figures that the public (most people, anyway) can unite over. The more I’ve listened and learned about them, the greater the respect I’ve gained for them. And while these important conversations about the problematic implications of colonialism (and it’s aftermath) should continue to take place, I think we can still mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth and her tremendous life + leadership. I have a lot to share about it this week (along with other subjects) and am hoping to go pay respects to her once she’s moved to Westminster before I head to Italy later this week.

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a recap of content ranging from around the globe from the last week. My hope is that 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 37.

AROUND THE WORLD

• What happens when the Queen dies? Here’s a breakdown of what we’ve seen (and will continue to over the weeks ahead).

• I love the way this podcast episode on “How Queen Elizabeth II Preserved the Monarchy” shows the way the Queen redirected the role of the Royal Family toward service, and how she had the ability to adapt with the (turbulent) times throughout her reign.

• I loved Elizabeth Holme’s article on how “We Will Never See Another Queen of England On Thursday, the monarchy lost more than its ruler — it lost its most compelling case for its own existence.”

• The Queen’s funeral will be held on Monday, September 19th after she lies in Westminster Abbey for 4 days.

• I loved this moving story of the Queen’s connection to Balmoral- how special she passed at the place she loved so much!

TRAVEL NEWS + INSPIRATION

• I stayed at this gorgeous Amalfi Coast hotel back in April and am dying to go back- it’s one of my favorites I’ve ever experienced! (It’s also the sister property of where our Atlas Adventures Ischia trip is happening later this month!) Book with me and you can get perks + upgrades at no cost to you.

• DOT Sec. Pete Buttigieg Says Air Travel Is 'Going to Get Better by the Holidays'— we’re counting on you, Pete!

• The Queen’s life in Travel

• I loved this story of how someone quit their full time job to move to Italy and work at a vineyard!

• The holiday homes of European royalty: from French châteaux to Norwegian farms.
  

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• I absolutely adored THIS PODCAST EPISODE with Pantsuit Politics (two of my favorite gals!) and Rick Steve’s on his new book: Travel as a Political Act. So many great conversations happened in this episode- can’t recommend it enough!

• I also loved watching The Last Tourist on my flight back to London. It raised so many important concerns we all need to be mindful of as travelers, but it was also lined with hope— please give it a watch!

• I’m so excited about my side table refresh! friend Sarah helped us create a custom table skirt to cover the table in our living room that didn’t quite match our style. A bit of fabric went such a long way and I love how it turned out! It reminded me we don’t always need to buy new things- often there is a more sustainable solution.

• On the subject of new things, I’m obviously a human being and still buy new things too! I try to be strategic and focus on high quality items that I’ll have for a long time. On my recent trip home to the US I placed a few orders to bring home to London with me- here’s what I got:

  • We wanted bedding that made us feel like we were at a hotel, so I went with THIS DUVET and THESE SHEETS (which I can confirm, feel like you’re at a 5-star hotel!)

  • This turtleneck feels SO luxe and will be a great layering piece for autumn and winter (reminds me of Diane Keaton!)

  • These timeless ballet flats can be worn year round are great quality.

  • I have one nap dress that I wore an embarassing number of times this summer (it’s the perfect thing to throw on when you want to feel like you’re in pajamas, but also feel like you’re dressed for the day). I decided to order a couple more since they get so much wear: I did the all black one and THIS GREEN GINGHAM one

UPCOMING TRAVELS

The rest of the year is going to be very busy for travel, so I’m listing out everywhere I’m going (in case it helps to follow along for any places you may also be traveling in the near future!)

SEPTEMBER: Lake Como, Venice, Ischia, Capri + Procida

OCTOBER: Lisbon (and sharing my time at home in London)

NOVEMBER: Singapore + New Zealand (all over the north and south island- we’ll be there for a month!)

DECEMBER: Singapore, sharing my time at home in London (and heading back to the US for Christmas!)

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and thanks for being here!

xx

Whitney

This Week in the World: Week 32

Hello again! My travel schedule is about to pick up again for the rest of the year, so I’ve been soaking up all that I can of British summertime while I’m still here for it. Also while I’m home, I wanted to make time for This Week in the World while I still am able (plus, we have a very exciting announcement this week that was shared with newsletter subscribers!)

If you’re new here, ‘This Week in the World’ is a recap of content ranging from around the globe from the last week. My hope is that 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 30.

TRAVEL NEWS + UPDATES

• Have you ever booked a flight only for the price to then drop? Here’s how to rebook your flight after the price changes.

• How did air travel get so bad? I am flying to the states at the end of the month and decided to only bring a carry on bag going over (but am packing this collapsible duffle bag so I can check it coming home - need plenty of space to bring back treats I can’t get in London!) I purchased these when I moved to London and they’re great for having the option to check another bag without committing to another suitcase (and take up way less storage at home too!)

• The Department of Transportation proposed a rule change on Wednesday that would require airlines to refund a customer's ticket if a domestic flight is delayed by more than three hours.

• I loved Samantha Brown’s take on why you should always travel with duct tape.

• 13 things you should know about global entry.

WEEKLY FAVORITES

• We had a pavlova to finish our Sunday lunch at my boyfriend’s family home down in Devon last week. Ever since, I’ve been wanting to have a go at making one myself. This basil pavlova recipe grabbed my attention and is on my list to make before the summer ends!

• I thought my Rimowa luggage was fancy, but WOW: Princess Diana’s favorite luggage designer has made a comeback and I’m lusting over it!

• I’ve already started styling these suede heels into my pre-fall repertoire. They’re so timeless and chic and comfortable (once you break them in). You can use the code SARAHFLINT-BAATLAS to receive $50 off your first order too!

• I’ve loved working to this classical playlist lately.

AROUND THE WORLD

• I loved seeing all the beautiful designs of these hotel lobbies from around the world.

• Speaking of hotel design, I especially loved these award-winning hotel designs (these English-inspired interiors have become my personal preference in terms of decor style).

• This US climate bill could reduce carbon emissions by 40% - I’m so hopeful that Democrats can pass it!

• As Europeans head off on holiday for the month of August, lots of local businesses close up for the month (I shared an example on my Insta-stories yesterday, as my local florist is away until September). I giggled at this article about how Parisians in August might have to walk up to 20 minutes for their baguette because of this. Quelle horreur!

• I was not prepared for this emotional story broken into a series of 13 instagram posts. Tears!

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That’s all for today. Happy reading and thanks for being here!

xx

Whitney