Happy New Year! We finally bid farewell to the tumultuous year that was 2020. And while I know that all our problems won’t magically disappear, I’m still comforted by the idea of a fresh start. Even if the start of this year feels like 2020 2.0, I hold a lot of optimism for the road ahead.
As we turn a new page, I’m very excited to introduce “This Week in the World”: a weekly recap of content from around the globe. I wanted a consistent way to share that didn’t have to fit inside a neat and tidy box… so you can expect this corner of the internet to really range across a lot of topics. 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.
So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
TRAVEL UPDATES
Are Vaccine Passports the way of the future? No one knows for sure yet, but this article gives some interesting insight on what could likely be in the cards…
I also enjoyed this piece about “When the pandemic ends, don’t put off anymore adventures.”
While things change everyday, THESE are the current CDC health-related travel advisories to be aware of if you’re planning to hit the skies anytime soon.
If you have an AMEX Platinum Card like me to rake in the travel rewards, you know some awards recently went away (like $20 a month for streaming services and cell phone bills). BUT the good news is we could see some new rewards like a monthly PayPal credit. More HERE.
WORLD NEWS
4+ years after the initial vote, the UK has officially left the EU. THIS VIDEO simply explains what Brexit deal was actually agreed upon and what that means for the future.
Biden has announced his climate team and says “we have no time to waste.” Also in climate news, Sir David Attenborough shared a special New Year’s message on BBC urging mankind to pull together and take action against climate change (WATCH HERE).
WEEKLY FAVORITES
FAVORITE WINE: I recently ordered another case of this Francois Carillon 2016 Bourgogne Chardonnay because I've been reaching for it again and again lately. If you're not a fan of real buttery California Chardonnays, but still prefer a fuller bodied and complex white, give this a try. Chardonnay originated from this region and is aged in a much softer, more neutral oak (so it's not so "in your face). This is a perfect, quintessential (and delicious!) white burgundy, but still great price (good wines from this region can be spendy!) And if you want to learn a bit more about Chardonnay (not just in Burdundy, but around the world) while sipping, THIS is a great podcast on how versatile the grape can be!
FAVORITE TRAVEL PRODUCT: A few months ago I switched to this memobottle because I love how it perfectly sits flat in my purse (better than a clunky round water bottle) but also how it easily fits in the seat pocket in front of you on a plane! Plus, their environmental policy is top notch and for every bottle sold, memo bottle provides one person with two months' access to clean water.
FAVORITE PODCAST I LISTENED TO: My morning routine is to go for a walk (usually around Hyde Park) and listen to a few podcasts, always starting with “Today in Focus.” While I’ve taken a bit of a break because of the holidays, I did manage to listen to THIS EPISODE on Veganism. I’ve been eating a lot less meat than I used to (both for environmental and animal welfare reasons) but this episode made me want to cut back even more!
FAVORITE NEW PRODUCT: I got so much use out of my Whitney English Planner in 2020 that I knew I had to re-order for 2021! If you want to support a small, woman-owned business while keeping organized this year, be sure to check her products out.
FAVORITE RECIPE: I made an old favorite this week that I ate countless times during quarantine : THIS NYT Brussel Sprout Pasta (it is so good!)
COMING UP IN LONDON
It's unclear when restaurants will be able to re-open, and I realize headlines look bleak. But in the spirit of optimism and looking toward a brighter future, I anticipate when they DO open, we'll likely still have to dine outdoors if we want to mix with other households. HERE are some pub gardens with heaters to keep warm (and still be able to see your friends!)
Calling all art enthusiasts, a huge Banksy Exhibition is coming to London in 2021!
Regardless of whether you’re in London or not, going to the theater in-person isn’t an option right now. HERE are the best London theatre shows you can stream online right now.
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That’s all for today. Happy reading and hope to see you back again next week!
xx
Whitney
