CHANGING PLANS FOR THE UNKNOWN

Ciao from Roma! I genuinely can’t believe it’s already the end of October… where has the time gone?! I’m mixing things up a bit on the blog this week- posting a *long overdue* travel guide later in the week and starting out with more of a general life post. So let's dive right in.

The last few months have gone by more quickly than any other months of my life. For those of you who are new around here, I’ve spent the last 13 weeks living abroad in Europe in pursuit of my dream to see as much of the world as I can. Early into the planning stages of this trip, I booked a plane ticket to fly home at the end of October, which would give me 3 solid months. Between visas, living out of a suitcase, the holidays approaching and how tired I anticipated I would be, it seemed like a good time to head home. 

Well, that scheduled flight was yesterday and I wasn’t on the plane. Long story short, I’m sticking around Europe for a little while longer- simply because I’m still not ready to leave. 

Let me pause to point out that I’ve never been the person to change a plane ticket or extend a trip. I’ve long been the girl who made plans and stuck to them. In fact, this sort of behavior is the kind I would have typically label as “running away from reality” or “throwing off plans”. 

But lately I’ve been coping with the (somewhat scary) reality that I don’t really have a clue what life holds for me after this trip anyway, so what “plans” would I even be breaking?

The work it took to make this adventure happen required so much planning and organization, it’s truly been a full time job this past year. I’ve been asked more times than I can count “What’s next?” and I don’t pretend to know for sure. But I’m learning that “I don’t know” is a brave and honest answer we should all experience in our own due seasons of life. As my favorite author Shauna Niequist says:

“It’s okay not to know right now. That’s sort of the theme of this season for me— letting myself not know the answers to some very important questions. I have a couple questions I need to answer— largely about work & time & what to carry & what to put down. And I’ve been driving myself crazy trying to KNOW. But I just don’t. I just don’t know. 

Should you move? Should you stay? Should you change everything or stay on the exact path you’ve been on? Here’s what I’m holding onto right now: it’s okay to not know right this second. It’s okay to live— and even live well— in the uncertain in-between… because when it comes down to it, most of our lives are lived in the in-between. 

So here’s to trusting that we’ll know later, sometime down the road. Here’s to living with honesty & kindness & bravery & faith in the in-between. Here’s to not knowing right this second & letting that be absolutely okay."

There’s a lot about the future that I don’t know right now. But what I do know, is that this experience has opened my eyes in so many ways and continues to change me for the better more and more every single day.  

You know what else I know?  This world is an incredible place. It’s a world with black truffle pasta in Italy and where the Eiffel tower sparkles every night. A world where we can get around by gondolas in Venice or Vespas in Rome. A world where you can go cliff jumping in Santorini or eat scones during high-tea in London. There are vibrant colors like the green grass in the Irish countryside and the turquoise blue water in Croatia. You can eat tapas in Barcelona or stroopwaffle in Amsterdam. You can drink champagne in Paris or sangria in Granada. 

You can meet so many amazing and unique people: all who speak different languages and celebrate different holidays and listen to different music. They wear different clothes and laugh at different kinds of humor. 

And no matter how far you travel, you'll see the story of God being told everywhere: in ancient ruins, the stars in the Tuscan countryside, the sparkling Croatian waters- even the decadent French pastries. 

So yeah, I don’t know what my next chapter holds quite yet, but I do know that this current one isn’t meant to be over for now. And so I’m staying in Europe until mid-December (someone cue “I’ll be home for Christmas”). First stop? Back to London for some more time with my sweet friend Haley. 

My only plan these next 6 weeks (aside from playing serious catch-up on the many travel guides I need to write) is to soak up as much of this beautiful, wonderful world as I can. To live well, right in the middle of my not knowing what’s next-- trusting God has answers and they'll come in due time. 

So let's be encouraged together-- regardless of whether or not we have answers to life's many questions. All of our stories are unique, but there's a lot of goodness for us all in the meantime.

I'm so excited to share more of the details from my adventures this last month with you guys! Stay tuned later this week for one of many travel guides to come (and in the meantime, be sure to sign up for LIKEtoKNOW.it if you haven't already... I'll have lots of helpful packing tips coming your way!)

xo, 

Whitney

Florence Food Guide

Once again, Happy Tuesday! I'm still holding down the fort in Italy, but have transitioned from Florence to the Tuscan countryside for a week long yoga retreat in Cortona. My goal this week is to take some much needed rest from being on the go non-stop, and to do that I plan on unplugging as much as I can (lucky for me, the wi-fi here is pretty spotty). With that said, I'm holding off on some of the larger posts I still need to tackle (Ireland, Amsterdam, Barcelona... I know, I'm really behind). So let's talk Florence quickly. 

Florence is an incredible city with so much to offer: history, architecture, art... and the food! In all honesty, we didn't do much sight-seeing (actually, not one single museum- gasp!) But I have all intentions of venturing back someday and will give my time and respect to all the masterpieces that deserve it when I do. The purpose of this particular trip was really a time to catch up with family, and so we decided to do that while eating our way through the city (no complaints here). In the process, I discovered some incredible finds (thanks to some recommendations from you!) that I could't not share. So whenever you're looking for the best restaurants in Florence, be sure to hit as many of these culinary gems as you can: 

LUNCH + DINNER

MERCATO CENTRALE

Just between via dell'Ariento, via Sant'Antonino, and via Panicale, you'll find Florence's infamous Mercato Centrale- where vendors sell the primary ingredients of Tuscan cuisine. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, seafood-- they have it all. The main level functions much like a traditional Farmer's Market, but head upstairs for a cafeteria style assortment of restaurants using these farm fresh ingredients. It's the perfect spot to browse, snack and shop for some gifts to bring home (truffle honey anyone?)

LA MÉNAGÈRE

We started our second day at La Menagere after overdoing it on the carbs the previous day, and it couldn't have been a better remedy for our poor, puffy-selves. For starters, the interior is absolutely gorgeous: While the structure itself is beautifully minimalistic (white walls with romantic arched ceilings and the perfect rustic charm), it's complimented with the perfect pops of color from the generous arrangements of beautiful floral arrangements. As if the decor wasn't stunning enough, the food takes it to the next level: colorful salads, juices and smoothies using farm fresh Tuscan ingredients make for food that looks just as good as it tastes. I'm told it's also a fantastic place to come for dinner and after my experience for lunch, you certainly don't have to twist my arm. 

4 LEONI

We stumbled into 4 Leoni on our first night in Florence after the first place we ate was full. ***HEADS UP*** It's always a good idea to have dinner reservations each night you spend in Florence. A lot of the best places are intimate, which means not many tables and they will book up quickly. Luckily for us, 4 Leoni happened to have one last table up for grabs and we gladly snatched it. They have everything you'd hope to find in an Italian eatery: delicious handmade pasta, a romantic ambiance, carafes of wine flowing generously, and staff that treats you like family. Start with the burrata and bruschetta, but save room for the main event: pasta! I died and went to heaven after trying their white truffle pasta (pictured above). Truffles are currently in season, which made the experience that much better. Even though 4 Leoni was a place that we happened upon, I'd make a reservation and go back next time I'm in Florence without question. 

OSTERIA DEL CINGHIALE BIANCO

We attempted to go to Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco (or The White Boar) our first night but learned the hard way that reservations in Florence are often a must. Lucky for us, they had a table available the next night so we nailed a reservation down stat. I'm so glad we did, because this was easily my favorite meal we had in Florence. The table next to us basically insisted that we try the truffle and onion flan, and I'll be forever thankful that they did. I'm not exaggerating in the slightest when I say that I think it might be the best thing I've ever tried in my life (I'm also a truffle fanatic, so if you're not you may want to reconsider.) They also had an incredible Pappardelle with Wild Boar Sauce (pictured above). For dessert, try the Panna Cotta with Caramel-- incredible. 

LA GIOSTRA

La Giostra is easily the most romantic restaurant I've ever been to (so naturally, I went with my dad and step-mom...) The only lighting in the building is from the string lights on the ceiling and the candles on the table. Aside from the lovely ambiance, all of the food was delicious-- they even give you a platter of appetizers while you wait for your meal (no charge-- just included in the service cost). They also have quite an impressive history and running list of clientele, who all agree it's a spot you simply cannot miss whenever you visit Florence. As previously stated, be sure to make a reservation!

TRATTORIA ZA ZA

Neighboring Mercato Centrale you'll find Trattoria Za Za, a charming Italian kitchen with an extensive menu selection (they have just about every Italian dish you can think of-- meaning plenty of delicious truffle options). We went for a proper sit-down lunch after wandering the market, and I loved everything I tried that we ordered (you really can't go wrong). If you go during the day and the weather is nice, sit outside on the patio and watch the people go by at Mercato Centrale. And for dinner? Head inside to their cozy, somewhat eclectic dining room for a romantic ambiance with the same delicious taste. 

BUCA DELL'ORAFO

Ristorante Buca dell'Orafo offers tradtional Tuscan dishes in a typical Florentine atmosphere.  You'll find them right by the Ponte Vecchio bridge, nestled in a It's also hands down the best lasagna I've ever eaten in my life. The interior is intimate and on the small side, so they only have two seatings (the first is at 19:30) so be sure you have a reservation whenever you decide to go. 

APÉRITIF

LA TERRAZZA LOUNGE BAR AT CONTINENTALE HOTEL

Just before you head south across the Ponte Vecchio Bridge there's a hidden gem just inside Continentale Hotel. Take the elevator to the 6th floor and you'll find their rooftop terrace bar that offers sweeping views of the city. They have an incredible selection of aperitifs (if you like gin, try the Boboli- which is shaken with Bombay, Campari, Cointreau and d'orange juice filled with Franciacorta). 

GELATO

CAFFÈ PONTEVECCHIO

At the end of the Ponte Vecchio Bridge, I spotted the elaborate displays of gelato in the window of Caffè Pontevecchio and knew I had to try some. Little did I know they only offer one size and it would be the largest helping of gelato I've ever been serve (but I was okay with it). 

VENCHI

Venchi is a famous brand of chocolate in Florence that's been around since 1878. But in more recent years (starting in 2006) they began producing gelato in order to give customers a new product that was different from their beloved chocolate, but still had the same natural ingredients and crafted feel. Their gelato doesn't have any industrial bases - just a few simple + select natural incredients (fresh milk, fresh cream, sugar, top quality fruit and their chocolate Venchi). Add it all together, and you get a rich, all-Italian gelato with completely natural colors (no lime green pistachio or bright pink for strawberry- the shades are exactly the same as the fruit they come from). 

PERCHÉ NO!

I'd argue that just about all the gelato I've tried in Italy is delicious, but ask a local Italian and they'll tell you otherwise. Pamela, our host for the week, claims that Perché No! (or Why Not!? in English) is the only good gelateria. A bit extreme? Maybe- but I'd agree with her that it's the best gelato I had in Florence. 

I'm sure there are dozens of other places in Florence not mentioned above that are wonderful, but a girl can only eat so much in a few short days. I'm so happy with all the places we went (thanks again to everyone for sharing your recos with me on Instagram!) and I hope you'll get the chance to try them all someday too!

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I'm off to practice yoga (for the second time today #humblebrag) and work off some of this damage I did last week. Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for an announcement regarding my trip that I'm excited to share in the next couple of weeks!

xo, 

Whitney

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE CHAMPAGNE REGION OF FRANCE

Happy Tuesday! It's been another couple weeks of whirlwind adventures, meaning I've been a bit MIA on the blog. I've been from London to Amsterdam to Seville to Granada to Barcelona and now I'm settled in Florence for the week before my next stop. I'm so excited to recap all of my journeys above, but I still have so many to write about that came before these! So first, let's rewind a bit to August. 

On my most recent trip to Paris, my friend Brenna and I extended to visit Reims- the home of champagne. To say I love champagne is the understatement of the century, so I've always known I had to pay a visit to the source of all it's glory. I’ve tried to do this on my previous two trips but for various reasons it never seemed to work out. But finally, at long last I can now say I've sipped champagne whilst in Champagne-- and it was a wonderful experience. I also learned a lot along the way, so before plan a journey of your own, here are some things to know about the Champagne region of France. 

1. Make it a day trip.

While Reims is roughly 150 km (or ~93 miles) away from Paris, it’s only a quick 45 minute trip on a high speed train- making it an easy trip you can take if you want to get outside of the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit. For the sake of proper exploration (and the fact that I’m abroad for several months), we opted to stay for a couple of days. In all honestly, I’d only recommend you do the same if you also have ample time, because it can easily be done in a day. In general, lugging your suitcase all over Europe is a lot more complicated than you may think. I’ve previously mentioned that finding a lift can be difficult (especially if you stay somewhere besides a hotel) so you’re likely to be going up and down flights of stairs with a suitcase. So plan on taking the first train out and the last train home (I'd advise buying tickets online in advance) to maximize your champagne experience while minimizing the travel efforts. 

2. Expect cellars, not vineyards. 

After visiting Napa earlier this year, I sort of anticipated Reims would resemble the wineries I visited there: sprawling estates housing the cellars nestled on acres of lush, green fields. So you can imagine my state of surprise when I realized most of the tours you’ll take in Reims are in buildings (cellars) located in the heart of the town (sans any sort of field).

While lacking fields may take away some of the romance you picture in your mind compared to a place like Napa, it actually is extremely beneficial for the sake of your travel plans. Those acres of fields make walking impossible and hiring a driver expensive. On the contrary, you can easily walk or take a short cab from the train station to a lot of the popular champagne houses in Reims. 

With all of that said, we were still able to venture out to fields where grapes are grown, however we did so on our own and it required a bit of exploration (and not the cheapest cab I’ve ever taken). 

3. Be prepared for less English

If you have trouble with the language barrier in Paris, then you definitely need to prepare yourself for Reims. Paris hosts significantly more tourists, therefore English is more commonly spoken. And while there are still many English speaking people, don’t expect it to be as common. Every champagne house staff member I came into contact with spoke wonderful English, but I did struggle a bit when it came to transportation (cab drivers, train station employees, etc.) To avoid any unnecessary complications, do a little planning on the front end (buy train tickets in advance, have your location addresses saved in a note on your phone, etc.)

THE CHAMPAGNE HOUSES

Once you decide to go to Reims, you need to decide which houses to visit. There are countless options to choose from (remember that literally all champagne in the world comes from this small region). I'd advise selecting a couple larger, more prestigious house as well as a couple small, boutique ones. For example, we went to Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot, but then also to Jean-Claude Lépitre-- a small family winery that you won't find anywhere in the states. I loved this approach, because now anytime I drink a bottle of Taittinger or Veuve (champagnes that are everywhere around the world) I know exactly where it came from and can share the story of my experience with whomever I'm drinking it with. But at the same time, I loved having the unique experience from the boutique house and trying champagne that I would never be able to taste otherwise. It was so fun to buy a bottle (which Brenna was so kind to take home for me, since my suitcase is obviously pretty full already) that I can save for a special occasion and know that no one else can just pick it up at any ordinary wine store. 

Whatever large house you choose to visit should be one that you're excited about. While you can usually pop in for a tasting just about anywhere, if you want to do a proper tour you should call or email them in advance to secure your reservation. I had several others I also would have loved to try but for the sake of time, we prioritized the following: 

Tattinger

We had such an amazing start to our day by doing a private tour of the Tattinger cellars (complete with a private tasting in their beautiful sitting room). Jean-Pierre (our guide) taught us so much about the Tattinger family, the history of the estate and cellars, and the process of how their champagne is made. Their property is impeccable, and it was so cool to see thousands and thousands of bottles aging that could easily be one that I end up drinking someday! 

Tattinger is the largest, privately owned champagne house in the world. Their flagship wines are the Comtes de Champagne (which is comprised of 100% Chardonnay) as well as their Comtes de Champagne Rosé (70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay). Everything I've ever tried by them is fantastic. 

I'm also so glad I got to do the Tattinger experience with Brenna of all people, because it's the same champagne we popped together just a few months earlier on a jet to Charleston for her birthday! Needless to say, I think when celebrations are in order for either of us, it will remain our bubbly of choice. 

I can't recommend visiting this champagne house enough. The information you'll learn, the wines you'll taste and the beauty you'll see is all incredible. Book your own visit below. 

 

 

Veuve CliCquot

After our tour at Tattinger we went just around the corner to Veuve Clicquot for a tasting (since we were a bit pressed for time and wanted to venture out to the grape fields, we didn't do a tour). Along with their traditional champagne you've tried before, they also serve tastings of their reserve bottles (which aren't available for purchase just anywhere). We opted for that (which was delicious ) and enjoyed it outside in their beautiful courtyard- which even had a few grape vines to make you feel like you were in the field! 

JEAN-CLAUDE LÉPITRE

Our time at Jean-Claude LéPitre was hands down one of the most memorable things I've done in Europe. Our friends at Café Du Palais pointed us in this direction when we explained how badly we wanted to see picturesque fields of grapes like we imagined in our minds. A short phone call later, we were in a cab on the way to the home of a producer who makes their own champagne they exclusively serve at the restaurant. Julien, the son of Jean-Claude greeted us and took us on a tour of the family's wine cellar and let us taste their (delicious) champagnes. He even drove us up the street behind the family estate to their endless fields of grapes so we could have our vineyard experience that we dreamed of. I can't say enough nice things about how great the champagne was or how kind he was (he literally just got a last minute phone call and dropped what he was doing to show us around). They have so many grapes (more than the number of bottles they produce each year) so they actually sell some of their grapes to Veuve Clicquot (who obviously have a greater need for a larger supply). So if you go to Reims, I highly recommend looking up Jean-Claude Lépitre for a truly unforgettable experience. 

THE DINING

There won't be a ton time to eat if you fill your day with tastings, but nonetheless there are some great food experiences to try when your stomach needs to soak up all that champagne! If you're looking for the best places to eat in Reims in a day's time, I'd recommend:

Lunch at Café Du Palais

We were told by multiple people in Reims to pay a visit to Café du Palais during our stay. This quaint café serves traditional local fare (like proper Reims ham) but it's also brimming with history. Since it's start in 1930, they've been acquiring hundreds of Art Déco objects (furniture, portraits, sculptures, etc.) which are still displayed today. The staff was also extremely helpful, and was kind enough to connect us to Jean-Claude Lépitre (which was one of my favorite experiences of the trip!)

Dinner at L'Apostrophe

There are tons of restaurants to choose from in Reims, but we loved having dinner at L'Apostrophe. They boast traditional French fare (I loved their beef for my main and crème brûlée for dessert). They also have a wide variety of champagne to choose from (including all the popular houses as well as small boutique growers). Sit outside on their patio if the weather is nice and enjoy watching all the hustle and bustle go by in the streets of Reims. 

I'm so happy I can finally say I've been to Reims! It was an amazing couple of days and brought me some memories I'll always remember. I hope this helps you plan a trip of your own!

I'm signing off to walk off some of the excessive carbohydrates I've been eating here in Florence! Stay tuned for next week's recap of my adventures in Ireland, and enjoy the rest of your week!

xo, 

Whitney