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
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.”
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!
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
