Discovery Series Ornament – Maine

Discovery Series Ornament – Maine, a new ornament from New England has landed!

Maine has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years, beginning with Indigenous peoples like the Wabanaki tribes, who inhabited the region for millennia before European contact. European exploration of the area started in the early 17th century, with French and English settlers establishing trading posts and small colonies along the coast. Maine was originally part of Massachusetts until 1820, when it was admitted to the Union as the 23rd state through the Missouri Compromise.… Read more

Been There – Japan Winter

Been There – Japan Winter is the fourth special edition Japan mug. As you remember, it’s the only country that gets a mug per season on top of the regular one.

Japan transforms into a magical winter landscape during the cold months, offering a unique blend of traditional customs and exciting seasonal activities that captivate both locals and visitors. From snow festivals to hot springs and winter cuisine, the season brings out some of the most enchanting aspects of Japanese culture.… Read more

Been There – Sanya

Been There – Sanya is a mug for a picturesque coastal city located at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, China. Strategically positioned in the South China Sea, the city has long been an important maritime and cultural center, with its origins tracing back to the Han Dynasty when it was first established as a significant settlement. Geographically, Sanya is characterized by its stunning tropical landscape, featuring pristine beaches, lush mountains, and a warm climate that attracts tourists from around the world.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Austin

With the overwhelming amount of releases from the latest collection of Starbucks mugs, it’s not easy to keep track of all of them. My pattern for adding them to the site is that I pick the unexpected ones first. Discovery Series Ornament – Austin is a good example since this city didn’t have an ornament before.

Austin, the capital of Texas, has a rich history that reflects its transformation from a frontier settlement to a vibrant cultural hub. Originally inhabited by Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache tribes, the area was first settled by European Americans in the 1830s, when pioneers established the village of Waterloo along the Colorado River.… Read more

Been There – Changsha

Been There – Changsha is a mug for the city in the heart of the Hunan Province of China. Originally established during the Warring States period, the city emerged as a crucial cultural and political center in ancient China. Its strategic location along the Xiang River made it a significant hub for trade and military campaigns. Throughout successive dynasties, Changsha developed as an important administrative and economic center, with particular prominence during the Han Dynasty. The city gained additional historical significance as the birthplace of Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China, further cementing its place in the nation’s revolutionary narrative.… Read more

You Are Here – Le Mans

I’m excited to share the news about the release of the new mug from France, You Are Here – Le Mans! Huge thanks to the blog reader for providing the pictures!

Le Mans, a city in northwestern France, is steeped in a rich history dating back to Roman times. Originally known as Vindinium, it was the capital of the ancient Gallic tribe, the Cenomani. The city flourished under Roman rule, evident in its remarkably preserved Gallo-Roman walls, which are among the finest of their kind in Europe.… Read more

Discovery Series – Universal Studios Hollywood

Discovery Series Universal Studios Hollywood is a full-sized mug for the previously reviewed ornament. Some of the elements found on both the mug and the ornament are King Kong, T-Rex, and the studio tour tram.

Universal Studios Hollywood traces its roots back to 1915 when Carl Laemmle, founder of Universal Pictures, began offering studio tours to the public. What started as a small behind-the-scenes glimpse of moviemaking evolved into a full-fledged theme park. The iconic rotating globe, now a recognizable landmark at the park’s entrance, was introduced in the 1990s and has become a symbol of the studio’s cinematic heritage.… Read more

Been There – Norwegian Getaway

Been There Norwegian Getaway is a mug for a Breakaway-class cruise ship, which was constructed by Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and delivered to Norwegian Cruise Line in January 2014. Measuring 1,062 feet long and weighing 145,655 gross tons, she can accommodate 4,028 passengers and 1,646 crew members. With a beam of 136 feet and a draft of 27 feet, the Norwegian Getaway represents a significant addition to the cruise line’s modern fleet.

Onboard Attractions and Activities:

The ship features an exciting multi-level ropes course that offers passengers a thrilling aerial adventure high above the deck.… Read more

Been There – Norwegian Encore

Been There – Norwegian Encore is the mug for the final Breakaway-Plus-class cruise ship in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet, which was constructed by Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and completed in 2019. Measuring an impressive 1,094 feet long and weighing 169,116 gross tons, this massive vessel can accommodate up to 4,004 passengers and 1,733 crew members. With a beam of 136 feet and a draft of 29 feet, the ship represents a significant engineering achievement in modern cruise ship design.… Read more

Discovery Series – Manhattan

Discovery Series – Manhattan is probably the most colorful among “Boroughs of NYC” mugs. There are five in total, but it’s safe to say that some people mistakenly equate Manhattan with all of New York City. This is likely because Manhattan is the most well-known borough, home to iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and Wall Street. For many, especially tourists or those less familiar with NYC, Manhattan embodies the city’s global image.

The history of Manhattan goes back to 1624, when Dutch settlers established a trading post on the island, calling it New Amsterdam.… Read more

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